I cannot sign into my hotmail/outlook account on my work PC

The sign-in attempts from the work PC are being blocked because Microsoft detects repeated incorrect sign-ins and is forcing a specific method (Windows Hello PIN) that is not set up on that device. Since sign-in works normally at home, the account and password are valid; the issue is specific to the work device/sign-in method and the temporary protection on the account.

Use these steps:

1. Stop trying to sign in from the work PC for a while
   • Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication can block further attempts after repeated sign-ins it considers unusual or incorrect. When this happens, additional attempts from that device or method may be temporarily blocked.
   • Wait at least 24 hours without further sign-in attempts from the work PC. Continuing to try can extend the block.
2. Try a different sign-in method or device
   • Because the work PC is redirecting to Windows Hello PIN (which is not set up for this account on that device), use another device where the account already works (for example, home PC or phone) to sign in at Outlook.com or account.microsoft.com.
   • If another method (such as Microsoft Authenticator or SMS) is available on that other device, confirm that it works and keep it configured as a sign-in option.
3. After the wait period, sign in again at work
   • On the work PC, after waiting the recommended time, try signing in again to Outlook.com using the browser.
   • If the browser or Windows is still forcing Windows Hello PIN and not offering other methods, sign in first in a private/incognito browser session so that no cached Windows Hello/Work account state is reused.
4. If the account appears blocked
   • If, after the wait period, sign-in from the work PC still fails with messages about too many attempts or suspicious activity, the account may be blocked for security reasons.
   • Follow the unblock process described for Outlook.com accounts (for example, “Unblock my Outlook.com account”) and, if needed, submit a “Request for Account Reinstatement” as indicated in the Outlook.com support guidance.
5. If nothing works from the work PC
   • Because sign-in works at home, the remaining cause is likely the work PC environment (network, policies, cached credentials, or device sign-in configuration). In that case, contact the work IT administrator so they can:
     • Check whether corporate policies are forcing Windows Hello-only sign-in for Microsoft accounts on that device.
     • Clear any cached or stuck sign-in state on the work PC.
     • Confirm that the work network or security tools are not blocking Microsoft sign-in endpoints.

If the problem persists even after waiting and using the unblock/reinstatement options, use the Outlook.com sign-in troubleshooter and, if necessary, the Microsoft account recovery and support options.

References:

• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot log in Outlook. - Microsoft Q&A