How to retrieve emails without password

Billy Baker 0 Reputation points
2025-10-22T21:18:50.4633333+00:00

I stopped receiving emails this morning. When attempting to log in with Outlook, am told that my password is incorrect. I have kept the same email for 40 years and do not want to change everything. Can someone please help me with how to retrieve my missing emails?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Winnie-B 1,630 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-23T01:49:12.4666667+00:00

    Good day Billy Baker,

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

    From your description, I understand how important this email account is to you, especially after using it for so many years. If you cannot sign in because the password is incorrect, please try the following steps:

    Solution 1: Clear stored credentials for Outlook and Microsoft account (If password is correct)

    If you're certain the password is correct, the Outlook app may be using a corrupted, saved version:

    • Close Outlook completely.
    • Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager
    • Select Windows Credentials.
    • Find and remove any entries related to Outlook, MicrosoftOffice, login.live.com or your specific email address.
    • Re-open Outlook: Outlook will be forced to prompt you for your password again. Enter your password carefully and check the box to "Remember me" or "Save this password."

    Solution 2: Account Recovery (If password is forgotten/changed)

    If Solution 1 fails, you must assume the password is now incorrect and use Microsoft's official recovery process:

    1. Reset your password

    • Go to: https://account.live.com/password/resetand follow the prompts.
    • If your recovery options (phone/email) are outdated, choose I don’t have any of these to access the Account Recovery form.

    2. Complete the Recovery Form

    If your verification options don’t work, submit Account Recovery form (ACSR)

    • Enter your email and an alternate email where Microsoft can contact you.
    • Provide as many accurate details as possible, such as old passwords, folder names (e.g., custom folders), frequent contacts/subjects, and submit from a familiar device/location.
    • Please refer to this official guideto help you fill out the form more accurately.
    • If your Microsoft account recovery request was not granted or was unsuccessful, please check Account recovery unsuccessful - Microsoft Support

    For more details, you can see Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password - Microsoft Support

    Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

    Thank you for your understanding and please feel free to let me know how it goes.


    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".    

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  2. Winnie-B 1,630 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-26T04:43:44.2466667+00:00

    Hello Billy Baker! I hope you're doing well.

    Just checking in to see if the above information was helpful. If you have any further updates on this issue, please feel free to post back. If you think my reply is helpful to you, please kindly mark it as an accepted answer, we’d really appreciate it! Your feedback helps others in the community too! Thanks for your understanding. 

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