how to check if old email address works

Question

I made an email address a long time ago, but I never used it, and it appeared when I tried to sign into Microsoft Office. How can I access it if I want to use it?

Answer 1

Hi, let me help you.

If you can still remember the password, try signing in with it.

If you can no longer remember it, you may try resetting the password. Microsoft will offer to send a verification code to a backup email or phone number that may have been linked when the account was created.

If you cannot remember setting up a backup email or the phone number does not exist anymore, you may try to submit a recovery form using this link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form

Answer 2

To check whether that old address still works as a Microsoft account:

1. Go to the Microsoft account sign-in page at account.microsoft.com.
2. Enter the old email address.
3. Check the result:
   • If a password prompt appears, that address is a Microsoft account.
   • If the message says "We couldn't find an account with that username" or "That Microsoft account doesn't exist", that address is not currently a Microsoft account.

If it should exist, first check for spelling mistakes in the name or domain. It may also have been closed.

If the address is a Microsoft account and access is needed:

1. Sign in at account.microsoft.com with the email address and password.
2. If the password was forgotten, use Forgot password? on the sign-in page.
3. If the email or username is no longer remembered, use the Sign-in Helper.

If the old address appeared while signing in to Microsoft Office, it may be one of the usernames already associated with a device or Office app. These are places to check:

• Windows 10/11: Start > Settings > Accounts. Under Email & app accounts, review the usernames associated with the device.
• Office apps: Open Word or Excel, then go to File > Account. Under Product Information, check Belongs to for the associated username.
• Email accounts: Search inboxes for Microsoft purchase or subscription emails that might show the account used.

If the account has not been signed in to for more than 2 years, it may have been deleted.

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