Account Security Problems

What to Do If Someone Changes Your Microsoft Security Information

Emma Brown Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to secure their Microsoft account after discovering that an unauthorized party has modified their security information.

What to Do If Someone Changes Your Microsoft Security Information

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Unknown security information, such as an unfamiliar email domain or phone number, appears in the Microsoft account settings.
Observed behavior: The user notices unfamiliar recovery emails or phone numbers associated with their account, indicating potential unauthorized access or a compromised account.

Before you start

Verify that you can still log into your Microsoft account. If you are entirely locked out, you must use the official Microsoft account recovery form before proceeding with these security steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Secure Your Account and Update Credentials

Take immediate action to lock out unauthorized users by changing your password and updating your recovery methods.

Acting quickly is crucial when your security information has been altered. Replacing compromised credentials ensures the unauthorized user cannot maintain access.

Change your password

Log in to your Microsoft account, navigate to the Security dashboard, select 'Password security', and immediately change your password to a strong, unique combination.

Remove unauthorized recovery methods

Go to 'Advanced security options' and carefully delete any unfamiliar email addresses, phone numbers, or authenticator apps.

Add your trusted information

Add your own trusted recovery phone number and an alternate email address.

Enable multifactor authentication

Turn on two-step verification (multifactor authentication) in the security settings to require an extra security code whenever you sign in.

Secure Your Account and Update Credentials

Security Tip: Using a dedicated authenticator app for two-factor authentication provides stronger security than relying solely on SMS text codes.

Solution 2

Force Sign-Out and Report Suspicious Activity

Ensure that the unauthorized person is completely disconnected from your account and report the incident to Microsoft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Microsoft to update security info?

If you replace all your security information because you do not have access to any of the old methods, Microsoft imposes a strict 30-day waiting period. This is designed to prevent hackers from locking you out permanently if they gain access to your password.

What if I am completely locked out of my Microsoft account?

If you cannot log in to change your password or security info, you will need to fill out the official Microsoft account recovery form. You must provide an alternate email address and as much accurate historical information about the account as possible to verify your identity.

Will changing my password automatically sign out unauthorized users?

No, simply changing your password might not sign everyone out immediately. You must use the 'Sign me out' option located in your Microsoft account's 'Advanced security options' dashboard to force all active sessions and devices to log out.

Microsoft Office Security Issues