Password & Account Recovery

How to Recover Forgotten Microsoft 365 Account Login Details

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to recover the username or password for a redeemed Microsoft 365 Personal account in order to sign in.

How to Recover Forgotten Microsoft 365 Account Login Details

Product: Microsoft 365 Personal
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to use Microsoft 365 apps but realizing the login credentials have been forgotten.
Observed behavior: Unable to access the Microsoft 365 account or utilize the redeemed subscription due to lost username or password.

Before you start

Gather any alternative email addresses or phone numbers you might have used when initially setting up your Microsoft account, as these are required for identity verification.

Solution 1Recommended

Recover a Forgotten Microsoft Account Username

Use this solution if you have completely forgotten the email address or username associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription.

If you cannot remember the username used to redeem your Microsoft 365 subscription, you can look it up using your attached security information.

Access the Recovery Page

Navigate to the official Microsoft account username recovery page in your web browser.

Enter Security Information

Type in the alternate email address or phone number that you set up as security information for your Microsoft account.

Request and Enter Code

Select the option to send a security code. Check your phone or alternate email inbox for the code, then enter it on the recovery screen.

View Associated Usernames

Once verified, Microsoft will display a list of usernames associated with that security information. Note down the correct one.

Recover a Forgotten Microsoft Account Username

Partial Usernames: For security reasons, the usernames displayed might be partially masked (e.g., j*****@outlook.com). This is usually enough to jog your memory.

Solution 2

Reset a Forgotten Microsoft Account Password

Follow these steps if you know your username but cannot remember the password to sign in.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office: A Free and Hassle-Free Alternative

Locked out of your Microsoft 365 account and need to get work done right now? WPS Office is a powerful, free alternative that lets you edit your documents immediately without waiting for complex account recoveries.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to resume working immediately.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsNo mandatory subscription login needed to start creating and editing filesFree to use with a highly familiar, easy-to-navigate interfaceLightweight installation that opens large files quickly on any device

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I no longer have access to my recovery email or phone number?

If you cannot access your security information, you will need to fill out the Microsoft account recovery form online. You must provide as much historical information about the account as possible to prove your identity.

Can I use Microsoft 365 apps offline if I can't sign in?

Microsoft 365 requires periodic sign-ins to verify your subscription license. If you are signed out and cannot remember your credentials, the apps will eventually switch to read-only mode until you sign in.

Will resetting my password affect my files saved on OneDrive?

No, resetting your password only changes how you log in. Your files, emails, and Microsoft 365 subscription data stored on OneDrive will remain safe and accessible once you log back in.

Can I use WPS Office to open my Microsoft 365 documents?

Yes. WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats. You can open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files locally using WPS Office for free.

Login & Account Issues