Use the Microsoft account recovery path, but there are important limits in this scenario:
- Try the Sign-in helper first. Microsoft states that most sign-in issues can be identified there.
- If that does not work, use the Microsoft account recovery form and provide as much information as possible.
- Use a working email address that can receive updates about the recovery request.
- Include as many details as possible about the account and services used with it.
- For this case, the purchase email and order number are useful supporting details to keep on hand, but the recovery form specifically asks account-related questions such as old passwords and service usage.
- If the account was used with Minecraft through the same Microsoft account, also gather any related Microsoft service details that may help identify the account, such as older passwords or other Microsoft services used with that account.
- If the Gmail address is no longer recognized, check whether the username can still be found from products or services where the account was signed in:
- On a signed-in Windows 10/11 device: Start > Settings > Accounts. Under Email & app accounts, review the usernames associated with the device.
- In Office apps: open Word or Excel, then File > Account and check Belongs to.
- Check email accounts for Microsoft purchase receipts or messages tied to the account.
- After submitting the recovery form, Microsoft sends the result to the working email address within 24 hours.
- If the account is not verified, the form can be retried up to two times per day.
- If the account is verified, instructions to sign back in are sent to that working email.
Important limits from Microsoft:
- Support agents are not allowed to send password reset links or access and change account details.
- If two-step verification was turned on and none of the alternate verification methods are accessible, Microsoft states that support cannot help recover the account.
- Similar reported cases indicate that if a new Microsoft account was created with the same Gmail address, that does not restore purchases such as Minecraft to the new account. Purchases remain attached to the original account.
If the username still cannot be found in products or services and recovery continues to fail, Microsoft’s documented next step is Contact Microsoft Support for technical support, but account recovery itself remains restricted to the automated recovery process.
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- Check products or services where you used your Microsoft account
- How to get a Microsoft account recovery code
- Microsoft account hacked, sign-in alias changed, account now says it doesn't exist - Microsoft Q&A
- How to recover a hacked minecraft account - Microsoft Q&A