Password & Account Recovery

How to Reset or Recover an Old Hotmail Account Password

Elise Williams Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to regain access to an old Hotmail or Outlook.com email account where the original password or recovery details are no longer available.

How to Reset or Recover an Old Hotmail Account Password

Product: Hotmail / Outlook.com
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to log in to an old Microsoft email account without the current password, phone number, or backup email.
Observed behavior: The user is unable to sign in and must undergo Microsoft's automated account verification process to reset the password.

Before you start

Gather any possible information related to your old account, such as previous passwords, frequent contacts, or old email subject lines, and try to perform the recovery on a device and network you previously used to sign in.

Solution 1

Use the Standard Password Reset Tool

Try this quick method first if you still have access to the recovery email or phone number associated with the account.

Navigate to the reset page

Go to the official Microsoft password reset page at https://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx.

Enter your email

Type in your old Hotmail or Outlook.com email address and click Next.

Verify your identity

Select an available verification method (such as an alternate email or phone number) to receive your security code.

Reset the password

Enter the verification code and create a new password to regain access to your account.

Solution 2Recommended

Submit the Microsoft Account Recovery Form

Use this method if you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number and need to verify your identity manually.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Microsoft to process the account recovery form?

Microsoft typically reviews your submitted account recovery form and emails the results to your provided alternate address within 24 hours.

Can I contact Microsoft Support to reset my Hotmail password?

No. For security reasons, Microsoft Support agents are not authorized to send password reset links or manually alter account details. You must use the automated account recovery form (ACSR).

What should I do if my Hotmail account recovery request is denied?

If your recovery request is unsuccessful, you can submit the form again up to two times per day. Try to gather more accurate historical details, such as old passwords, Skype contacts, or Xbox billing info, before attempting again.

Does it matter which device I use to recover my Hotmail account?

Yes. Submitting the recovery form from a recognized device (like a home PC or smartphone) and from a network you frequently used to access the account helps Microsoft verify your identity.

Login & Account Issues