# How Do I Recover My Microsoft Account?

Losing access to your Microsoft account can be frustrating, especially if it's linked to essential services like Outlook, OneDrive, Office 365, or Xbox Live. However, Microsoft has a comprehensive account recovery process that makes it easier to regain control. This guide will walk you through the steps of recovering your Microsoft account.
**Step 1: Check if Your Account is Temporarily Locked**
Sometimes, Microsoft temporarily locks accounts due to unusual activity. This lock is usually resolved within 24 hours, and you may not need to go through the full recovery process.
**To check if your account is temporarily locked:**
1. Go to https://account.live.com
2. Attempt to sign in.
3. If your account is locked, you’ll see a message. Follow the instructions to verify your identity and unlock the account.
If this does not resolve the issue or if your account has been hacked, continue to the next step.
**Step 2: Use the Microsoft Account Recovery Tool**
If you can’t sign in due to a forgotten password or because someone has hacked your account, Microsoft offers an Account Recovery Tool to guide you through the process.
1. Navigate to the Microsoft Account Recovery Tool:
Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset.
Select the reason for not being able to sign in, such as forgetting your password or suspecting someone else is using your account.
2. Verify Your Identity:
Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype ID associated with your account.
Depending on the information on your account, Microsoft may ask you to verify your identity via a secondary email address or phone number. If this option is available, follow the on-screen instructions to receive and enter a verification code.
3. If You Don’t Have Access to Recovery Options:
If you no longer have access to the recovery phone or email, select "I don’t have any of these."
This will take you to a form where you can answer security questions, such as the subject lines of recent emails, details of your Xbox Live membership, or other account-specific information.
4. Wait for Microsoft to Verify Your Information:
After completing the form, Microsoft will review your responses. This can take up to 24 hours.
If you provided enough correct information, Microsoft will send you instructions to reset your password.
**Step 3: Reset Your Password**
Once your identity has been verified, Microsoft will allow you to reset your password. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose a Strong Password:
Your new password should be unique and complex. Microsoft recommends using a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid using personal information (such as your name or birthday) and never reuse old passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
To increase your account security, enable two-factor authentication.
Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security and follow the instructions to set up 2FA.
**Step 4: Recovering a Hacked Microsoft Account**
If your account was hacked and the hacker has changed your recovery options (phone number, email), or you can't sign in, follow these steps:
1. Attempt to Sign In:
Go to https://account.live.com and attempt to sign in with your email and password.
If this doesn’t work, proceed with the password reset process described earlier.

2. Check Your Microsoft Account for Changes:
Once you regain access, review your security settings and update any information that may have been altered. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/ to see recent activity and manage your recovery information.
3. Scan for Malware:
If your account was hacked, it’s wise to scan your computer or devices for malware.
Ensure your antivirus is up to date and run a full scan to remove any potential threats.
Step 5: Contact Microsoft Support (Optional)
If you’ve followed all the above steps and still can’t recover your account, you can contact Microsoft Support directly.
1. Visit the Microsoft Support Page:
Go to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus.
Choose the relevant category and follow the instructions to either chat with a support agent or request a callback.
**Tips for Keeping Your Microsoft Account Safe**
Once you’ve recovered your Microsoft account, it’s important to secure it to prevent future incidents. Here are some practical tips:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone in addition to your password when signing in.
2. Regularly Update Your Password:
Change your password every few months to enhance security.
Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
3. Check Account Activity:
Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activities.
Go to https://account.microsoft.com to see recent sign-in locations, times, and devices.
4. Be Wary of Phishing Scams:
Microsoft will never ask for your password in an unsolicited email.
Always verify the sender’s email address and be cautious when clicking on links from unknown sources.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
**1. What do I do if I can't remember my Microsoft account email?**
You can use any information linked to your account, such as a phone number or Skype ID, to recover your account.
Alternatively, go to https://account.live.com/username/recover and follow the prompts to find your username.
**2. How long does it take to recover a Microsoft account?**
The recovery process usually takes between a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on the verification steps.
If your account is locked, it may automatically unlock after 24 hours.
**3. What should I do if I can't recover my Microsoft account?**
If you can't recover your account using the recovery form, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about your account, including purchase history, email subject lines, or recent activity.
**4. Can I recover a deleted Microsoft account?**
Microsoft allows account recovery for up to 60 days after deletion. After that period, the account is permanently deleted, and data associated with it (like emails and files) will be lost.
To recover a deleted account, go to the account recovery tool and follow the instructions.
**5. What happens if someone is using my Microsoft account without permission?**
If you suspect unauthorized access to your account, immediately change your password and update your security information.
Enable two-factor authentication and review your recent account activity.
**6. What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and no longer have access to my recovery phone or email?**
Use the account recovery form, and provide as much detailed information as possible to verify your identity. This may include email subject lines, Xbox membership details, or information on recent account activity.
**7. How can I prevent my Microsoft account from being hacked again?**
Set a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
Regularly check your account activity for unusual logins.
Avoid using public computers or unsecured networks to log into your account.
**8. Can I recover my Microsoft account if it's been hacked?**
Yes, follow the steps outlined above for recovering a hacked account. If the hacker has changed your security information, you’ll need to fill out the recovery form and provide detailed answers to security questions.
**9. How do I reset my Microsoft account password if I don’t receive the verification code?**
Ensure that your recovery options (phone number and email address) are up to date.
If you don’t receive the verification code, check your spam or junk folder, and make sure your phone isn’t blocking messages from unknown numbers.
**10. What should I do if my Microsoft account is temporarily suspended?**
Accounts are usually suspended due to unusual activity. Follow the instructions on the sign-in page to verify your identity and unlock the account.
[Recovering your Microsoft account](https://www.kequery.com/internet/recover-microsoft-account/) is a straightforward process, especially when you have access to recovery information like a phone number or backup email address. However, even if you no longer have access to these options, Microsoft’s recovery form provides another layer of security, allowing you to regain control of your account by verifying additional details.