Microsoft Account locked - Questions - Recovery code

1. Changing the password while signed in on the old PC

Changing the Microsoft account password from the old computer (where sign‑in with PIN still works) updates the account password globally. However, a password change does not guarantee that an existing lockout (“You’ve used too many incorrect passwords or user names”) will clear immediately.

Lockouts are controlled by Microsoft’s security systems. The documented way to proceed when an account is locked is:

• Go to https://account.microsoft.com and follow the unlock flow to get a security code sent to a phone number.
• If the sign-in page shows “That Microsoft account doesn’t exist” or “If you can’t sign in,” use the Microsoft account sign-in helper.

From the context:

• If the account is locked, sign in at https://account.microsoft.com to get a security code and follow the prompts to unlock the account.
• If “That Microsoft account doesn’t exist” appears, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper.

So, changing the password alone may not remove the lock. The unlock flow with a security code is the supported method.

2. Using the 25‑digit recovery code (“I don’t have access to any of these”)

For Microsoft accounts with security info issues, the documented paths are:

• If the password is known but access to all security info is lost:
  1. Begin sign‑in.
  2. At “Verify your identity,” select I don't have any of these.
  3. Follow the instructions to replace security info.
  4. After replacement, there is a 30‑day wait before normal sign‑in.
• If the password is not known and there is no access to security info, use the Microsoft account recovery form.

The context does not explicitly describe using the 25‑digit recovery code in that “I don’t have any of these” path, but it does state that when security info is replaced this way, a 30‑day restriction can apply.

Given what is documented:

• Selecting I don’t have any of these is the correct option when none of the existing verification methods work.
• Completing that flow to replace security info can impose a 30‑day restriction before normal sign‑in is allowed.

Because of that, if sign‑in with PIN still works on the old PC and security info can be managed there, the safer order is:

1. While signed in on the old PC, add working security methods (additional email/phone) under Advanced security options.
2. Remove or fix the non‑working phone method.
3. Then attempt to unlock/sign in on the new PC using the updated, working methods.

Only if those methods fail should the I don’t have any of these path be used, understanding it may trigger a 30‑day restriction.

References:

• Microsoft account has been locked
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Microsoft account security info & verification codes
• Help with the Microsoft account recovery form