account locked

If the locked account is a Microsoft account (email-based sign-in) and shows as locked when trying to sign in, use the Microsoft account recovery and unlock flow:

1. On any device, go to https://account.microsoft.com and try to sign in with the locked Microsoft account.
2. Follow the prompts to get a security code sent to a phone number that can receive SMS. It does not have to be a number already on the account; any SMS-capable phone (friend, colleague, or another device) can be used.
3. Enter the security code when prompted. You may be required to create a new password as part of the unlock process.
4. If you see a message that the account is locked and there is no Next button, select the aka.ms/ link shown in the window and complete the account reinstatement form. Submit it once and wait for the Microsoft Online Safety team to respond by email.

If the locked account is a local Windows account on that laptop (not an online Microsoft account) and there is another administrator account on the same PC:

1. Sign in to Windows with the other administrator account.
2. Open Computer Management.
3. Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
4. Right-click the locked user account and select Set Password....
5. Enter and confirm a new password, then sign out and sign back in with the updated credentials.

If there is no other administrator account on the device, the documented option is to reset the Windows device, which can remove apps and settings, so back up any accessible data first.

If the locked account is specifically an Outlook.com/Microsoft account used for email and the mailbox is blocked due to unusual activity, use the Sign-in Helper:

1. Go to the Outlook.com unblock page and select Sign-in Helper.
2. Follow the prompts to verify identity and unblock the account.
3. If unblocking fails, use the guidance under “When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account” from that page to proceed with password reset and contacting support.

If verification codes are not arriving or are rejected, use the troubleshooting guidance for verification codes and, if needed, the Microsoft account recovery form referenced in the documentation.

References:

• Microsoft account has been locked
• Change or reset your password in Windows
• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• Find and lock a lost Windows device
• I don't see the "Next" option when signing in