A tool for managing user identities, credentials, and access across on-premises and cloud environments
If the sign-in attempt says "Username does not exist", first check whether the account name can still be found and then use the Microsoft recovery flow that matches the account state.
- Start with the Sign-in helper. It is the recommended first step for most Microsoft account sign-in problems and hacked-account scenarios.
- If the account still cannot be found, use the account recovery form and complete it from:
- a device previously used to sign in to that account
- a location commonly used for that device, such as home or office
- Before submitting the recovery form, gather any saved passwords that might help verify ownership. Microsoft specifically points to saved passwords in:
- Microsoft Edge or Windows Web Credentials
- Chrome password manager
- Mac or iOS keychain
- Use a working email account that is accessible. Microsoft uses that address to send updates about the recovery request.
- If the accounts may have been compromised, run a full malware scan on the PC before changing any passwords:
- Open Windows Security
- Open Virus and threat protection
- Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now
- After the PC is clean, if sign-in becomes possible, immediately change or reset the password and then review account settings such as:
- connected accounts
- forwarding
- automatic replies
Important limits from Microsoft:
- If two-step verification was turned on and none of the alternate verification methods are accessible, Microsoft support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.
- If two-step verification was not turned on and the verification email or phone options are not recognized, use the Sign-in Helper tool.
- If the message is specifically "The Microsoft account you've entered does not exist", Microsoft says to carefully check the spelling of the entry. If it is correct, use the guidance for My username and password have stopped working.
- Microsoft reviews account recovery form submissions and responds within 24 hours.
If support pages keep looping, the supported recovery paths in the provided guidance are still the Sign-in Helper, the account recovery form, and Contact Support.