HOTMAIL PASSWORD

Question

I can’t log in to my Hotmail account. I’ve tried many times, and now I’m not even receiving the “failed login” emails anymore.

The worst part is that I know my password (I’ve even tried entering it in all caps a few times). I still have the account logged in on my phone, and I can see all my recently sent emails, including the subject line with my favorite movie listed.

What am I doing wrong? How can I reach a real person for help? I’ve had this email for 20 years, and everything in my life is connected to it.

Answer 1

Thank you for the information.

Since you mentioned that you still have access to your account on your phone device and you still know the password, please go to account.microsoft.com > click "Security" > "Other Ways to Sign in" > "Use your password" > From here, please try adding updated verification methods (either a recovery email address and Microsoft authenticator) on "Manage how I Sign in" under "Add another way to sign in to your account" > Once you have added your updated security info, remove your outdated recovery email address.

Then please try signing in again on account.microsoft.com. If it doesn't work, perform a password reset on account.microsoft.com > click on "Forgot Password" > provide the codes from your updated verification method > reset the password > then try signing in again or use "Other ways to Sign in" and verify using your verification method.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Just to confirm, did you have two-factor authentication (2FA) active on the account?

If yes, are you able to access the second factor of authentication?

Important: If you have an active 2FA, ACSR will inform you that your recovery request will be ignored. If you only receive a message that the recovery request is either successful or indicates insufficient information, this means that 2FA is disabled.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 3

The account is likely being protected by automated security after repeated sign-in attempts, even if the password is correct. Since the account is still signed in on the phone, that session should be used to secure and recover access instead of continuing failed logins on other devices.

Follow these steps:

1. Stop all new sign-in attempts
   • Do not try to sign in again for at least 24 hours on any new device or browser. Repeated attempts can extend the lockout and trigger more security blocks.
2. Use the signed-in phone session
   • From the phone where the account is still logged in, go to account.microsoft.com or open Outlook.com in the browser while signed in.
   • From there, immediately change the password using the account security settings.
   • After changing the password, sign out of all other sessions if that option is available, then sign back in on trusted devices using the new password.
3. Run the official sign-in helper / troubleshooter
   • If sign-in still fails on other devices after the cooldown period, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper: Sign-in Helper.
   • For Outlook.com/Hotmail specifically, also try the account troubleshooter: Open account troubleshooter.
4. If the password is not accepted or the username “stops working”
   • Use the “Recover your account” flow described here: Recover your account.
   • Ensure the correct email domain is used (for example, hotmail.com vs hotmail.co.uk) and that the address is typed exactly as created.
5. If completely locked or blocked
   • If messages like “too many attempts” or “account blocked” appear, wait the full lockout period (typically about 24 hours) without trying again, then:
     • Use the Microsoft account sign-in helper again.
     • If the account is blocked for unusual activity, follow the steps in Unblock my Outlook.com account (linked from the Outlook.com help pages).
6. If recovery attempts fail
   • Use the account recovery form at https://account.live.com/acsr as described in the Q&A guidance. Fill it out from a familiar device and network and provide details like recent email subjects (including the one with the favorite movie), contacts, and past passwords.
   • If the daily limit for the recovery form or password resets is reached, wait until the next day before trying again.
7. Contacting a real person
   • For consumer Microsoft accounts, recovery is largely automated. However, support can still be contacted via the official support portal:
     • Go to the Outlook.com help entry “Get help with Outlook.com” and follow the path to support (Help → enter the issue → scroll to “Still need help?” → Yes). If sign-in is not possible, use the alternate contact link provided there.
   • For Microsoft account and billing issues, use the “Account & Billing Help” entry to reach support options (chat or callback may be offered depending on region).

Because the account is still signed in on the phone, that session is the strongest proof of ownership. Use it immediately to change the password and review security info (phone, alternate email, sign-in methods) before attempting more logins elsewhere.

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References:

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• My username and password have stopped working
• How to sign in to Outlook.com
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com
• How can I recover my password for Microsoft accounts, including Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, MSN, Onenote, etc.?
• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A
• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot log in Outlook. - Microsoft Q&A