Recover a Hacked Microsoft Account | Microsoft Security

How to recover your hacked Microsoft account

How to recover your hacked Microsoft account

If you think your Microsoft account has been hacked, we recommend that you reset your password right away. To change your Outlook.com or Hotmail password, sign in to your Microsoft account, and then go to the Password and Security section for Outlook.com or the Account overview page in the Account security section for Hotmail.

Add security information to your account

You can also recover your account by associating it with information that cybercriminals can’t easily access, like your mobile phone number or an alternate email address. For example, if you lose your password or your account is compromised, Microsoft sends you an account-recapture code in a text message to help you regain access to your account. Add security information to your account.

You can also set up a "trusted PC" to recapture a hijacked account. You can associate your account with one or more of your personal computers. That way, if you ever need to regain control of your account by resetting your password, use one of your trusted computers and Outlook.com or Hotmail will know you are the legitimate owner.

Watch out for scams

If you receive an email message about the security of your account, it could be a phishing scam. Don’t click links in any messages unless you trust or check with the sender. Instead, reset your password.

Use antivirus software

Scammers can get into your email account by installing malicious software onto your computer without your knowledge. Make sure you use antivirus software that updates automatically like Microsoft Security Essentials if your computer runs Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP. If you’re using Windows 8, you already have antivirus and antispyware protection called Windows Defender—which means you don’t need to download Microsoft Security Essentials or other antivirus programs. Windows Defender 8 runs in the background and notifies you when you need to take specific action.

via microsoft.com

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!