Easy Steps to Recover Your Hotmail Account
Easy Steps to Recover Your Hotmail Account
Hotmail, one of the first webmail services on the Internet, has undergone significant transformations since it was launched in 1996. It was acquired by Microsoft in 1997 and has since evolved into Outlook.com. Despite these changes, many users still refer to their Outlook.com email addresses as Hotmail accounts. Losing access to your Hotmail account can be frustrating, especially if it contains important emails and documents. Fortunately, Microsoft provides several ways to recover your account. Here are easy steps you can follow to regain access to your Hotmail account.
Step 1: Visit the Recovery Page
The first step in recovering your Hotmail account is to go to the account recovery page. You can do this by navigating to the Microsoft account recovery page. Here, you will be prompted to enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with your account. Make sure to enter the one you used to create or most commonly use for your Hotmail account.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
After you’ve entered your account information, Microsoft will require you to verify your identity. This is a crucial step to ensure that the account is yours. Microsoft offers several methods for verification, including sending a security code via email to a backup email address, sending a text message to a phone number associated with your account, or answering security questions if you’ve set them up previously. Choose the method that is most convenient for you and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
Step 3: Reset Your Password
Once your identity has been verified, you will be given the option to reset your password. It’s recommended to choose a strong and unique password that you haven’t used before. It should be a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. After you’ve successfully reset your password, you can use it to log into your account.
Step 4: Update Your Security Information
After regaining access to your Hotmail account, it’s a good idea to update your security information. This includes your alternate email addresses, phone numbers, and security questions. Keeping this information up-to-date can help you recover your account more easily in the future if you ever lose access again. You can update your security information by navigating to the Security settings in your Microsoft account.
Step 5: Review Recent Activity
Microsoft recommends reviewing your account’s recent activity after recovering it. This can help you identify any unauthorized access or changes made to your account. If you notice any suspicious activity, you should take additional steps to secure your account, such as running a virus scan on your devices, changing your password again, and reviewing the permissions you’ve granted to third-party apps.
FAQs on Recovering Your Hotmail Account
What if I don’t have access to my backup email or phone number?
If you don’t have access to your backup email or phone number, you still have options. During the recovery process, you can select I don’t have any of these when asked for verification. You will then be directed to a form where you can provide more details about your account to prove your identity, such as previous passwords you’ve used, contacts in your account, subjects of recent emails, and more. This information will be reviewed by Microsoft, and if verified, you will be given instructions on how to recover your account.
Can I recover my Hotmail account without the recovery form?
Without using the recovery form, your options are limited. The recovery form is designed to securely verify your identity and protect your account from unauthorized access. However, if you’ve previously logged into your account on a device, you might still be signed in. In such cases, you can access your account and update your security information without completing the recovery form. However, for most users, the recovery form is the most effective method to recover an account.
How long does it take to recover a Hotmail account?
The time it takes to recover a Hotmail account can vary. If you have immediate access to your backup email or phone number, the process can take only a few minutes. However, if you need to submit the recovery form because you don’t have access to any verification options, the process can take longer. Microsoft will review the information you provide, which can take up to 24 hours. If your identity is successfully verified, you’ll receive instructions on how to regain access to your account.
What should I do if my recovery request is denied?
If your recovery request is denied, it may be because the information you provided was not sufficient for Microsoft to verify your identity. In such cases, you can submit another request and try to provide more detailed information or different pieces of evidence that you are the account owner. It’s essential to include as much information as possible, such as information about recent emails sent or received, old passwords, or subjects of folders you’ve created, to improve your chances of success.
Is it possible for my Hotmail account to be permanently deleted or unrecoverable?
Yes, it’s possible for a Hotmail account to become permanently deleted or unrecoverable. If an account is not used for over two years, Microsoft may delete it due to inactivity. Additionally, if you’ve manually closed your account, there is a 60-day grace period during which you can reactivate it. After this period, the account may be permanently deleted. If your account has been hacked and the information changed, recovery might also be more difficult, though not always impossible. Always attempt the recovery process as soon as you notice unauthorized changes or cannot access your account.
Recovering your Hotmail account might seem daunting at first, but by following these steps and providing the correct information, you can regain access and secure your account against future issues. Remember to regularly update your security information and monitor your account for any unusual activity to minimize the risk of losing access in the future.
