My Microsoft account was locked, how long should I wait for a response?

If the account review was submitted through the Microsoft account recovery form, the result is sent to the working email address provided within 24 hours.

If the account was locked and there was no Next button during sign-in, the account may have been locked for suspicious activity or a Terms of Use issue. In that case, the reinstatement request is reviewed by a Microsoft Online Safety support agent, who will contact by email after the form is reviewed. The guidance says not to submit additional requests, because that can slow the response.

If the review determines the account can be restored, the account can be unlocked or instructions to sign back in are sent by email.

If the request was not verified through the recovery form, another attempt can be made, up to two times per day.

Practical expectation based on the documented guidance:

1. Recovery form: expect a response within 24 hours.
2. Locked-account reinstatement form: a response is sent after agent review; avoid duplicate submissions because they may delay processing.
3. Check the inbox and junk/spam folder of the working email used on the form.

References:

• Microsoft account has been locked
• Help with the Microsoft account recovery form