Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
Open the account requesting the code and the Outlook.com mailbox receiving it in two separate InPrivate windows so signing in to the receiving mailbox does not sign you out of the first account.
Receive the code
- Open Microsoft Edge and press Ctrl+Shift+N to start an InPrivate window.
- Sign in to the account you are trying to verify and request one new code. Keep this window open.
- Open a second InPrivate window with Ctrl+Shift+N.
- Sign in to the alternate Outlook.com address shown on the verification screen.
- Check its Inbox and Junk Email folders for a message from an address ending in
@accountprotection.microsoft.com. - Copy the newest code, return to the first window, and enter it.
This separate-window method is specifically recommended when one Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN account receives the code for another Microsoft account. Browsers can otherwise sign the first account out when the second account is opened. ^1^
Do not repeatedly request codes. Excessive requests can cause a temporary block. If no code arrives, stop requesting codes for at least 24 hours and then try once; Microsoft advises waiting longer—up to one week—if the block remains. ^1^
If you cannot access the receiving addresses
- On the Verify your identity screen, select I don’t have any of these and follow the prompts to replace the security information.
- If you also do not know the password, use the Microsoft account recovery form.
- Submit it from a familiar device and location, using as much accurate account information as possible.
Replacing all security information can restrict sign-in for 30 days, so do not replace it if an existing verification method is still accessible. ^1^
If recovery still fails, use Contact Microsoft Support and select Get Help, then Contact Support. Support can explain available recovery options, but agents cannot send verification codes, reset passwords, or manually change account details. ^1^
Do not post the full email addresses, passwords, or verification codes publicly.
References