Why accounts are locked and disabled. 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:

Learn how to use Remote Desktop in Windows. On your Windows, Android, or iOS device: Open the Remote Desktop app (available for free from Microsoft Store, Google Play, and the Mac App Store), and add the name of the PC that you want to connect to (from Step 1). Select the remote PC name that you added, and then wait for the connection to complete.

Important: You don't need to remove old security information unless there is an account security risk (e.g. someone else has access to your old mailbox).

Sign in using two-step verification or security info; Create app passwords in Security info (preview) Set up a phone call as your verification method

New to Xbox gaming on PC? Here's how to get started.

Prevents Windows Update from performing driver installations and sending restart notifications; Helps achieve a more stable frame rate depending on the specific game and system

All Xbox digital codes are 25 characters long, include both numbers and letters, and are formatted in five blocks of five characters (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx).

You can paste the photo into an Office document, an email message, or on your PC's desktop. Learn more about copying and pasting content between your devices (for Surface Duo and select Samsung devices). What are photo notifications? You can get instant access to your most recent photos or screenshots from your linked Android device by engaging with the incoming new photo notifications on your PC.

Check the Xbox services, games, and apps for any service outages.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.