Too many steps to log into Hotmail account

Question

Hotmail, yes, that should give you an idea how long I have been here.
Very recently, a number of tests have been added to the log-in process on my laptop
It goes like this:

• enter my email
• verify my phone number by entering the last 4 digits
• solve a puzzle by rotating the fuzzy image on the right to match the somewhat fuzzy image on the left. To do this I must enlarge the screen. If I miss it, I have to do 2 more. If I miss one of those, now I have to do 3.
• One I have passed that circle of hell, a code is texted to my phone, which I enter on the screen.
  Finally, the screen reveals my emails.
  I don't mind 2-step authentication, but all this is ridiculous.
  What can be done to simplify the sign-in procedure for a senior citizen unaccustomed to all this?
  TYIA
  OMG- and what's with all the tags? Parent? Child?

Answer 1

1. Review Security Settings: Check your account security settings to see if you can adjust the verification methods. Sometimes, you can opt for different methods that might be easier for you.
   There was nothing that applied to my situation
2. Contact Support: If the process remains cumbersome, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They may have additional recommendations or options to streamline your login experience."
   I spent a good deal of time yesterday attempting to do just that, but came up empty-handed. No phone number, no email, no chat, nothing of any use was available to me.

Answer 2

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating login process with your Hotmail account. Unfortunately, the security measures, including two-step authentication and additional verification steps, are designed to enhance account security, but they can sometimes feel excessive, especially for users who are not accustomed to them.

To simplify your sign-in process, here are a few suggestions:

1. Review Security Settings: Check your account security settings to see if you can adjust the verification methods. Sometimes, you can opt for different methods that might be easier for you.
2. Use Trusted Devices: If you frequently use the same device, make sure it's marked as a trusted device. This can sometimes reduce the number of verification steps needed.
3. Contact Support: If the process remains cumbersome, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They may have additional recommendations or options to streamline your login experience.
4. Feedback to Microsoft: Providing feedback about your experience can also help Microsoft understand the needs of users like yourself, potentially leading to improvements in their login process.

While these steps may not eliminate all the verification requirements, they could help make the process a bit smoother for you.

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References:

• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A