Can't log in on a new device using my password

Question

Whenever I try to log in using my password it immediately says that I've tried too many times and need to wait. This has been happening for months. I've changed my password a few times and it does the same thing every time, it is definitely the correct password. The only way to access my accounts is via a phone or email verification, it never accepts my password even when it is definitely correct.

Answer 1

Dear Joe, 

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand you are having problem with signing in to your Outlook.com on a new device: entering the correct password immediately triggers a “too many attempts / need to wait” block, and this has persisted for months even after changing the password. I am happy to assist you.  

Microsoft account protection can temporarily block password-based sign-in when it detects repeated failed attempts or unusual activity. In that state, alternative verification may still work while password entry continues to be blocked.  

Please follow these steps if you have not tried AI given steps:  

• Check “Recent activity” to confirm whether something else is triggering lockouts 
• Sign in to your https://account.live.com/Activity and review the last 30 days. If you see Unusual activity or sign-ins you don’t recognize, use “This wasn’t me” and then secure the account.  
• Secure the account and remove trusted devices (stops old sessions/attackers from constantly re-triggering blocks) 
• From the Security settings page, change your password and update security settings; You can remove trusted devices from there. 
• If password prompts keep getting blocked, use a more reliable sign-in method to avoid the password loop 
• Using Microsoft Authenticator to sign in can reduce disruptions/alerts when sign-in looks unusual (new device/location). If you can still access the account via verification, add Authenticator as a sign-in method.  
• If all fail, please fill in the account recovery form and contact Support chat immediately:  
• Visit Contact - Microsoft Support   
  • Type a brief description of your issue in the search box  
  • Scroll down to the bottom > select Sign in to contact support  
  • Log in to another available personal Microsoft account.   
  • Under Products & Services, select "Other Products"; Under Categories, select "Manage account security", and click Confirm.  
  • Click "Chat with a support agent in your web browser" (during business hours) 

Please tell me how it goes. Have a lovely day ! 

Answer 2

The behavior matches a sign-in block triggered by too many password attempts or other suspicious activity. Even if the password is correct now, the automated protection can keep rejecting password sign-ins while still allowing other verification methods.

Use these steps:

1. Stop password attempts for at least 24 hours
   • Repeated attempts reset the lockout timer. Do not try to sign in with the password again during this period.
   • After waiting, try again from a device and location normally used to access the account.
2. Use alternative sign-in methods in the meantime
   • At the sign-in prompt, choose Other ways to sign in and use:
     • Phone/email verification code
     • Authenticator app, PIN, or other configured method
   • This is explicitly supported when password sign-in is blocked by Error 400 or similar behavior.
3. Check for an account block or unusual activity
   • The system may be blocking password sign-in due to:
     • Unusual activity or high volume of requests
     • Suspicious sign-in patterns or traffic from your region
   • If a “Try another verification method” message appears, follow it and use a different verification method already on the account.
4. If completely locked out of password sign-in for days
   • Wait a full 24 hours with no attempts, then:
     • Try again from another device (PC/phone/tablet) and/or another network (switch Wi‑Fi/mobile data).
   • If still blocked, the account may be in a longer-term protection state. Continue using non-password methods to sign in where possible.
5. If the account ever stops accepting all methods
   • Use the Recover your account flow: Recover your account.
   • If the system reports too many attempts or daily limits on recovery forms, wait until the next day before trying again, and submit from a familiar device and location.

This issue is not caused by the password itself if other methods work; it is the automated security system treating password sign-ins as risky due to past repeated attempts or suspicious patterns. The key actions are: stop repeated password attempts, rely on alternative sign-in methods, and only retry password sign-in after a full cooldown period and, if needed, from a different device/network.

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References:

• Error 400 when signing in
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• My username and password have stopped working
• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A
• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A