Locked out of my windows account due to circular recovery emails — I know the passwords for both accounts

Question

Locked out of my windows account due to circular recovery emails — I know the passwords for both accounts

Alan 0

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to get some advice on a circular verification loop I am stuck in with my Microsoft account. My main concern is that I am blocked from playing Fallout 76.

The Situation:

I am currently logged into my Windows 10 laptop, but when i try to play the game, it has a message saying I need to "verify my account." Also in my Windows Settings under account setting, it has the same message saying I need to "verify my account."

When I try to verify it, the system wants to send a security code to my recovery email.

The Deadlock: My main Microsoft account and my secondary email are set as the recovery addresses for each other. I am currently logged out of both on the web, meaning I can't retrieve the code for either one.

Details Available to Prove Ownership:

I know the correct passwords for both accounts. I am not trying to reset a forgotten password just want to log in.

I know the exact Xbox Gamertag/username associated with the account.

I have had these two emails for more then 5 years and i don't remember ever facing this kind of problem.

This problem occurred when i tired to connect to internet via my phone's hotspot instead of my home internet. Not sure why this time happened i have connected my laptop to my phone internet in the past with no trouble.

My Questions:

Since I am successfully logged into my local Windows 10 session and know my actual passwords, is there a way to verify the account and break this loop so I can access my game?

Thank you for your help!

0 comments

2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Hendrix-V 20,300 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Alan,

Since you still know the passwords for both Microsoft accounts, the challenge appears to be the verification process rather than the account credentials themselves. In situations like this, it can help to check whether either account is still signed in on another trusted device or application, such as Outlook, the Mail app, Microsoft Edge, Xbox, or a mobile device.

If you can find an active session for either account, you may be able to access the account's security settings or receive verification requests there, which could help break the circular recovery situation. On the affected PC, you can also review Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts to see which Microsoft accounts are currently connected to Windows and related services.

If neither account is accessible through an existing signed-in session, there is unfortunately no supported way to bypass Microsoft account verification requirements, even when the passwords are known. In that case, the official account recovery process remains the recommended path for regaining access.

I understand how frustrating this situation can be. If you can confirm whether either account is still signed in on another device or application, we'd be happy to suggest the most appropriate next steps based on that scenario. Best of luck, and we look forward to your update.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Alan 0 Reputation points

2026-08-07T11:59:23.1733333+00:00

Hi,

Thank you for the explanation. Since I am completely logged out of both emails, I have a few specific questions regarding alternative recovery paths:

Location / IP Verification: Can Microsoft's automated security check recognize my device or IP location to help verify my identity?

Password Verification: Since I know the correct, working passwords for both of my interlinked accounts, is there any process where entering both passwords proves ownership?

Alternative Options (Willing to Wait): I am more than willing to wait 2 weeks or 30 days even more if there is an official process to regain access.

Thank you for your continued help!
Hendrix-V 20,300 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-08T08:10:46.7533333+00:00

Hi Alan,

Thank you for the additional details.

Regarding your questions, Microsoft account security checks may consider factors such as previous sign-in activity, familiar devices, and locations as part of the overall security process. However, there is generally no option to verify account ownership based solely on your IP address, device recognition, or by entering the passwords for two linked accounts.

If you are willing to wait, certain account security actions can involve waiting periods when security information is updated or recovery requests are processed. However, these processes typically still require access to an approved verification method or an existing authenticated session before changes can be made.

Because your accounts appear to rely on each other for verification, the most promising path is often locating an existing signed-in session on a trusted device, browser, Outlook app, mobile device, or another Microsoft service. Access to one authenticated session may allow you to review or update security information and break the recovery loop.

I realize this is a difficult situation, particularly when you know the correct passwords but cannot complete the required verification steps. If you discover that either account is still signed in anywhere, please let us know, and we can suggest more specific guidance based on that scenario.

Answer 2

The most likely cause is a temporary sign-in or verification block triggered by unusual activity, which matches the change to a different network. Repeated verification attempts can keep the block active.

Use this path:

Stop repeated verification attempts for at least 24 hours.
- Microsoft states that excessive or repetitive requests can cause a temporary or permanent block.
- If there is no change after 24 hours, wait longer if possible, up to 1 week.
Try signing in from a clean browser session.
- Open an InPrivate/Incognito window.
- Sign in to the first account there.
- When prompted for the code, leave that window open.
- Open a second InPrivate/Incognito window and sign in to the recovery email account to retrieve the code.
- This is the supported method when one Microsoft account is used to verify another.
If the block continues, try a different network.
- Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or use another Wi‑Fi network.
- Microsoft specifically recommends trying another network when verification is blocked.
If another verification method is available on either account, use it instead of the recovery email.
- A block can be tied to one verification method.
- If SMS is available, use that. Any phone that can receive texts can be used for the security code; it does not need to already be associated with the account.
If no code arrives, check the recovery mailbox carefully.
- Verification emails can only be sent to the primary alias or another email already added for verification.
- Check Junk mail.
- Valid verification messages come from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
If the account shows as locked and the sign-in page does not show Next, use the account reinstatement path shown on that page.
- Select the link in the window that begins with aka.ms/ and follow the instructions.
- After submitting, do not submit additional requests, because that can slow review.
If the issue is that the security info itself is inaccessible, use the official recovery flow.
- Start with the Sign-in Helper.
- If needed, complete the Account recovery form from a device and location previously used with the account.
- A working contact email is required for the recovery process.

Important limitation:

If two-step verification is turned on and there is no access to any alternate verification method, support agents cannot send reset links or change account details.

Because Windows is still signed in locally, the practical goal is to complete web verification for the Microsoft account tied to Windows/Xbox services. There is no supported bypass based only on being signed into the local Windows session or knowing the passwords if the account is currently blocked for verification.