Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
The account is protected by two-step verification and currently only two methods are configured: a code sent to the email address shown on the screen and a code from an authenticator app. If that email account is not working and an authenticator app was never set up, there is no way to complete verification with the existing methods.
To regain access, only the supported recovery paths can be used:
- Go to the Microsoft account Security basics page and try to sign in:
- Sign in to your Security basics page with your Microsoft account.
- Select Update info.
- If at least one working method is available, choose it; otherwise select I don't have any of these to replace your security info and follow the instructions.
- If verification codes are not arriving at the configured email address, use the guidance for missing verification codes:
- Check the junk folder for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
- Ensure the email address is entered correctly.
- Avoid repeated requests for codes, as this can cause a temporary block.
- If none of the verification options work and the email cannot be restored, wait and then try again or use the sign-in helper to see available options. Support agents cannot send verification codes, password reset links, or change security details on the account.
If this is a work or school account, contact the organization’s help desk or administrator and ask them to clear or reset the security info so that new verification methods (such as a different email, phone number, or authenticator app) can be configured.
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