Using Hotmail while travelling

Question

Hello,

I plan to travel next week and would like to avoid the usual hassle of having lost access to my emails. What should I do to prevent that? Is there somewhere where I could notify Hotmail that i'll be travelling like I do with my banks?

I have a security code also from another time I had the same issue. Is that enough to unlock my account if it gets blocked? Cause I have neither a phone number, nor a back up email address to send codes to.

Thank you very much for your time.

Answer 1

You people still don't get it. The problem occurs when one uses devices other than the one(s) owned or  that you use normally. For example, when I travel I use public internet sites to access my e-mail. I can't anticipate which computer I am going to use in another country and make it a "trusted device". The added problem is that I am not going to carry my phone to another country just to receive security codes. Finally, using another e-mail server such as Gmail to receive codes doesn't work because they also are identifying suspicious activity and locking the user out.  Why can't Hotmail (Outlook) provide clients with a list of codes (say 1 dozen) upon request to be used when traveling?  Scott S.

Answer 2

We have recently implemented a security update called Familiar location protection to keep our customers’ accounts secure. The message "You haven't signed in from this location recently." will occur if you are signing in from a location more than 300 miles from your normal location. The Microsoft account service will prompt you for an additional challenge to complete the log in. Codes can be the date of birth, or receiving a code sent to your SMS number or alternate email if configured.

To prevent this you will need to configure your computer as a trusted device 

Given the new security measures, Account Settings requires an extra security, through the use of a security code.  Also known as 2 step authentication

If you mark your computer, phone or tablet as a Trusted Device , you won't be asked for any codes when you access these settings in the future.  To do this

1. Login your account here.

2.  Under Security & Privacy  Click on "Manage Advanced Security" 

3. You will see the "protect your account" page. Select any option to get a code, and request for it.

4. You will see a checkbox that says : "I sign in frequently on this device. Don't ask me for a code". Tick the checkbox, and enter the code.

Your computer/device is now Trusted. Whenever you use your account on that specific computer/device, you will no longer asked for a code.

Answer 3

I totally agree with Scott S. With this new policy, I am forced to always decide between having an adventurous holiday where I go with the flow and having everything planned so, I can access my emails in case they need me from work! I would like to fill in a complaint form about it.

Thank you