Windows 10: Can I reuse the phone number from a deleted Microsoft Rewards account in a new one?

SL_038 · Nov 17, 2023

Please do not just say "Phone numbers are only allowed to be used on one Microsoft account" because I know that. I want to know if the bonded data will be released and available to use for different accounts after the old account is deleted. Thanks!

:)

Kari · Nov 17, 2023

Microsoft account and phone number linked

Microsoft account password recovery requires two verification codes being sent using two different verification methods. Each Microsoft account has at least two verification methods, the phone number and additional email address which are asked and required when you set up a new Microsoft account with a new hotmail.com or outlook.com email or using a third party email.

When the thief who got your phone tries to recover your password, all your verification methods / security info phone numbers and email addresses will be listed for him to select one. OK, the thief naturally selects your phone number, gets the code sent as a text message, and enters it.

But, clicking Next after entering the code he needs to select another security info contact (phone / email) from the list to receive second verification code.

Password recovery is not possible with just your phone, the system is clever enough to make it impossible by requiring two codes being sent to two different phones and / or emails.

You can add as many phone numbers and email address as you wish as security info contacts at https://account.live.com/proofs/mana...&refp=security. I wholeheartedly recommend that you add at least another security email address; if you only have one phone number and one email added, those which were required when you set up the Microsoft account, and that thief got your phone, the recovery would be as impossible to you as it is to him, you both having access to just one of required two verification methods.

Tetsujin · Nov 17, 2023

How can I un-link my current Microsoft account that is tagged to my Windows activation license and link it to a new Microsoft account?

You don't make a new account & try to move your entitlements to it, you change the email address associated with the original account.

From Microsoft Support - Change the email address or phone number for your Microsoft account

I want to use a different email address or phone number to sign in

You can use any email address or phone number you have listed as a
username to sign in to your Microsoft account. If you want to sign in
with a specific one or change the one you're signing in with, here's
how:

Sign in to Manage how you sign in to Microsoft with your Microsoft account. If you’re having issues signing in to your
Microsoft account, go to Microsoft account help.

Note You may be prompted to enter your Microsoft account password, or
to enter a code sent to the email address or phone number listed in
your account's security information. By providing this info to us, we
know the request is coming from you.

If you want to use an existing email address or phone number, go to step 6. If you're adding a new email address or phone number, go to
step 3.

If you selected Add a phone number, go to step 5. If you selected Add email, choose whether to add:
a. A new email address. Select Create a new email address and add it as an alias, and then follow the instructions.

b. A non-Microsoft email address (such as an @gmail.com or @yahoo.com email address). Select Add an existing email address as a Microsoft
account alias, and then select Add alias.

After you've added the email address, you'll be asked to verify that you're the account owner:

a. Select Verify next to the new alias. A message is sent to the account for verification.

b. After you receive the message, select the included link to confirm that you own the account.

If you selected Add a phone number, follow these steps:

a. Select your country from the list.

b. Enter the phone number you
want to use, and then select Next.

c. When you add a new phone
number, we'll send a text message to that number to verify it. Enter
the code in the text message, and then select Next.

Under Sign-in preferences, select Change sign-in preferences.

Either select the check boxes next to the aliases that you want to use to sign in or clear the check boxes for the aliases that you don’t
want to use to sign in, and then select Save.

Click to expand...

Aditya_Roy · Nov 17, 2023

Microsoft Rewards

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand your concern as you are having difficulties in signing to Microsoft Rewards account.
In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

What is the Windows 10 version and Build installed? (Type
winver in Windows search/Run command)

Did you try sign in to Microsoft Rewards, using a different browser?

Are you able to login to
www.login.live.com using the same Microsoft account?

Meanwhile, we would suggest you to create a

New support request
for Microsoft Rewards Support and a member of the support team will contact you within 24 hours.

Regards,

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

Windows 10: Can I reuse the phone number from a deleted Microsoft Rewards account in a new one?

Can I reuse the phone number from a deleted Microsoft Rewards account in a new one?

Can I reuse the phone number from a deleted Microsoft Rewards account in a new one?

Can I reuse the phone number from a deleted Microsoft Rewards account in a new one?

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