@ step verification

Question

@ step verification

i_taz 0

Hi, I'm suddenly been prompted for 2 step verification, although it's turn off,

to verify my account. Nothing I'm doing has changed including my browser

and computer

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Hornblower409 17,965

@i_taz said

Hi, I'm suddenly been prompted for 2 step verification, although it's turn off

If Microsoft detects "unusual activity" on your account (e.g. multiple failed sign-in attempts by someone else) it may require you to complete a second verification method to be sure it's you.

One way you might be able to prevent this in the future is to setup a Login Only Alias and disable Sign-In for your current email address.

See the Answer "Login Only Alias" by "Hornblower409 Feb 2026"
at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/a/12620617
in https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5789093/

This provides all the steps required to ensure you setup your new alias correctly and the crucial step of changing your Default Send From address so that your new alias isn't leaked into the wild and becomes an attack target.

i_taz 0 Reputation points

2026-10-28T15:59:59.9366667+00:00

I'm logging in with the new LIO@outlook address but still wants 2 step
Hornblower409 17,965 Reputation points

2026-10-28T16:07:27.0933333+00:00

@i_taz said

I'm logging in with the new LIO@outlook address but still wants 2 step

Assume you disabled Sign-In on your old email and confirmed that it can not be used to Sign-In? Steps 5, 6, and 7.

Even so, It may take some time for Microsoft to remove the "Unusual Activity" flag from your account.
i_taz 0 Reputation points

2026-10-28T20:53:56.9866667+00:00

Yes i thnk i turned off old then it wouldn't let me use either one. Prompted me to use another outlook account i have that is not related. Suddenly it worked again using my lio but still 2 step. I saw on the news recently a big outlook hack so i wasnt surprised their making things difficult. My browser setting clr cache etc so that doesnt help. My other outlook account want 2 step also. In the meantime i got in on my phone but kept pushing to get a passkey...
Hornblower409 17,965 Reputation points

2026-10-28T23:00:10.1933333+00:00

@i_taz said

i got in on my phone but kept pushing to get a passkey...

I assume you mean using the Microsoft Authenticator App. That's up to you. But it is a pretty easy alternate verification method.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/authenticator/how-to-add-your-accounts-to-microsoft-authenticator

Answer 2

GsN5034 - IA 79,185 Independent Advisor

Hello,

When two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled, you must verify your identity in two ways. The first is typically your password, while the second may be a code sent to your recovery email address or generated by an authenticator app.

Sign in to your Microsoft account’s Security settings page using the link below:

https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage

If two-step verification is currently turned off, temporarily turn it on.
Wait a few minutes, and then turn it off again.

This process may refresh or resynchronize your account’s security settings.

--*

Once you have completed these steps, open a private or incognito window in your web browser.

Go to https://account.microsoft.com/ and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Check whether you can sign in using only your password.

Note:

If you try to access or change your account’s security information, Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using the security contact methods associated with your account. This additional verification may be required even if two-step verification is turned off.

Important Note:

Microsoft recommends turning on two-step verification because it adds an extra layer of protection if someone knows your password. With two-step verification enabled, your password alone is generally not enough to access your account, helping keep your account and personal information more secure.

i_taz 0 Reputation points

2026-10-28T19:41:01.5633333+00:00

Yes i thnk i turned off old then it wouldn't let me use either one. Prompted me to use another outlook account i have that is not related. Suddenly it worked again using my lio but still 2 step. I saw on the news recently a big outlook hack so i wasnt surprised their making things difficult. My browser setting clr cache etc so that doesnt help. In the meantime i got in on my phone but kept pushing to get a passkey...
i_taz 0 Reputation points

2026-10-28T20:52:40.6866667+00:00

Sorry, wrong reply
i_taz 0 Reputation points

2026-10-28T22:20:06.71+00:00

I tried to activate 2 step and even that's not easy. Wants an alternative form of verification and won't accept my current email I use for the account so dead end there...
Hornblower409 17,965 Reputation points

2026-10-28T22:57:12.04+00:00

@i_taz said

Wants an alternative form of verification and won't accept my current email I use for the account

I assume you are on the "Manage sign-in and verification options for your Microsoft account" at
https://account.live.com/proofs/manage/additional

If so, you can not use the current account email for "Email a code". It has to be a different email address that you have access to. When you add a new verification email, it will send a test message to that address to verify. You have to be able to complete that test.