Windows 10: Unable to Update Phone Number in Microsoft Account - Error Code 1208

I am unable to add my new phone number to my Microsoft account, and I believe there might be some bugs on your platform causing this issue:Adding New Number Issue: I am living in Canada and have just gotten a new phone number. However, when I attempt to update my account with this new number, your platform returns an error code 1208, stating that the number is "unavailable." I'm not sure why your system deems it unavailable, but this appears to be an error on your end.Lack of Support Options: After encountering this issue, I tried to seek support through your platform but couldn't find any rel

:)

 

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.

 

How to change phone number associated with a microsoft account

Hi,

Phone number is one of your security info, which is only used to verify your identity if you're accessing sensitive personal information or if we detect a problem with your account.
To change the phone number associated with your Microsoft account, we recommend to follow the steps below:

• First, go to the
  Security basics page and sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Select Update info.
• Select Add security info. then follow the instructions to enter your email or phone number.
• We'll send a security code to that new email or phone number. Enter that security code, and press
  Next. Your new security info will appear in you list.

Check this
link for Security info & security codes.

Let us know if you need more help.

 

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