How to fix outlook login

Microsoft may still require a verification code even when two-step verification and passwordless sign-in are turned off, especially if:

• The sign-in looks unusual (new device, new location, VPN, or long time since last sign-in).
• Security info needs to be confirmed or updated.

This behavior cannot be fully reverted to “password-only, no code prompts ever,” but the prompts can be reduced and made more predictable.

Use these steps and checks:

1. Confirm security info and prompts

• When seeing “make sure you can receive a security code” or similar, follow the prompt once to verify or update security info.
• After verification, these prompts should appear less often, though they may still show occasionally as a security check.

2. If the phone/email shown is not recognized

• When the verification screen shows a phone/email that is not recognized, confirm:
  • The correct email domain is being used (for example, .com vs .co.uk).
  • The email name is typed correctly (for example, rachel vs rachael).
• If the account details are correct but the security info is wrong, use the account recovery process: select the recovery link provided on the page or follow the guidance under “recover your account.”

3. If the backup security info must be changed

• If access to the current phone/email is lost or another method is needed, on the verification screen select I don't have any of these and follow the prompts to update backup security info.
• Do not remove all security info at once, or the account may be restricted for 30 days.

4. Understand why codes and prompts still appear

• Even with two-step verification off, Microsoft can:
  • Ask for a one-time code when sign-in appears risky.
  • Ask periodically to confirm that security info is current.
• This is by design and cannot be fully disabled.

If the goal is to avoid SMS/email codes as much as possible, consider using a passwordless method such as Microsoft Authenticator or Windows Hello. These methods replace many of the code prompts with an approval on a trusted device while still protecting the account.

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• How to sign in to Hotmail

Hi James

I understand Outlook.com sign-in is prompting for a verification code instead of showing the password prompt first. Please follow these steps:

1) Use a different available verification method (when offered)

If you’re on the verification screen and have other methods already set up, select “Sign in another way” and choose a method you can access.

2) Add a new verification method first, then remove the phone method (optional)

• If you want fewer SMS/phone prompts, you can replace the phone method by adding another method first (for example, an authenticator app, passkey, or alternate email), then remove the phone method.
• Go to your Microsoft account Security page and open Manage how I sign in to add a new verification method.
• After the new method is added, open Advanced security options, expand the phone method, and select Remove.

Important:

• Do not remove all security info. If all security info is removed, the account can enter a restricted/pending state for 30 days for security changes.

See:

• Removing a sign-in verification method
• Sign in another way (two-step verification/security info)
• What “security info change is still pending” means

Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!  

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