Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
The supported recovery path is:
- Clean the PC for malware before changing anything
- Run a full antivirus scan first.
- On Windows 8.1 or Windows 10/11, Windows Defender is available from Start > search Windows Defender.
- This matters because changing the password before removing malware can expose the new password again.
- Use the Microsoft account Sign-in Helper first
- For a hacked account, the official recovery guidance starts with the Sign-in Helper tool.
- The tool asks for the email address or phone number and then provides the appropriate self-help path or the option to talk to an agent.
- If sign-in is still blocked, use the account recovery form
- A working email address is required for the recovery process.
- The recovery result is sent to that working email within 24 hours.
- If Microsoft cannot verify the account, the form can be retried up to two times per day.
- If Microsoft verifies the account, instructions to sign back in are sent to that same working email.
- If unusual sign-in activity is visible anywhere the account is still accessible, review it immediately
- Go to the Security basics page.
- Select Review activity.
- On the Recent activity page, mark suspicious entries as This wasn't me or Secure your account, depending on where the activity appears.
- Then select Change password if access is still possible.
- After access is restored, check account settings changed by the attacker
- Review connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
- This is specifically recommended because compromised accounts often have settings changed after unauthorized access.
- Important limitation
- Support agents and advocates are not allowed to send password reset links or access and change account details.
- Recovery is handled through the official automated recovery process.
- If two-step verification was enabled and no alternate verification methods are accessible
- Recovery assistance is not available through support in that case.
The provided context does not include any supported process for a data transfer request from a suspended hacked account, so no documented path can be given for that part.
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account
- What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account