Accessing my emails with a locked account which should have taken 12 hours to resolve

Question

My account has been locked. Its been for days now and I have urgent emails to deal with. Microsoft keep trying to send a verification code to an old employer email address. I am now at my wits end. I've completed the account recovery form out now about 6 times and nothing is happening. I've created a new email account but I cant' do anything. I can't log into my account with my new email because its locked. I can't access my usual emails because they are locked. I'm getting really angry now. Why is it taking so long when it said it can take up to 12 hours. Its been five days! What is going on

Answer 1

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Since you do not have access to the verification method linked to your account (your old recovery email address) for a password reset, I'm afraid the only way to recover/unblock the account is through the account recovery web form (ACSR): https://account.live.com/acsr

Also, you mentioned you didn't receive the ACSR results via email. Try submitting another recovery request via Incognito/InPrivate window and using different devices or network services. Then please check your email inbox, junk, and spam folders within 24 hours.

Important: If you have an active 2FA, ACSR will inform you that your recovery request will be ignored. If you only receive a message that the recovery request is either successful or indicates insufficient information, this means that 2FA is disabled.

You'll need to keep trying until you're verified by Microsoft, and you can do this up to 2 times every 24 hours.

If your Microsoft account recovery request was not granted, please review this link for tips on improving your chances of a successful recovery: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dc56c3e3-dff0-4ed5-8edb-60290eea6b53

Please be advised that Microsoft Support will not be able to grant you access to your account.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

that's all very well and good but how long is the lockout period. Why am I not being kept updated to how the recovery is going before having to try again. It's been five days and it was meant to take up to 12 hours. I'm going around in circles on this damn site and not getting anywhere. In the meantime, I can't access urgent emails.

Answer 3

It sounds like you're experiencing significant frustration with your locked account and the recovery process. When an account is locked, Microsoft typically implements a temporary lockout period to protect your data, which can sometimes take longer than expected due to various factors such as the volume of requests or verification issues.

If you are not receiving the verification code to your current email, it's crucial to ensure that you are using the correct recovery options. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Wait for the Lockout Period: If you've already submitted the recovery form multiple times, you may need to wait for the lockout period to expire before trying again. This period can sometimes last longer than the initial estimate.
2. Use Familiar Devices: When attempting to recover your account, try to do so from a device and location you have used previously. This can help in verifying your identity.
3. Account Recovery Form: Continue to fill out the account recovery form with as much accurate information as possible. Ensure that you provide details that can help Microsoft verify your identity.
4. Contact Support: If the automated recovery options are not working, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support directly for assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or escalate your issue.

Unfortunately, the recovery process is automated for security reasons, and there may be limitations on how quickly issues can be resolved. It's understandable to feel frustrated, especially when urgent emails are pending.

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References:

• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A
• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A