There are a number of possible explanations for why verification codes don't always arrive. Read through the list of the most common causes, and see if any of them apply to you, or use our troubleshooter to help guide you.

Detailed information about downloading and using Microsoft Authenticator in China. The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

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. Learn how to manage your Microsoft account security info and troubleshoot verification code issues.

Sign in to Hotmail or Outlook.com. To sign in to Outlook.com or Hotmail, you'll need your Microsoft Account username and password. Sign-in. Note: Check the Don't show this again box if you want to go straight to Outlook.com next time (not recommended for shared computers).

If you believe it should be: Check the spelling of the name and the domain, e.g. rachel or rachael and .com or .co.uk. The account may have been closed. Learn more. If you see a password prompt, then your email is a Microsoft account.

Sending a message. If you haven't already set up messages, do the following: On your PC, in the Phone Link, select Messages. To start a new conversation, select New message. Enter the name or phone number of a contact. Select the person you want to send a message to.

SharePoint is a browser-based app that you connect to through your web browser, like so: Go to office.com, and sign in to your work or school account. In the upper left corner of the window, select the app launcher > All apps > SharePoint.

If your system is asking you for your BitLocker recovery key, the following information may help you locate your recovery key and understand why you're being asked to provide it. Important: Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key.

Hotmail is now Outlook.com. Learn how to sign in to access your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account.

If you run into problems trying to connect to a Bluetooth device, here are some troubleshooting steps to try. Note: For general info about how to connect a Bluetooth device to your PC, see Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows.