MSN: Account restricted?

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MSN: Account restricted?

A L 0

Capture d’écran_5-10-2025_93257_www.msn.com

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Answer 1

Kal-D 3,350 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear A L,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I can certainly provide guidance on this confusing situation. The image clearly shows a conflict: the system has flagged your profile with an "Account restricted" notice, yet the activity panel explicitly states, "Great work! There are no violations on your account."

This contradiction is common and almost always points to an issue with how the restriction flag is being applied or displayed across different parts of the Microsoft account ecosystem.

Here is my assessment and the recommended course of action:

Step 1: Immediate Internal Investigation

Your first priority should be to gather more data directly from the account:

Click "View profile": This is the most critical step. The "Account restricted" box is a summary status. The "View profile" link will likely take you to a dedicated account status page with the specific reason for the restriction.
Check All Connected Services: Log in to other major Microsoft services connected to this email. A restriction placed on one service often propagates the restriction flag to all others, even if the violation didn't occur on MSN.

Step 2: Review Communications

Check the email inbox associated with this Microsoft account. Microsoft is rigorous about sending detailed notifications for account restrictions.

Search your inbox, Spam/Junk folders, and the "Other" tab (if you use focused inbox) for emails from domains like @microsoft.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com.
The subject line will typically contain phrases like "Account Suspended," "Terms of Service Violation," or "Security Alert." This email will contain the exact policy violated and often a direct link to appeal or resolve the issue.

Step 3: Official Support Escalation

If the first two steps fail to provide a clear explanation or an appeal path, you must engage with the official Microsoft Account support channels:

Use the dedicated account appeal form: Please use the official Account Reinstatement Form. You can submit a ticket there, referencing the conflicting information you see.
Explain the Conflict: When contacting support, specifically mention that your profile shows an "Account restricted" status alongside the "no violations" message. This tells the support agent that the issue is likely a display or synchronization error, not a standard terms-of-service violation.

In summary: The "no violations" message suggests that either the restriction is purely security-related (not conduct-related) or it is a system error that is not clearing the older restriction flag. Follow the steps above to uncover the root cause.

Please let me know how it goes!

Warm regards.

A L 0 Reputation points

2025-10-05T20:18:38.64+00:00

View profile result below.

To my knowledge other Microsoft services show no restrictions and I received no warning or notification.
A L 0 Reputation points

2025-10-06T14:25:46.43+00:00

Submitted the Account Reinstatement Form.
Kal-D 3,350 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-06T15:47:47.7966667+00:00
Hi A L,

Thank you for providing the screenshot. This new information clarifies the nature of the restriction significantly.

The image clearly shows the message on the Profile page under the Comments tab:

"Account restriction. You can't comment indefinitely."

This is the most crucial piece of information. It confirms that the restriction is specific to commenting and social features on the MSN platform, and it is permanent ("indefinitely").

Since you have already confirmed no issues on other services and have submitted the reinstatement form, here is what you need to focus on next:

1. Understanding the Restriction Type

The conflicting message—"Account restricted" on one page and "no violations" on the Activity page—is now clearer. The general "no violations" likely refers to the overall health of your Microsoft account (no security issues, billing problems, or widespread bans), while the "Account restriction" is a specific moderator action targeting your ability to use the MSN commenting feature.

Likely Cause: The "indefinitely" status is almost always the result of a moderator review that found a serious or repeat violation of the Community Guidelines in a comment you posted (even if it was a single instance of severe content). The lack of a prior warning suggests the violation was deemed high-severity.

2. Waiting for the Appeal Result

Since you submitted the Account Reinstatement Form, you are now in the official queue for a review. This form is the correct and only way to appeal such a restriction.

Action: You must now wait for a response to your appeal. Do not submit the form multiple times, as this can slow down the process.

Timeframe: Microsoft appeal reviews can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days. The response will typically come via email.

Preparation: If the appeal is rejected, the email should provide a clearer reason for the restriction. Be prepared to review your past comments (if possible) and understand what specific rule you might have broken.

The restriction is a permanent ban from MSN commenting only, likely due to a past violation of the Community Guidelines. The next and only immediate step is to wait for the result of the Account Reinstatement Form you submitted.

Please let me know how things go.

Warm Regards.
A L 0 Reputation points

2025-10-06T15:54:54.2533333+00:00

Will update when results get in.
A L 0 Reputation points

2025-10-07T12:55:53.14+00:00

The answer below.
A L 0 Reputation points

2025-10-08T20:50:25.36+00:00

Now what?
Kal-D 3,350 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-15T16:12:00.8966667+00:00
Hello A L,

I understand how confusing and frustrating it is to have your account flagged as "restricted" when a support team confirms "no restrictions" exist. It feels like you're stuck between two different systems!

The core issue is now very clear: Your account has a permanent, localized ban on MSN commenting, but your overall Microsoft account health is good. The team that answered your first form only checks for global bans and security locks, which is why they closed your ticket.

The Next Step: Direct Appeal

To get this ban reviewed, we need to appeal to the correct department—the team that handles content and conduct violations. This team is the only one authorized to overturn a moderator's decision on a specific feature ban.

1. Do Not Respond to the Closed Email: Please do not reply to the email with the SIR number. Since they closed the ticket, replying won't reopen it and will only cause delays.

2. Submit a New, Specific Appeal: You must find and submit the official form for appealing a "Terms of Service Violation" or "Code of Conduct Suspension."

Action: Search the internet for the "Microsoft Services Code of Conduct Appeal" form.

Frame Your Request Clearly: When you submit this new appeal, be precise to prevent the wrong team from closing it again:

State clearly that the restriction is a permanent ban on MSN commenting features only ("You can't comment indefinitely").

Explain that your overall account is confirmed healthy by the general support team (you can reference the SIR number to back this up).

Request a review of the specific moderator decision that led to this permanent commenting ban.

This directed approach is your best path to getting a human review from the team that actually enforces community guidelines. I wish you the best of luck with your appeal!

Warm Regards.

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MSN: Account restricted?

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