Hacked email

Robin Tearle 0 Reputation points
2026-08-20T09:42:06.4166667+00:00

On Tuesday my email was hacked. I can access the junk folder which updates but the inbox is not receiving anything I have tried all the suggested options from Microsoft on their support page, but non works.

Can anyone suggest what I can do?

Windows for home | Other | Email and communications
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-20T09:42:29.0466667+00:00

    Since Junk mail is still updating but Inbox is not, the most likely causes are a malicious rule, forwarding, filtering, or account changes left behind after the compromise.

    1. Secure the account first.
      • Run a full malware scan on the PC before changing anything else: Windows Security > Virus and threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
      • Then change the Microsoft account password again.
      • If not already enabled, turn on two-step verification.
    2. Check recent sign-in activity.
      • Review the Recent activity page for unknown sign-ins, devices, or app activity from the last 30 days.
      • If suspicious activity appears, continue the account recovery flow.
    3. Check Outlook.com folders and tabs carefully.
      • Open Junk Email and mark any valid message as Not junk.
      • Open Archive and move any missing message back to Inbox.
      • If Focused Inbox is enabled, check the Other tab and move messages back to Focused inbox if needed.
      • In the message list, restore chronological order with Filter > Sort > Date.
    4. Check Outlook.com settings that commonly get changed after a hack.
      • Review Mail rules and remove anything suspicious.
      • Check whether email forwarding is enabled and turn it off if it should not be there.
      • Check connected accounts, automatic replies, and sign-in preferences/aliases, and remove anything unrecognized.
    5. Check filtering and delivery settings.
      • Check Junk Email settings and the Junk Email folder.
      • Make sure there are no filters preventing all messages from being shown.
      • If using a third-party mail app, it must support modern authentication and IMAP. If IMAP or POP are enabled, disable them and test again.
    6. If only one sender is affected, ask that sender to review Sender Support in Outlook.com.
    7. If the account still behaves as compromised, use the Microsoft account hacked-account recovery tool. It can provide self-help steps or offer the chance to talk to an agent.

    If Inbox still does not receive mail after removing rules/forwarding and securing the account, use Outlook.com support from the Help menu or the hacked-account recovery tool for assisted recovery.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. GsN5034 - IA 76,990 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-20T10:47:22.0166667+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    1. Are you able to Send E-mails?
    2. What is the exact error message the sender receives when they email you?

    Send a test email from another one of your accounts to the affected email address. Check whether you receive any bounce-back (non-delivery) error messages. If you receive an error in the outbox, please share the complete error message here.

    If the email is sent successfully, then please check your email forwarding rules and blocked senders list, and verify whether the messages have been routed to another folder, such as Junk or Spam, or forwarded to another email address.

    (Click Do not forward if your emails are being forwarded to another address)

    Then, check your email Rules and blocked senders lists.

    (Select Settings > Mail > Junk Email > Blocked Sender lists)

    Additionally, ensure you have enough mailbox storage space to send and receive emails.

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