How to Recover a Hacked Microsoft Account After a QR Code Scam
Question details
The user needs to regain access to a compromised Microsoft account and restore lost access to Minecraft purchases and game data.

- Product
- Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user scanned a malicious QR code or visited a compromised website, which exposed their Microsoft account credentials to an attacker.
- Observed behavior
- The attacker changed the account password and security information, locking the user out of their Microsoft account and blocking access to linked services like Minecraft.
Gather as much proof of account ownership as possible before starting the recovery process, including previous passwords, Xbox gamertags, Minecraft usernames, and purchase receipts.
Use the Official Microsoft Account Recovery Form
This is the primary and most effective method to reclaim your account if the attacker has already changed your password and security information.
The Microsoft Account Recovery form allows you to prove ownership by answering specific questions about your account history. You can submit this form up to twice a day.
Open a trusted web browser and go to the official Microsoft account recovery page at https://account.live.com/acsr.
Input the email address, phone number, or Skype name of the compromised account, followed by an alternate contact email address where Microsoft can reach you.
Fill out the form with accurate historical data. Include your previous passwords, Xbox Live hardware IDs, Minecraft usernames, purchase receipts, and approximate dates of account creation.

Secure Your Devices and Linked Accounts
Take immediate action to prevent the attacker from gaining further access to your secondary emails or personal devices.
Contact Microsoft and Minecraft Support Directly
If the automated recovery form fails because the attacker drastically altered the account details, you must contact official support agents.
Keep Working Securely with WPS Office
While you are waiting to recover your hacked Microsoft account, you don't need to halt your productivity. WPS Office is a powerful, free alternative that lets you create, edit, and save documents locally without needing a Microsoft account login.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the application.
- 3. Edit Your Documents: Open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly in WPS Office and continue working securely offline.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my Microsoft account if the hacker changed the email address?
Yes. Even if the attacker changed the primary alias or email address, you can still use the official ACSR recovery form. You will need to provide the original email address, previous passwords, and historical account data to prove ownership.
How long does the Microsoft account recovery process take?
After submitting the account recovery form, it typically takes up to 24 hours for Microsoft's automated system to review your answers and respond to your alternate contact email.
What should I do if my Minecraft account was stolen during the breach?
You should immediately contact Minecraft Support and provide them with your original transaction ID (receipt) from when you purchased the game. This serves as proof of ownership and helps them secure your game data.
How can a QR code compromise my account?
Malicious QR codes often direct you to phishing websites designed to look like the real Microsoft login page. When you enter your credentials or approve a login prompt, the attacker intercepts this data to steal your account.




