Microsoft blocking emails with security codes from Malwarebytes - how to stop that?

Question

Microsoft is blocking emails with security codes from Malwarebytes when I am trying to sign in Malwarebytes account.

I go to sign in page from Malwarebytes site, enter my user name and password. Then Malwarebytes wants to verify my identity and allegedly sends the security code to my Hotmail account, but nothing arrives there.

I read online that Microsoft implemented a new policy regarding large email senders (Malwarebytes I suppose is a large email sender), which I believe blocks the emails from Malwarebytes because they didn't implement the policy requirements.

Bottom line is that I cannot access my Malwarebytes account to cancel the automatic renewal to their subscription, which I don't need. Trying to call them, they have automatic messages saying to sign in and do what I want to do.

So, I am blocked with. a subscription I don't need anymore.

What should I do to get Microsoft to allow those security codes to go through my email?

Answer 1

Hi Paul HaTex,

Thank you for the detailed explanation. You're right that Microsoft has tightened its sender requirements for bulk email senders (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment). When a large sender doesn't fully meet those requirements, their messages, including legitimate security codes, can be filtered or rejected before they ever reach the inbox.

If none of the suggestions by Q&A assist above works, the message is most likely being rejected at the server level due to the sender's authentication, and that's not something we can change from the receiving side. In that case, your best options are:

• Use a temporary alternate email (Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud) to receive the code, if Malwarebytes allows email changes during sign-in.
• Update your Malwarebytes account email to a non-Outlook address once you regain access.
• Contact Malwarebytes support directly and explain that you're locked out due to undelivered verification emails and ask them to manually verify your identity and cancel the auto-renewal. They do have a support form on their site (Support > Contact Us) that bypasses the phone tree.

Regarding your past payments, you may also want to dispute the upcoming charge with your bank or card issuer if the renewal goes through before Malwarebytes responds since most providers will reverse it given the documented access issue.

I hope this helps you regain control of the subscription. Please let me know how it goes or if you need any further guidance.

Answer 2

Do the following checks and workarounds in Outlook.com/Hotmail to receive the Malwarebytes security-code emails, then use alternative contact options if they still do not arrive.

1. Check junk and other folders

• In Outlook.com, check Junk Email, Other (if Focused/Other is enabled), and any custom folders or rules that might move messages.
• Malwarebytes codes may be misclassified as junk; if found, mark them as Not junk and move them to Inbox.

2. Verify that Malwarebytes is not blocked

• In Outlook.com, open Settings → Mail → Junk email.
• In Blocked senders and domains, remove Malwarebytes-related addresses or domains if present.
• In Safe senders and domains, add the Malwarebytes sender domain if it appears in any previous emails from them (for example, from older receipts or notifications).

3. Make sure the mailbox is working for other senders

• Confirm that other new messages are arriving normally.
• If other senders also fail, use the Outlook.com help and support options to investigate mailbox issues: click Help in Outlook.com, describe the problem, then under Still need help? choose to contact support.

4. Avoid repeated code requests

• Repeatedly requesting codes in a short time can trigger protection and slow or block delivery of verification emails. Wait several minutes between attempts.

5. If codes still do not arrive

• Use Malwarebytes’ alternative verification or contact options (for example, a different email address on their side, or their billing/support contact) to cancel auto-renewal without relying on the Hotmail verification email.
• If sign-in to Outlook.com itself becomes a problem (for example, Microsoft verification codes do not arrive), follow the guidance in Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues to check junk, avoid excessive requests, and verify that the address and mailbox are correct.

If Outlook.com is otherwise working and Malwarebytes messages never appear (including in Junk), the block or policy issue is likely on the sender’s side; in that case, only Malwarebytes support can correct their sending configuration or offer a different cancellation path.

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References:

• Receiving email from blocked senders in Outlook.com
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues