Help with new password

Question

I got hacked on a lot of my accounts (even outside Microsoft services), and because that i started changing every single password for them. When i was changing for one of my microsoft accounts, i wrote something that i don't remember anymore and my browser didn't save it. So i went to try changing it again, but every attempt from backup email or from SMS isn't working.

when i tried using e-mail, i got the code, but then it didn't let me make a new password (and then says "already used"). When i try with phone number, it says this method isn't working at the moment.

Answer 1

Thank you so much, and let's hope for the best!

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

The error message you received indicates that your account is temporarily blocked due to the system detecting unusual activity.

Since you have access to your recovery phone number, please perform these steps to fix the verification method error:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly 48 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 1 week to perform another password reset. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password, as stated in this article: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshooting-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (48 hours or 1 week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

Thank you for your understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 3

Follow these steps to get back to a working password and verification method.

1. Use the standard account recovery/reset flow
   1. Go to the Microsoft account recovery/reset page and start the process to Recover your account.
   2. Enter the Microsoft email/phone/Skype name and follow the prompts to get a security code.
   3. When asked where to send the code, choose one of the listed options (email or phone) and select Send code.
   4. Enter the code on the Verify your identity screen.
   5. When prompted for a New password, enter a password that has never been used on this account before. If the system says “already used,” choose a completely different password.
2. If the verification method is failing
   • If the phone option says it “isn’t working at the moment,” switch to the email option.
   • If the email option lets entry of the code but then fails to move on to password reset, wait for any temporary block to clear and try again:
     • Too many attempts or unusual activity can cause a temporary block on verification methods.
     • Avoid repeated attempts in a short time, as this can extend the block.
3. If codes or methods keep failing
   • Use the dedicated troubleshooting guidance for verification codes: see Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues. It explains:
     • Why verification methods can be blocked (unusual activity, high volume of requests, etc.).
     • How to resolve blocks by:
       1. Trying another verification method on the account (alternate email instead of SMS, or vice versa).
       2. Trying another network (switch Wi‑Fi/cellular, or a different network).
       3. Waiting at least 24 hours without repeated attempts, and up to a week if needed.
       4. Using the sign‑in helper tool (linked from that article) to diagnose sign‑in issues and see available support options.
4. If the username/password still do not work
   • Use the “Recover your account” path again from the My username and password have stopped working guidance and carefully check:
     • The email domain is correct (for example, outlook.com vs outlook.co.uk).
     • The email name is typed exactly (for example, rachel vs rachael).
   • After verifying the code, set a new, unique password and confirm it.
5. After regaining access
   • Because of the hack, immediately:
     • Review and update security info (backup email, phone) so that verification codes go to trusted locations.
     • Enable two‑step verification / MFA on the account.
     • Avoid reusing passwords across different services.

If all verification methods remain blocked or unusable even after waiting and following the above, use the sign‑in helper from the verification‑code troubleshooting article to see if additional support options are available for the account.

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References:

• Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• My username and password have stopped working