Locked out

Question

I got a new computer today set up my account and I accidentally set it as a child now I can’t get into it every time I try to get in it’s like a loop going back-and-forth

Answer 1

Hello Helene Thomas,

Because the Microsoft account was accidentally set up as a child account, resetting the new computer alone may not fix the loop.

Use Microsoft’s documented procedure for “I’m an adult, but Microsoft thinks I’m a child”:

How to change a birth date on a Microsoft account

You will need to complete parental consent using a separate adult Microsoft account, then correct the affected account’s birthdate. Restart the computer and sign in again afterward.

Only consider resetting the computer if the setup loop continues after the account information has been corrected.

Answer 2

You got the new computer today? In that case, no worries ...You can start all over without losing anything.

All new computers from the big manufacturers include a simple procedure that allows you to revert the computer to exactly the way it was when it left the factory. It will be like the first time you pressed the Power button.

Manufacturers use basically the same steps, but I don't want to lead you the wrong way, so tell me the manufacturer and model name of your computer, and I will copy the exact steps to follow. The only thing to keep in mind: This procedure will erase all your personal files, so be sure to copy them before you start.

Answer 3

This is usually a parental-consent or child-account sign-in loop. Use this order to break it:

1. Open the Microsoft account sign-in helper and run the guided checks.
   • It checks the email address or phone number and tells what action is needed.
   • Use: Sign-in Helper tool
2. If the account is asking for parent consent because it was set up as a child account, have the adult who granted consent manage it here:
   • Sign in as the parent at https://account.live.com/mk
   • Select Manage this child's access to third party apps
   • Select Enable access if access is blocked
   • If the child account does not appear, consent was not given yet, was granted by another adult, or was given using another Microsoft account.
3. If the account is locked or keeps looping because of unusual sign-in activity:
   • Sign in at https://account.microsoft.com
   • If sign-in fails, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper again
   • For Outlook.com accounts that are temporarily blocked, reset the password to unblock the account
4. If the password is known but sign-in still fails, use the recovery guidance for these specific cases:
   • Forgot password: Reset your password
   • Username not recognized anymore: My username has stopped working
   • Verification code problems: troubleshooting steps
   • Recovery form help: Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
5. If the account was locked for suspicious activity or Terms of Use review and the Let's prove you're human option does not appear:
   • Select the aka.ms/ link shown in the lock message
   • Submit the reinstatement form once and wait for the Microsoft Online Safety support agent email
   • Do not submit multiple requests, because that can slow the response
6. If direct self-service still does not resolve the loop, use support:
   • I need to talk to a customer support agent
   • For technical support in Family Safety scenarios, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter the problem, select Get Help, then Contact Support.

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References:

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
• My child is not able to access 3rd party apps | Microsoft Support
• Unblock my Outlook.com account | Microsoft Support
• Microsoft account has been locked | Microsoft Support
• Get help with your Microsoft account