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Receive unusual account activity email but activity not showing up when I sign in

Diana Armitage 0 Reputation points
2026-02-18T20:51:48.55+00:00

I have received several emails about unusual activity on my account. When I try to access my activity so I can say these actions are not me, the activity doesn't show up under recent activity. Why am I getting an email then unable to verify or deny that it was me? This has happened three separate times.

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  1. Hornblower409 8,920 Reputation points
    2026-02-19T15:10:16.92+00:00

    @Diana Armitage said

    the activity doesn't show up under recent activity

    Microsoft nerfed the Recent Activity page. It's now totally useless for routine monitoring.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5515503/have-microsoft-changed-the-behaviour-of-the-see-yo

    "unusual sign in" doesn't mean that they got into your account. Microsoft uses such ambiguous language in their notification emails that they are almost meaningless.

    About all you can do is check your Recent Activity page for a "Successful Login", that wasn't you.

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  2. EmilyS726 234.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-19T02:10:53.29+00:00

    Hello,

    Are these emails sent from an address whose domain ending in @accountprotection.microsoft.com?

    Did the email specifically reference your Microsoft account alias?

    Any chance your email address is the security contact info for another different account?

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  3. AI answer

    2026-02-18T20:52:58.04+00:00

    Receiving emails about unusual activity on your account without being able to see that activity when you sign in can be concerning. This situation may occur for several reasons:

    1. Delayed Updates: Sometimes, there can be a delay in the system updating the recent activity log. While you receive an email alerting you to unusual activity, it may take some time for that activity to appear in your account.
    2. Compromised Account: If your account has been compromised, the unusual activity may not be visible to you if the attacker has already taken steps to hide their actions.
    3. Email Notifications: The emails you receive may be generated based on automated security protocols that detect potential threats, even if those actions are not reflected in your account activity.

    To address this issue, consider the following steps:

    • Check your account security settings to ensure there are no unauthorized changes.
    • Review your recent login activity and ensure you recognize all devices and locations.
    • If you continue to experience this issue, it may be beneficial to contact Microsoft support for further assistance to secure your account and investigate the unusual activity.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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