password reset

Question

how to reset password without access to alternate email address

Answer 1

For an Outlook.com (Microsoft) account, password reset without access to the alternate email depends on what recovery options are already set up on the account.

1. If other security info is configured (phone, authenticator app, etc.):
   • Go to the Microsoft account password reset page for personal accounts: https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx.
   • Choose “I forgot my password,” enter the Outlook.com email, and follow the prompts.
   • When asked for a verification method, select a phone number, authenticator app, or any other available method instead of the alternate email.
   • Complete the verification, then set a new password.
2. If no recovery options are accessible (no phone, no alternate email, no authenticator):
   • Use the account recovery form at https://account.live.com/acsr.
   • Sign in is not required; enter the locked Outlook.com address and a different email address where Microsoft can contact you.
   • Provide as much accurate information as possible (previous passwords, folder names, subjects of recent emails, contacts, etc.).
   • Submit and wait for Microsoft’s response with the result of the verification. If it fails, adjust answers and try again.
3. If two-step verification is turned on:
   • With two-step verification enabled, Microsoft requires at least one working security method (phone, backup email, or authenticator).
   • If none of the 2-step methods are available, the account recovery form is the only option; two-step verification cannot be bypassed or turned off without successfully signing in first.

If verification codes are not arriving or are blocked, try a different browser, InPrivate/incognito mode, or a different network, then repeat the reset or recovery steps.

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References:

• Forgot password to sign in to Microsoft 365, Intune, or Azure
• How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A