Account Hacked

Question

Account Hacked

Michelle Kelly 0

My username no longer works to log in. It wants to send a code to an unknown email address. How to get access back?

Nilutpal 20 Reputation points

2026-09-20T17:05:56.98+00:00

is your username still logged in in any of your devices by chance? there are multiple recovery options on MS Outlook.
John Jefferson Doyon 88,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-20T17:30:42.6933333+00:00

Hi, @Michelle Kelly

Does it look like the email address linked to your account was changed?

Also, please try searching for the account using these steps from Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/forgotten-your-microsoft-account-username-b2049472-3b8f-27d3-61c6-67a668453f4c Click on "Search" and follow the instructions provided.

If you receive any error messages, such as “account doesn’t exist” or anything else, please let me know.

1 answer

Your answer

Nilutpal 20 Reputation points

2026-09-20T17:05:56.98+00:00

is your username still logged in in any of your devices by chance? there are multiple recovery options on MS Outlook.
John Jefferson Doyon 88,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-20T17:30:42.6933333+00:00

Hi, @Michelle Kelly

Does it look like the email address linked to your account was changed?

Also, please try searching for the account using these steps from Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/forgotten-your-microsoft-account-username-b2049472-3b8f-27d3-61c6-67a668453f4c Click on "Search" and follow the instructions provided.

If you receive any error messages, such as “account doesn’t exist” or anything else, please let me know.

Answer 1

If the sign-in prompt wants to send a code to an unfamiliar email address, the account was likely compromised or the sign-in alias/security info was changed.

Start with the Microsoft Sign-in Helper. It checks the account status and guides to the available recovery path.
Before changing 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 access is still possible anywhere, change the password immediately after the malware scan. If sign-in is no longer possible, use Recover your account: Recover your account.
If the account asks for verification using security info that is no longer recognized, and access to security info is lost:
- If the password is known but not all security methods are lost, sign in to Advanced security options, add a new verification method, then remove the old one.
- If all security info is lost, at Verify your identity select I don't have any of these and follow the steps to replace security info. After replacement, there is a 30-day wait before sign-in is allowed.
If the username no longer works because the sign-in alias was changed or blocked, try Forgot your username? to identify which aliases on the account can still sign in.
After regaining access, review account settings that attackers commonly change: connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
If the self-help flow does not restore access, use Contact Microsoft Support from the support page. Support can route the case, but support agents cannot send password reset links or directly change account details.

If the account is still signed in on any device, also check the Recent activity page and report any sign-ins that were not recognized.