Sources checked: 12 October 2026.
For a personal Hotmail, Outlook.com, Live or MSN mailbox, recover the Microsoft account that owns the address. Windows Live Mail was a desktop email program, not a separate email provider: a Gmail or Yahoo account added to it must be recovered through that provider instead.
Reset a forgotten Microsoft password
- Start from Microsoft’s forgotten-password instructions or the Microsoft sign-in screen and select Forgot password?.
- Enter the identifier for the account you own. Choose one of the verification methods shown and confirm the requested portion of that recovery address or number.
- Get the code through that method, enter it on Microsoft’s verification screen and set a new password. If you do not recognize or cannot access the offered methods, use the sign-in helper linked from the instructions.
Only enter recovery details into the Microsoft flow you opened yourself. A message from an unrelated website cannot replace Microsoft’s identity checks.
When the account recovery form is appropriate
Microsoft’s recovery-form guidance advises trying the sign-in helper first. Where the form is applicable, prepare a separate working email address to receive the result, previous account information, known contacts and exact email subject lines. Complete it from a previously used device and usual location if possible.
The form’s contact address is for correspondence; receiving a code there alone does not prove ownership of the locked account. Microsoft reviews the supplied history and normally responds within 24 hours. If unsuccessful, improve the information before retrying; submissions are limited to two per day.
Two-step verification limitation: Microsoft says it cannot help through this form when two-step verification is enabled and none of the alternate verification methods are accessible. Support staff cannot bypass those protections or change the account details for you.
After access is restored
Check recent activity and current recovery methods, and use a strong unique password, following Microsoft’s protection guidance. Save essential information securely so a future account issue does not leave you dependent on one mailbox.
Why old Windows Live Mail instructions were replaced
Windows Essentials 2012 support ended on 10 January 2017; the suite included Windows Live Mail and is no longer available from Microsoft for download. Recover your actual provider account in its current website, then use a supported email client. Avoid password-extraction tools and unofficial Live Mail downloads. Resetting an online password does not migrate mail stored only on the old computer.
Independent information: Number Customer Care is not affiliated with Microsoft. We cannot access your account, reset your password or provide Microsoft customer support.