locked account

If the account was locked, Microsoft detected unusual activity or activity that might violate the Terms of Use. A hacked Outlook.com account can also trigger a temporary block.

Use these recovery steps in order:

1. Start with the Outlook.com unblock flow: Sign-in Helper.
2. If the account shows as locked, sign in at https://account.microsoft.com to request a security code.
   • Any phone number can be used to receive the code.
   • The phone number does not need to be linked to the account.
   • The phone only needs to receive text messages.
3. If the account was hacked, use the hacked-account recovery tool: Start.
4. Before changing the password, run a full malware scan on the device:
   • Open Windows Security
   • Go to Virus and threat protection
   • Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now
5. After the scan, change the password. If sign-in fails, use the password reset option provided in the recovery flow.
6. After access is restored, review account settings that attackers often change:
   • connected accounts
   • forwarding
   • automatic replies
7. Check recent sign-in activity on the recent activity page to review where and when the account was accessed.

If the normal unlock step does not work:

• Use When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account.
• If the sign-in screen does not show Next, use the aka.ms/ reinstatement link shown on that screen and submit the form. After submission, a Microsoft Online Safety support agent reviews the request and contacts by email. Do not submit multiple requests because that can slow the response.
• For technical support, use Contact Microsoft Support, enter the problem, select Get Help, and then Contact Support.

Important:

• Microsoft support agents cannot send password reset links or access and change account details.
• If the Outlook.com mailbox or OneDrive storage is full, email sending and receiving can stop until space is freed.
• Do not post the attacker’s address publicly.

• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• Microsoft account has been locked
• How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
• Help protect your Outlook.com email account
• Microsoft account has been locked