Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
The information provided (gamertag, console ID, old email, and purchases) cannot be used directly by support agents to manually restore access to a Microsoft/Xbox account. Account recovery for personal Microsoft accounts is handled only through the automated recovery and security flows.
Use these steps:
- Try standard account recovery
- Go to Recover your account: https://account.live.com/password/reset
- Enter the email, phone, or Skype name used for the Microsoft account (for example, the old Yahoo address if that was the Microsoft sign-in).
- Follow the prompts to receive a security code using any verification options that still work.
- If security codes or known methods don’t work
- Use the Sign-in Helper tool when trying to reset the password if the username or verification options are not recognized: Sign-in Helper.
- If the account still cannot be accessed and there is no working security info, complete the Microsoft account recovery form: Account recovery form.
- Fill out the recovery form with all details remembered
- Use a device and location previously used to sign in to that account.
- Provide a working contact email (for example, the AOL address) in Step 1 so Microsoft can send updates about the request.
- In Step 2, gather as much information as possible:
- Old passwords used on the account.
- Details of Microsoft services used (Outlook/Hotmail, Xbox, etc.).
- For Xbox: console hardware ID (console ID) and any details about frequent use.
- For purchases: titles and DLC names (such as “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Wizard’s Tower DLC” and “Horse Armor DLC”), approximate purchase dates, and any other transactions remembered.
- Answer every question on the form as completely as possible. Wrong answers do not count against the request, but missing information reduces the chance of success.
- If the recovery form is denied
- The process is automated; if the information provided does not prove ownership, the account cannot be recovered.
- If the security information (email/phone) was changed and the recovery form fails, there is no other supported method to regain access, and support agents cannot override or manually restore the account.
If the account was compromised, also follow the official hacked/compromised account guidance to ensure devices are secure and to understand the limits of recovery.
References:
- I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
- My username and password have stopped working
- How to get a Microsoft account recovery code
- Need help with hacked microsoft account - Microsoft Q&A
- How do I send an email to Microsoft about my account being hacked and taken over by <removed> ? - Microsoft Q&A
- I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A
- My account got hacked - Microsoft Q&A
- my microsoft account has been compromised - Microsoft Q&A
- Check products or services where you used your Microsoft account