If you tried to sign in to your account and received a message that it's been locked, it's because activity associated with your account might violate our Terms of Use.
How to unlock your Microsoft account
To unlock your Microsoft account, sign in at account.microsoft.com.
Tip
If you can't sign in, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper.
I don't see the "Let's prove you're human" option when signing in
If you don't see the Let's prove you're human option when you sign in, your account has been locked due to suspicious activity or for violating of Microsoft's Terms of Use agreement.
For help reinstating your account, select the link in the window that begins with aka.ms/. Follow the instructions provided. Once we receive your information, we'll review the request to unlock your account.
Important
- After you submit the form, a Microsoft Online Safety support agent will review it and contact you by email. Please do not submit additional requests, as this may slow down our response time.
- To protect your account and its contents, our support agents and advocates can only send password reset links or access and change account details when you submit the account reinstatement form.
Why is my Microsoft account temporarily suspended?
Microsoft accounts are usually locked if the account holder has violated our Microsoft Services Agreement. Here are some common reasons why accounts are locked, though not all account locks occur for these reasons:
Malware, phishing, and other harmful activities
Microsoft forbids the use of our services for:
- Malware: Sending intentionally unwanted or harmful code or software.
- Phishing: Stealing private information from others by tricking or spoofing them into providing it.
- Interfering with, harming, or spoofing Microsoft networks, services, or other systems.
Spam
Spam takes many forms. Don't use Microsoft networks to send, share, or publish unwanted emails, comments, messages, photos, reviews, or any other content.
Tip
- Don't send unsolicited promotional or commercial content.
- Don't send content to people you don't know or to many people at the same time.
- Don't use programs, scripts, or bots to create Microsoft accounts.
- Don't spoof or reuse information across multiple accounts when signing up.
- Don't create or use multiple accounts to violate Microsoft policies.
See also
Troubleshooting verification code issues
Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
Need more help?
Can't sign in?
If you can't sign into your Microsoft account, most issues can be identified by our sign-in helper tool.
Contact Support
For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.
Important
To protect your account and its contents, our support agents are not allowed to send password reset links, or access and change account details.