How to recovery Hotmail Account from my dead mother?

Question

How to recovery Hotmail Account from my dead mother?

Steven Schlichte 0

It's exactly like the title says. My hotmail recovery email is my dead mother's email. I have tried and tried to do the recovery form and every time I fill it out there is never an email to reach out like it says there will be after 24 hours. Wish there was a human I could talk to about this. AI is not the way to go for situations like this. My mother is dead has been dead for 11 years. She won't be able to help me get the code. Please help me recover an email that I've had since i was 13.

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John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Independent Advisor

Hi again @Steven Schlichte apologies for providing you with the wrong information earlier, you don't need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance with your mother's account.

If you don't have full access to your mother's account, unfortunately there's no way to recover it. If you're locked out of your Microsoft account because it is connected to your account, unfortunately the only way forward is to fill out the account recovery form: https://account.live.com/acsr

Microsoft Account Recovery form is currently the only official way to recover your account. You can try it up to twice a day.

If it’s already been a few weeks, you can check this page: "Account recovery unsuccessful" https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/account-recovery-unsuccessful-dc56c3e3-dff0-4ed5-8edb-60290eea6b53 it includes extra tips from Microsoft that could improve your chances.

Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-26T12:24:51.8666667+00:00

I’m disappointed that instead of being able to talk to a real person on the phone about my options. I don’t get to have someone on the phone as I submit a report that I have yet to hear back from for over a dozen of them. Microsoft is truly a disappointment. Don’t care about users at all.
Don Varnau 19,810 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-05-26T19:29:47.5766667+00:00

>I’m disappointed...

You won't get help with this by contacting an agent directly.

From: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-account-has-been-locked

"To protect your account and its contents, our support agents and advocates can only send password reset links or access and change account details when you submit the account reinstatement form."

Also, it is very likely that this account has been closed, no longer exists. If, at any point, no one has signed into the account, with a browser, for a period of one year, the account will be closed. That closure is irrevocable.

The link posted by John Jefferson Doyon, accessing the account of someone who has died, is your only hope and if the account was closed because of non-use, that procedure won't help.

Don

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Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-26T12:24:51.8666667+00:00

I’m disappointed that instead of being able to talk to a real person on the phone about my options. I don’t get to have someone on the phone as I submit a report that I have yet to hear back from for over a dozen of them. Microsoft is truly a disappointment. Don’t care about users at all.
Don Varnau 19,810 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-05-26T19:29:47.5766667+00:00

>I’m disappointed...

You won't get help with this by contacting an agent directly.

From: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-account-has-been-locked

"To protect your account and its contents, our support agents and advocates can only send password reset links or access and change account details when you submit the account reinstatement form."

Also, it is very likely that this account has been closed, no longer exists. If, at any point, no one has signed into the account, with a browser, for a period of one year, the account will be closed. That closure is irrevocable.

The link posted by John Jefferson Doyon, accessing the account of someone who has died, is your only hope and if the account was closed because of non-use, that procedure won't help.

Don

Answer 1

John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Independent Advisor

Hi, I'm John!

To access a deceased person's email account, Microsoft requires certain legal documentation. They can only consider releasing information once they've been formally served with a valid subpoena or court order. You can find full details about the process here: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/accessing-outlook-com-onedrive-and-other-microsoft-services-when-someone-has-died-ebbd2860-917e-4b39-9913-212362da6b2f

[Edited]

I really hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

John J.D.

John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-18T15:10:42.4533333+00:00

Hi @Steven Schlichte if issue still persists, please let me know. Thanks :)
Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-19T12:28:05.99+00:00

How the heck am I supposed to sign in with my personal account if I can’t access it? I’m really failing to see any helpful ways to access the account because the account holder is dead. I need a Microsoft employee to reach out to me and help me access it. I have filled out that recovery form over a dozen times now. There has never been a response besides when I did bare minimum info. LET ME TALK TO A REAL PERSON ON THE PHONE.
John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-19T16:10:49.6833333+00:00

You might have missed it, but I actually said earlier this: "Use another personal Microsoft account you currently have access to or one you can create:"

Also, phone support is usually available for Microsoft 365 Business accounts. For personal Microsoft accounts, support is typically handled through live chat online or via the Get Help app rather than a direct hotline number.
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John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-20T02:11:32.7766667+00:00

Hi @Steven Schlichte Did you successfully get in touch with support using the steps I provided earlier, using another Microsoft account you have access to or one you can create for contact purposes?
Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-20T02:40:55.8233333+00:00

No I was not able to get a hold of anyone using another account. I was redirected to the exact same recovery page that I have stared at over and over already.
John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-20T02:42:55.2266667+00:00

It could be a browser cache issue. Could you try clearing the cache, or test the steps using another browser or device? Thanks.
Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-20T11:56:49.9+00:00

That’s what I thought to so I tried my computer and my phone. Wiped both caches. I fill out the form and never hear back after it says it’s completed.

I get to the photo attached and then never hear from anyone. No spam emails. No promotion emails. Not a single thing.
John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-20T13:20:36.44+00:00

Which form? Are you referring to the Microsoft Account Recovery form?
Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-21T19:05:57.66+00:00

Yes that one
John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-21T19:10:49.32+00:00

The account recovery form will not work in a case like yours. I will be honest with you, you need to follow my steps carefully. Gather documents to prove you know the account holder the details is in the support link earlier, then contact Microsoft Support via the steps I provided. This is the only way forward.
John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-21T23:12:52.9066667+00:00

Hi again @Steven Schlichte apologies for providing you with the wrong information earlier, you don't need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance with your mother's account.

If you don't have full access to your mother's account, unfortunately there's no way to recover it. If you're locked out of your Microsoft account because it is connected to your account, unfortunately the only way forward is to fill out the account recovery form: https://account.live.com/acsr
Steven Schlichte 0 Reputation points

2026-05-22T03:18:50.3266667+00:00

So you are telling me that since I can’t get a response from the form. That’s why I came here. I haven’t used the account in over a decade. I only need the account to access a EA account that is connected to this email.

how am I supposed to give you emails? How am I supposed to give you a card connected this account when I don’t even know if it’s a card I actually have connected to my Xbox or a card that hasn’t been active in over a decade.

This is truly disappointing how hard it is to access an account that I have had for so long and just haven’t used.

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How to recovery Hotmail Account from my dead mother?

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