Windows 10: How do I recover an account when Microsoft won't update my contact information or verification?

I got a new phone and signed into my Microsoft account. Microsoft locked the account and sent the verification email to an email account that hasn't existed in almost a decade, despite setting up 2 step verification with my phone a couple years ago. The recovery tool is unhelpful as I have no record of outgoing emails without access to the account. Most of my digital fingerprint and financial interactions are tied to this account, and I can't access any of it, because Microsoft doesn't recognize the verification data is out of date.

:)

 

Unprompted Microsoft verification text

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

• 
  Have you enabled two step verification?
  
• 
  Did you make any changes prior to this issue?
  

If you have enabled two step verification in the Microsoft account. You’ll get a security code to your email, phone, or authenticator app every time you sign in on a device that isn't trusted.

Refer the link below for more information.

About two-step verification.

How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account - Microsoft Support

Security info & security codes.

Microsoft account security info & verification codes - Microsoft Support



Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

microsoft account verification

Hi Cis,


Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing currently. Let me help you in resolving the issue.

The issue could be due to some suspicious activity on the computer. I would suggest you to try the steps from the following link and see if that helps.

About two-step verification

How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account - Microsoft Support

Hope the information helps. Keep us posted on Windows related queries and we will be happy to assist you further.

 

How to Reset & Recover Microsoft Account

This Forum article walks you through the account password reset, account recovery process, and offers tips and tricks to help get you into your account as quickly as possible.

A Microsoft
account (formerly knowns as Windows Live ID) is what you use to sign in to
Microsoft services such as outlook.com (or Hotmail), Office, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, Windows, and more. It makes your experiences on devices and services more personal and relevant
to you.

Watch the Instructional Video on the step by step password reset & recovery

Universal Media Player





Password Reset

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to services like Outlook.com, Skype, OneDrive, and Xbox Live you might need to reset it. First, check to make sure that Caps Lock isn't on, because passwords are case-sensitive. If you're
sure you're using the right password but still can't sign in, you may need to reset your Microsoft Account password

To reset your password:

1. Go to the Reset your password page -
   https://aka.ms/MSAPWreset
2. The short video provides step by step guide on how to reset your Microsoft Account Password
3. To learn more on how you can protect your Microsoft Account, visit
   How to help keep your Microsoft account safe and secure - Microsoft Support

Account Recovery

If resetting your Microsoft Account password does not work, you may still recover your account by answering the Recovery Form.
The account recovery form is meant to be the last option to get you back into your account. the recovery form gives you a chance to prove that you own your account.

Fill out Recovery Form

1. Go to Recover your account
2. Enter a working email address that we can use to contact you about your account recovery
3. The short video provides step by step guide on how to recover your Microsoft Account through ACSR
4. To lean more on Recovering Microsoft Account, please visit
   Help with the Microsoft account recovery form - Microsoft Support

Note:

The account recovery form works by asking questions about your account that only you could answer. Then, we review your answers and respond within 24 hours with either instructions to get back in to your account or a denial. Keep
these tips in mind to help you succeed:

• Use a computer we’ll recognize. If possible, fill out the form on a computer that you’ve used to sign in to your account before.
  
• Answer as many questions as possible. Not all the questions will apply to you, and that's ok. Don't worry if you don't have an answer. But it's better to guess and be close than to leave a question blank.
  
• Give us a working email to contact you. We won't use this email address for spam, only to give you the results of your recovery request. You can even use a friend's account, or create a free temporary email.
  
• If you have two-step verification turned on for your account, the recovery form won’t work. When you turn on two-step verification, we promise not to let anyone sign in without two forms of identification, no matter how much information
  they know about your account. Visit this page to learn more about two step verification