How to Recover a Microsoft Account After an Unauthorized Password Change
Question details
The user needs to recover their Microsoft account after an unauthorized password change, especially when the standard recovery form is rejecting their information.
- Product
- Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The account has been compromised, the password was changed by an unauthorized person, and automated recovery attempts are failing.
- Observed behavior
- The user cannot log in due to an unauthorized password change, and the automated recovery form is rejecting the provided information.
Ensure you are attempting the recovery process from a familiar device and location (like your home Wi-Fi) that you have frequently used to sign in to this account.
Submit the Official Microsoft Account Recovery Form
The primary method to regain access to a compromised Microsoft account is through the official automated recovery form.
The recovery form is designed to ask questions about your account that only you can answer. It is an automated process, so providing as much accurate historical data as possible is crucial.
Open your web browser and navigate to https://account.live.com/acsr.
Input the email address, phone number, or Skype name of the compromised account, along with a working alternate email address where Microsoft can contact you.
Fill out the form with as much accurate information as possible, including previous passwords you remember, subjects of recent emails sent, or billing details.
Submit the form. Microsoft will review your answers and send the results to your alternate email address within 24 hours.
Contact Microsoft Support via Live Chat
If the automated recovery form repeatedly fails or rejects your information, you can reach out to a live support agent for further guidance.
Try WPS Office While Regaining Access to Your Account
Locked out of your Microsoft account and unable to access your documents on OneDrive or Office 365? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files locally without needing a Microsoft login.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free software on your device.
- 2. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files stored on your local drive.
- 3. Work offline: Continue editing and saving your documents locally without worrying about account lockouts or subscription verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I submit the Microsoft account recovery form?
You can submit the Microsoft account recovery form up to two times per day. It is highly recommended to gather more accurate account information before submitting a new request to improve your chances of success.
Can a Microsoft support agent manually reset my password?
No, Microsoft support agents are restricted from manually sending password reset links or changing account details to protect user security. They can only guide you through the automated recovery procedures.
What should I do if my recovery email or phone number was also changed by the hacker?
If the unauthorized person altered your security info, you bypass the standard reset options and must use the recovery form (acsr). You will need to provide alternative proofs of identity, such as past passwords, Skype contacts, and Xbox billing details.
Will I lose my Office 365 subscription if I cannot recover my account?
If you permanently lose access to the account, you lose access to the digital purchases and subscriptions attached to it. You should contact Microsoft Support with your billing details (like the credit card used) to see if they can help pause the billing or transfer the subscription.
