LOGIN TROUBLE WITH HOTMAIL

Hi PS827

From your post, I understand how frustrating this is, especially when it affects both email addresses and you’re seeing different sign-in prompts across devices.

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions yet? If yes, what happened?

To narrow this down, could you also confirm these:

• Are you currently able to sign in successfully on the web at https://outlook.live.com, even if apps prompt for extra verification?
• When you see messages like “login too many times” or requests for a passkey / PIN, does Microsoft ask you to wait before trying again?
• In case the sign‑in is blocked, are you being asked to add a passkey, enter a PIN, or use a code sent to a device you no longer have access to?

In the meantime, please stop all sign‑in attempts for at least 24 hours from all devices and browsers, then try signing in again on Outlook.com website first. Attempting sign‑in too frequently can extend the temporary block.

For more details, you can see these official guides:

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• Troubleshoot signing in with a passkey

Looking forward to your reply so I can assist further. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

The behavior described matches Microsoft temporarily blocking or challenging sign-in because of repeated attempts and/or unusual activity across the Hotmail/MSN (Outlook.com) accounts.

Key points and steps to take:

1. Use the official sign-in flow
   • Hotmail and MSN mail are now accessed via Outlook.com.
   • Sign in directly at Outlook.com using the Microsoft account username and password for each account.
   • If sign-in fails or loops, use the account/sign-in troubleshooter:
     • For Hotmail/Outlook.com: use the sign-in troubleshooter or Open account troubleshooter linked from:
       • "How to sign in to Hotmail"
       • "How to sign in to Outlook.com"
2. If the account is blocked or you see “too many attempts”
   • Microsoft may temporarily block sign-in after multiple failed attempts or suspicious activity.
   • Do not keep retrying; wait at least 24 hours with no sign-in attempts, then try again.
   • If, after waiting, the account still appears blocked, follow the unblock/reinstatement guidance:
     • Use Unblock my Outlook.com account from the Hotmail/Outlook.com sign-in help.
     • If prompted, also complete the Request for Account Reinstatement form as described in the Q&A reference.
3. If the username/password no longer work
   • If the correct password is not accepted, or the system keeps forcing resets, use the official recovery flow:
     1. Go to Recover your account (password reset) from "My username and password have stopped working".
     2. Enter the email address/phone/Skype name.
     3. Choose where to receive a security code and verify identity.
     4. Set a new password.
   • Tips from the documentation:
     • Ensure the correct domain is used (for example, @hotmail.com vs a country domain like @hotmail.co.uk).
     • Check for typos in the name part of the address.
     • If one alias is not recognized, try another alias or phone number on the same account.
4. If sign-in challenges are related to unusual activity
   • Microsoft “keeps an eye out for unusual sign-in activity.” If sign-ins are from different devices/locations, extra verification (codes, passkeys, etc.) may be required.
   • If travelling or using new devices, review the guidance in How to access Outlook.com when traveling.
5. If locked out by verification issues
   • If verification codes are not working or the account is locked after recovery attempts, complete the full account recovery form (as described in the Q&A references) with as much accurate information as possible (past passwords, contacts, recent email subjects, etc.).
   • If still blocked, contact Microsoft Support using the “Contact support” option from the account help pages and choose Microsoft account/password recovery as the topic.
6. General recommendations
   • Once access is restored, ensure:
     • A strong, unique password is set.
     • Up-to-date security info (phone, alternate email) is configured.
     • Two-step verification is enabled and working on devices that can handle it.

These steps apply to both the @hotmail and @msn Outlook.com accounts, since they are all Microsoft accounts behind the same sign-in system.

References:

• How to sign in to Hotmail
• How to sign in to Outlook.com
• My username and password have stopped working
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot log in Outlook. - Microsoft Q&A
• Lock or block login attempts - Microsoft Q&A