Thus, when the login process attempts to send a verification code to one of those accounts or numbers, it can’t be fetched.Īt that point, the only approach I’m aware of is to begin the account recovery process. On top of that, they do not (perhaps temporarily, while traveling) have access to any of the accounts or phone numbers they set up as alternates on their Microsoft account (any account, including Hotmail). Either through an account hack, simply being wrong about being right, or being faced with that additional security step from Microsoft, they’re blocked from logging in. I’ll review the steps I believe you need to take, and explain why this is happening.Īlmost everyone who comes to me with this or a similar problem is convinced that they know their password, and that they’re typing everything in correctly, yet they still cannot log in. While many feel that the approach is somewhat ham-handed on Microsoft’s part, the reality is they’re fighting an incredibly difficult problem: account theft. It’s also a way to end up unable to access your email while traveling. Not doing so is by far the fastest way to lose access to your account - forever - should something go wrong. It is critical that you keep your recovery information up to date. Usually, that’s a code sent to your phone or alternate email address.

If there’s something “different” about your attempt to sign in - and being in a different country qualifies - Microsoft now often requires that even if you know your password, you must provide additional security confirmation. I get so many variations of this question.

Microsoft xbox account password change