I received an email providing me with a "single use code," that it said I had requested. I did not request a code.

A Microsoft verification code email that was not requested is typically triggered because:

1. Someone is trying to access the account associated with that email address.
2. Someone mistyped their phone/email when trying to sign in.
3. A code that was requested earlier was delayed in delivery.

Do not use or reply to any verification code that was not requested. Without that code, an attacker cannot complete the sign-in, so the account remains safe.

If there is an old Hotmail/Outlook account that is still active, it is possible the email is related to that account. To be safe:

1. Sign in directly (without using any links in the email) by typing https://account.microsoft.com or https://account.live.com into the browser.
2. Check recent activity and security info for that account.
3. Consider strengthening security by going passwordless and using methods such as Microsoft Authenticator, SMS/Email codes, Windows Hello, or security keys.

If verification codes continue to arrive without being requested, going passwordless can reduce unwanted code prompts and improve security.

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Why is Microsoft texting me?
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Can I trust email from the Microsoft account team?

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

If you did not request the code, do not use it and do not click any links in the email.

Can you share the sender email address so we can check if it is really from Microsoft? Please hide part of the address for privacy.

Sometimes this can happen if someone accidentally entered your email while trying to sign in, Or someone knows your account credentials and is trying to access the account. Have you already changed the password for that account?

If you haven't already, I would recommend checking the recent activity page and changing the password if you have not done so already. Also make sure two-step verification is enabled.

You can check account activity here: https://account.live.com/Activity

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