What do I do if I have forgotten the password for a Microsoft account?

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Question

I have forgotten the password for my Microsoft account, what can I do?

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Answer

If two-step verification is enabled and no alternative verification method is available, Microsoft cannot help. If two-step verification is not enabled, the sign-in utility should be used. Before completing the form, you should try to restore the account using the login utility. A working email account is required to receive information.
Another option is to fill out the Microsoft account recovery form. This should contain as much information as possible. After submitting the form, you will receive feedback within 24 hours as to whether the account has been verified.

Open the page Reset or restore your Microsoft account in your browser. Microsoft provides detailed information about the procedure on this page.

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The information in this article refers to:

• Devices with Windows operating system

ChangeLog:

• 2024-11-04 / Version 2.0
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• 2024-12-24
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• 2024-06-24
  Initial version

Article in other languages:

• Deutsch

Review Date: 2025-05-04