How to Use Microsoft Account Recovery Form (Step-by-Step Guide)

The Microsoft account recovery form is your last resort when you can't access your account through normal recovery methods. This guide walks you through the process of filling out the form correctly to maximize your chances of successful account recovery.

Before Using the Recovery Form

Try these options first—the recovery form should be your last resort:

• Password reset: account.live.com/password/reset
• Security code to phone or email: If you still have access to registered security info
• Microsoft Authenticator: If app backup is enabled
• Recovery code: If you saved one previously

Use the recovery form when:

• You can't receive codes at any registered security info
• Your phone number or email has changed
• Someone changed your security info
• You don't have access to your Authenticator backup

---

Access the Recovery Form

1. Go to account.live.com/password/reset
2. Enter the email address you're trying to recover
3. Select "I don't have any of these" when asked for verification
4. You'll be redirected to the account recovery form

Or go directly to: account.live.com/acsr

---

Step 1: Enter Basic Information

Field	What to Enter
Email to recover	The Microsoft account email you're locked out of
Contact email	A different email where Microsoft can reach you
CAPTCHA	Complete the verification challenge

Important: The contact email MUST be different from the account you're recovering. Use any email you currently have access to.

---

Step 2: Verify Your Contact Email

1. Microsoft sends a code to your contact email
2. Check your inbox (and spam folder)
3. Enter the verification code
4. Click Verify

---

Step 3: Provide Account Details

This is the most important step. Provide as much accurate information as possible:

Password Information

• Any previous passwords (even old ones)
• Partial passwords if you can't remember the full one
• Patterns you commonly use for passwords

Email Details

• Subject lines of emails you sent recently
• Folder names you created in your inbox
• Contact names in your address book
• Email addresses you frequently communicate with

Microsoft Services Used

• Xbox gamertag
• Skype username
• OneDrive file names
• Microsoft 365 subscription details

Purchase History

• Order numbers from Microsoft Store purchases
• Payment method used (last 4 digits of card)
• Subscription dates for Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, etc.
• Approximate amounts of purchases

---

Tips for Successful Recovery

Be as Specific as Possible

• Instead of "bought games," say "purchased Minecraft on December 15, 2023 for $26.99"
• Include exact dates when possible
• Mention specific file or folder names

Use the Same Device and Location

• Fill out the form from a device you previously used with this account
• Use the same internet connection if possible
• Microsoft checks IP addresses and device history

Check Old Emails for Details

Look through other email accounts for:

• Microsoft purchase receipts
• Subscription renewal notices
• Account security alerts
• Password reset emails (for old passwords)

---

After Submitting the Form

1. Wait for Microsoft's response (typically 24-48 hours)
2. Check your contact email inbox and spam folder
3. You'll receive one of these responses:
   • Approved: Link to reset your password
   • Rejected: Explanation and option to try again
   • Need more info: Request for additional details

If Approved

1. Click the password reset link (valid for 24 hours)
2. Create a strong new password
3. Immediately add new security info
4. Enable two-factor authentication
5. Review recent account activity for unauthorized access

If Rejected

1. Read the rejection email carefully
2. Gather more account-specific details
3. Submit a new recovery form with additional information
4. There's no limit on form submissions

---

Information That Helps Most

High Value	Medium Value	Lower Value
Previous passwords	Contact names	General account age
Payment details	Email subjects	Approximate usage
Purchase receipts	Folder names	Device types used
Xbox/Skype IDs	File names	General location

---

Prevent Future Lockouts

Once you recover your account:

• Add multiple security options: Phone number AND recovery email
• Set up Microsoft Authenticator with cloud backup
• Save a recovery code: Security > Advanced security options > Recovery code
• Keep security info current: Update when changing phone numbers or emails

---

Related Articles

• How to Recover a Microsoft Account
• How to Transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a New Phone