Won't Let Me Verify myselft

Question

Hello I have an email address that I am using and I am trying to verify it but it keeps sending the verification codes to a none existence email. How do I get that to change? Please Help me because I can't do the update to Windows 11 because of this situation!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Hello LynnMarie Donnelly, 

Thank you for posting to Microsoft Q&A. I understand how inconvenient it can be when an outdated verification email prevents you from updating to Windows 11. 

I would like to add a bit about the answer proposed by the Q&A assist above and a possible workaround you can try in the meantime. 

Regarding the security info replacement process, updating your verification details will trigger a 30-day security hold. During this time, you can still access your inbox for everyday use, but you will not be able to access sensitive account information. After the 30 days have passed, the old email address is permanently deleted from your profile, and your new email or phone number will become your active verification method. 

Since your primary goal is to get Windows 11 installed right now, you may be able to upgrade without waiting by using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Because it runs as a standalone installer, it can sometimes succeed even when the standard Windows Update menu is blocked or delayed (though please note this bypass is not guaranteed by Microsoft). 

Here is how to try the workaround: 

1. Open your web browser and go to the official Microsoft download page
2. Look for the section titled Windows 11 Installation Assistant and click Download Now. 
3. Run that downloaded program and follow the prompts to see if it allows the upgrade to proceed. 

I hope this helps you get your system updated without having to wait out the security hold. If the problem persists, please do not hesitate to let me know - I will be happy to help you further. 

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Answer 2

To change where Microsoft sends verification codes when the current address does not exist, the security info for the Microsoft account must be updated.

1. Go to the Microsoft account Security basics page and sign in: https://account.microsoft.com/security
2. Select Update info.
3. If the listed phone/email is wrong or no longer exists, choose I don't have any of these when prompted for a verification method.
4. Follow the on‑screen prompts to add a new, working email address or phone number as security info.

Important points from the verification-code guidance:

• Verification codes can only be sent to the primary alias or to an email/phone that has been added as a way to verify sign‑in.
• If the wrong email/phone is shown and cannot be used, the only supported path is to go through the I don't have any of these flow and complete the recovery/verification steps.
• Do not repeatedly request codes; excessive or repetitive requests can cause temporary blocks on sending verification codes.
• If still unable to receive codes after updating info or using the recovery flow, use the sign‑in helper tool for additional troubleshooting: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2300860

If none of the above works and sign‑in is still blocked, contact Microsoft Support using another account and explain that the verification codes are going to a non‑existent email. Support cannot change security info or send codes, but can guide through available recovery options.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Change the email address or phone number for your Microsoft account