Independent guide - not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. We never ask for your password, codes or account details. For official help use Microsoft's account recovery form or support.microsoft.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Accounts
Updated October 21, 2026.
Short answers to the questions people most often ask about aka.ms/accountrecovery and getting back into a Microsoft account. Each answer is checked against Microsoft's own support pages, linked at the bottom.
What is aka.ms/accountrecovery?
It is a Microsoft short link that redirects to account.live.com/acsr, Microsoft's free form for recovering a personal Microsoft account when you cannot use any of your security info.
Why am I seeing a sign-in warning on Windows?
Windows shows account prompts when it needs you to verify or update your Microsoft account, for example after a password change. Genuine prompts open Microsoft pages; they never ask you to call a number or pay. Our page on why warnings appear explains more.
How long does recovery take?
Microsoft's help page says it replies within 24 hours; its guidance notes say a response may take up to 5 working days. The reply goes to the contact email you entered in the form.
How many times can I submit the recovery form?
Microsoft says you can keep trying, up to two times per day. Only resubmit when you have new information, because identical repeat submissions slow the response.
Where do I find my Microsoft account recovery code?
Microsoft does not show existing codes. If you can sign in, generate a new 25-character code on your security page; the old code stops working. If you cannot sign in, use the sign-in helper or the recovery form.
Can I reopen a closed Microsoft account?
Yes, within the 30-day or 60-day reopen window chosen when it was closed. Sign in at account.microsoft.com and enter the security code Microsoft sends. After the window, or if the account was not used for more than two years, it may be deleted and cannot be reopened.
What does "security info change is still pending" mean?
All of the security info on the account was removed and replaced, so Microsoft restricts the account for 30 days before the change takes effect. If you made the change you can cancel it from the Security page; if you did not, use the "let us know" link there.
Can I use aka.ms links on mobile?
Yes. aka.ms links are ordinary web addresses and open in any browser on a phone, tablet or computer.
Does the recovery form work for work or school accounts?
No. Accounts issued by an employer or school are managed by that organization. Use aka.ms/sspr for password resets or contact your IT administrator.
Where to go next
- Step-by-step guide to the recovery form
- What to do when the recovery form is not working
- Microsoft account recovery code: where to find and use it
- How to reopen a closed Microsoft account
- Security info change still pending: the 30-day wait explained
- Why account warnings appear on Windows
If your question isn't here, check Microsoft's official pages: help with the recovery form, how to get a recovery code and support.microsoft.com.