How do I get my Microsoft account back?

If you've lost access to your Microsoft account, regaining it can be a critical task, especially if the account is tied to important services like email, cloud storage, or Office 365. The process to recover your account varies depending on the reason for the loss of access, whether it’s due to forgetting your password, losing access to your verification methods, or the account being compromised. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your Microsoft account back.

1. Try the Standard Password Reset Process

The first and most straightforward method to regain access to your Microsoft account is by resetting your password. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to the Microsoft account login page.

2. Click on the “Forgot my password” link.

3. Enter your email address, phone number, or Skype ID associated with the account.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a method of receiving a verification code, typically through your email or phone.

If you can receive the verification code, you can reset your password and regain access.

2. Use the Account Recovery Form

If you’re unable to reset your password because you no longer have access to the phone number or email address associated with your account, you can use Microsoft’s Account Recovery Form:

1. Visit the Account Recovery Form page: Go to the official Microsoft account recovery page.

2. Fill out the form: You’ll be asked to provide as much information as possible, such as past passwords, answers to security questions, the exact email addresses of your contacts, and the subjects of recent emails you’ve sent.

3. Submit the form: Microsoft will review the information you provide. If it matches their records, they will help you regain access to your account.

3. Check for Account Compromise

If you suspect that your account has been hacked, you should act quickly to regain control:

1. Go to the Microsoft Account Recovery page: Attempt to sign in and click on the “Recover your account” option.

2. Verify your identity: Use any available verification options to confirm that you’re the account owner.

3. Change your password: If you regain access, immediately change your password to something strong and unique.

4. Review security settings: Check for any changes made by the hacker, such as added phone numbers or email addresses for recovery. Remove any unauthorized changes.

4. Contact Microsoft Support

If the above methods don’t work, you can contact Microsoft Support for help:

1. Visit the Microsoft Support page: Go to the official Microsoft support website and select the “Contact Support” option.

2. Choose your issue: Select “Account & billing” and then “Can’t sign in” as your problem.

3. Follow the instructions: You might be given the option to chat with a support agent, request a callback, or use a virtual agent. Provide as much information as possible to help the support team verify your identity.

5. Use a Trusted Device

If you have previously logged into your Microsoft account on a specific device (such as a PC or smartphone), using that device might make it easier to recover your account. Microsoft often recognizes trusted devices and may offer more straightforward recovery options.

6. Update Security Information Once Access Is Restored

Once you regain access to your account, it’s crucial to update your security information to prevent future lockouts:

• Update recovery email and phone number: Ensure they are current and accessible.

• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging in.

• Review recent activity: Check the account’s recent activity for any unauthorized access. If you find anything suspicious, report it to Microsoft and change your password immediately.

Conclusion

Recovering your Microsoft account can be a detailed process, but following these steps should help you regain access. It’s essential to provide accurate information during recovery attempts and to be patient, as the verification process may take time. Once you’re back in, take immediate steps to secure your account to avoid future issues. Regularly updating your security settings and keeping your recovery options up to date will help protect your Microsoft account from unauthorized access.