Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
If the hacker changed the account email, the original email may no longer be linked to the Microsoft account, which is why it appears as not found.
Recommended path:
- Start with the Microsoft sign-in helper. It can guide to the correct recovery steps and may offer the option to talk to an agent.
- Before changing or resetting anything, run a full malware scan on the PC:
- Open Windows Security
- Go to Virus and threat protection
- Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now
- If sign-in is still possible anywhere, change the password immediately from the account security flow.
- Check account settings that are commonly changed after compromise, including connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
- If sign-in is not possible, use the Microsoft account recovery process. Microsoft reviews recovery form answers and responds within 24 hours.
Important limits:
- If two-step verification was turned on and there is no access to any alternate verification methods, support agents cannot reset the password or change account details.
- Microsoft support agents are not allowed to send password reset links or directly change account security details.
- A real person can be contacted through Contact Microsoft Support. Enter the problem, select Get Help, and if needed select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.
If the account email was changed and the normal recovery tools no longer recognize the original address, the sign-in helper is the first step, followed by the recovery form if offered.
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
- How to get a Microsoft account recovery code
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account
- Forgotten your Microsoft account username
- Microsoft account security info & verification codes