Fix Cannot Access Hotmail Account After Installing Windows 10
Question details
The user is unable to log into their Hotmail account after upgrading to Windows 10 and needs to know the correct account recovery steps.
- Product
- Hotmail / Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to log into a Hotmail or Microsoft account after a system upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- The password is no longer accepted, and repeated sign-in attempts have resulted in an account lock or blocked access.
Ensure you are connected to a stable internet network and have an alternate contact email or phone number ready to receive security codes before starting the recovery process.
Use the Official Microsoft Account Recovery Form
The primary and only official method to regain access to an unrecoverable Hotmail account without a password.
Upgrading to Windows 10 does not alter your Microsoft or Hotmail account passwords. If your password is no longer working, it is coincidental. Microsoft Support agents cannot manually reset passwords or bypass the security verification process, so you must use the self-service Microsoft Account Recovery form.
If you received a message stating you have tried to sign in too many times, stop attempting and wait at least 24 hours before trying again.
Navigate to the official Microsoft account recovery page at account.live.com/acsr using a web browser.
Enter the Hotmail address you are trying to recover and an alternate email where Microsoft can contact you with updates.
Fill out the form with as much accurate information as possible, including previous passwords you remember, your contacts, and exact email subject lines you have sent or received.
Submit the form and wait for Microsoft's automated system to review your request and verify your ownership within 24 hours.
Check Saved Passwords in Your Web Browser
Recover your correct Hotmail password locally if your web browser was set to auto-save credentials before the Windows 10 upgrade.
Need a Reliable Productivity Suite for Windows 10? Try WPS Office
While you are sorting out your Hotmail or Microsoft account access, you can keep your productivity high with WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that is fully compatible with Windows 10. You do not need a Microsoft account to edit Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files—just download, install, and start working immediately.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup wizard.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office files without needing a Microsoft account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did installing Windows 10 change my Hotmail password automatically?
No, upgrading to Windows 10 does not alter your Microsoft or Hotmail account passwords. If your password is no longer working, it is strictly coincidental, and you should focus on the official account recovery steps.
Can Microsoft Support manually reset my Hotmail password?
No, Microsoft Support agents cannot manually reset passwords or bypass the security verification process for any user. You must use the self-service Microsoft Account Recovery form to verify your identity.
How many times can I submit the Microsoft account recovery form?
You can submit the account recovery form up to two times per day. If you fail repeatedly, the account may be temporarily blocked to prevent unauthorized access, so ensure the information you provide is as accurate as possible.
What if I had two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on my Hotmail account?
If two-factor authentication is enabled, the standard recovery form will not work. You must use the available secondary verification methods (such as an SMS code or authenticator app) or an emergency recovery code generated when you first set up 2FA.
