Continually ask that I verify identify

Question

Issue started when I tried to use phone link that I have used for more than 5 years. Microsoft keeps asking for me to make sure I'm not a robot. Yes, I have 3 email addresses/one is my husband's.

I'm 75 years old and don't see well. It discriminates against the elderly to expect us to jump through all these hoops to do one think. I'm in tears. I have things I NEED to do.

Answer 1

I am 75 years old and don't see well. I have spent several hours going from one group of instructions to another. How do I get all of these verifications off. I can't accomplish simple things I was able to do last week because there were updates on my computer. Steve Wozniak talked about this today. Without our permissions, software is changed and we have to figure out what the heck happened.

This is WRONG!!!!

Answer 2

Microsoft may repeatedly ask for identity verification or “prove you’re not a robot” when it detects unusual activity, many sign-in attempts, or when security info needs to be confirmed.

To reduce these prompts and get back into the account more reliably, follow these steps:

1. Avoid repeated verification attempts

• Too many code requests or failed checks can cause temporary blocks where codes are delayed or not sent, and more challenges appear.
• Stop trying for several hours (up to 24 hours) before trying again, so the system cooldown can reset.

2. Use a different verification method

• When prompted to verify, choose another method if available (for example, backup email instead of SMS, or vice versa).
• If the current method is blocked or failing, switching methods is one of the recommended ways to get through the sign-in.

3. Check phone and email for verification issues

• Make sure the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers. If it is, change that setting, then choose I don't have a code so a new code is sent.
• If using email for codes, check the junk/spam folder for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com and mark that sender as trusted.
• Ensure the phone number and email address on the account are correct. Only partial info is shown on-screen for security, so confirm the last digits/first characters match.

4. Update or replace security info if needed

• If there is no access to one of the phone numbers or email addresses on file, or it is no longer reliable, choose I don't have any of these on the verification screen and follow the prompts to add or replace security info.
• Do not remove all security info at once, or the account may be restricted for 30 days.

5. If verification codes still do not arrive

• There may be a temporary block or delayed delivery due to unusual activity or heavy traffic from the region. These issues usually resolve automatically after some time.
• If still not receiving codes, another method may need to be used, or it may be necessary to wait until the listed phone or email can be accessed again.

6. Use Microsoft’s sign-in helper and support options

• If sign-in continues to fail, use the sign-in helper tool to identify the specific issue and see available support options.
• For additional technical help, go to Contact Microsoft Support, describe the problem, and select Get Help, then Contact Support if needed. Support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details but can guide through available steps.

These steps are designed to reduce repeated challenges and help complete verification with the least number of attempts.

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References:

• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues