Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
If the sign-in email was changed by the attacker, act in this order:
- Run a full malware scan on the PC before changing anything.
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus and threat protection.
- Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now. This helps prevent the attacker from capturing the new password again.
- Use the Microsoft account recovery flow.
- Start with the sign-in helper.
- If the account’s email address was changed by the attacker, use the recovery form at https://aka.ms/recovermyaccount.
- If access is restored, immediately change the password.
- Use a strong, unique password.
- Review account changes made by the attacker.
- Check connected accounts.
- Check forwarding.
- Check automatic replies.
- Check the account’s recent activity.
- Review the Recent activity page and report any sign-ins that were not done by the account owner.
- Add or update security verification methods.
- Go to Advanced security options.
- Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
- Make sure phone numbers and email addresses used for verification are current.
- If the account is blocked because of unusual sign-in activity, use the Sign-in Helper to unblock it.
Important:
- Microsoft may send unusual sign-in alerts by email or text and may require a security code.
- A legitimate unusual sign-in email comes from ******@accountprotection.microsoft.com.
- Support agents cannot send password reset links or directly change account details.