Account recovery not working

Dalton 0 Reputation points
2025-08-28T13:33:17.4033333+00:00

I have an account that I created as a kid that I’ve used until I was prompted to answer questions that I made years ago in order to access the account. Fair to say I couldn’t remember enough to pass the verification so I stopped using it for awhile, but there are things I need to access in there and there seems to be no way to contact anyone for help since I can’t remember enough to get verified online. I’m sure if I spoke to someone, I could answer enough to be able to confirm it’s my account and hopefully get access, but for some reason this seems like an impossible task. I’ve made this email as a last resort to seek some help before just completely switching off the platform. If someone could point me in the right direction or someone from Microsoft could reach out to help, I’d really appreciate it!

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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  1. Darhyl Amizola 15,480 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-28T14:06:00.61+00:00

    Hey there! Nice to meet you!

    I just want to confirm when did you last successfully sign in to your Microsoft account? If you have not logged into your account for more than two years and it has been closed due to inactivity, you will not be able to use the Account Recovery Form to recover your account. Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/office/7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f

    Did you have two-factor authentication (2FA) active on the account? If you do have the 2FA active, are you able to access the second factor of authentication? If so, please try resetting your password. Detailed steps on resetting your password can be found in the following support article: https://support.microsoft.com/office/eff4f067-5042-c1a3-fe72-b04d60556c37

    Important: The account recovery form can only be used if two-step verification isn't turned on. If the feature is enabled, the only way to recover the account is to regain access to your two-step verification phone number.

    If you did not have 2FA active on the account, and the account was not deleted due to inactivity, your only option to recover the account is through the Account Recovery Form: https://account.live.com/acsr

    Detailed steps on how to use the Account Recovery Form can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/office/b19c02d1-a782-dee6-93c3-dc8113b20c42

    Microsoft takes account security very seriously, that's why Account Recovery is an automated process with no human influence. If you don't have the correct information, you may not be able to get through account verification using the Recovery Form.

    The Account Recovery Form requires adequate information to prove that you are the owner of the account. The Account Recovery Process can be a time-consuming process, but providing as much info as possible from the start of the process will increase the possibility of being verified by the automated process. You'll need to keep trying until you're verified by Microsoft.

    Remember to use a familiar device from which you've frequently accessed your Microsoft account, as well as a familiar location. Microsoft will review your responses and respond within 24 hours. If you are verified, instructions on how to log back into your account will be sent to you, and if you are not verified, you will need to submit the Account Recovery form again. You can do this up to 2 times every 24 hours.

    It's important to note that Microsoft Support will not be able to grant you access to your account, you will be sent back to the Account Recovery pages that have been linked above.

    If your Microsoft account recovery request was not granted or was unsuccessful, please click the attached link for more information: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dc56c3e3-dff0-4ed5-8edb-60290eea6b53

    While it might not be the outcome you are looking for, if you’re unsuccessful in recovering your account, then you will need to create a new Microsoft account. You can do that by clicking this link: https://signup.live.com/

    Thank you for your kindness and understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

    Best regards,

    Darhyl


  2. Darhyl Amizola 15,480 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-29T13:41:48.88+00:00

    I appreciate the response.

    Unfortunately, the only option to recover your account is through the account recovery web form.

    If it doesn't work, I'm afraid there is nothing that can be done.

    Best regards,

    Darhyl

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