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I am writing this from my corporate account because I am completely locked out of my personal account.
I recently updated my BIOS, and after the restart, Windows wouldn't let me use my PIN. Since I don't remember my account password, I tried to recover it. I successfully received a recovery code via email, but when I try to use my phone for the second verification step, it always says 'not available.'
After a few attempts, the system locked me out completely. I’ve checked support, but I can’t find a way forward. I can still access my emails on my phone, but I can't get into my account anywhere else.
Why is the recovery method there if it won't let me use it? I have a lot of private data on that account and I’m terrified I’ve lost everything.
Seems like others faced the same issue, but no one got the solution
I "think" what happened is when you updated the BIOS the system configuration changed, just a guess. You did not mention any errors though while trying to enter your pin. I would recommend one of the first step(s) is to ask your phone for the personal account password first. I do not know what phone you have but if you happen to have an Android phone I know it is not too hard to view saved passwords. Just do a youtube search " how to find your saved passwords android " replace the word android with iPhone if that is the case.
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Hello,
As another method, please use the following password reset link.
Enter your Microsoft account.
Click “Next,” then select “Show more verification methods”
Choose “I don't have any of these”
Select “No.”
The account recovery page will appear, so specify the Microsoft account you want to restore and proceed with the recovery process.
