Trying to get back in to my email

For Microsoft personal email accounts such as Outlook.com, Hotmail, and Live, the fastest path is the Sign-in Helper. It checks the account details entered and tells what action is needed.

If the password is forgotten or no longer works:

1. Start with the Sign-in Helper.
2. If the username or password stopped working, use Recover your account: Recover your account.
3. Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name used to sign in.
4. Choose where to receive the security code, select Next, enter the requested information, then select Send code.
5. Enter the code in Verify your identity, select Next, then set a new password.

If the account is not recognized:

• Check that the email domain is correct, such as the right .com or country-specific domain.
• Check for spelling differences in the email name.
• If another alias or phone number exists on the account, try that instead.
• If the message says “We couldn't find an account with that username” or “account doesn't exist”, use the Sign-in Helper.

If there has been no sign-in for more than two years, the account may have been deleted and cannot be reopened.

For Outlook.com sign-in problems, support agents do not help directly with sign-in recovery. The supported path is the Microsoft account sign-in helper.

If recovery still fails, use Microsoft support entry points:

• Contact support
• Contact Microsoft Support

Important: support agents are not allowed to send password reset links or access and change account details.

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• My username and password have stopped working
• Problems renewing a Microsoft 365 subscription
• How to get support for Outlook.com
• Reopen your Microsoft account