> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mogalts.win/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Email + Recovery Code

> Recover an account using the 25-character recovery code

You received an email address and a 25-character recovery code. This guide walks you through using it to take over the account.

## What You Have

```
Email: account@outlook.com
Recovery Code: ABCDE-12345-FGHIJ-67890-KLMNO
```

| Field             | What It Is                                                                          |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Email**         | The Microsoft account email. You'll use this to start the recovery process.         |
| **Recovery Code** | 25-character code that bypasses all security. Format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX |

## Recovery Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Account Recovery">
    Open [account.live.com/password/reset](https://account.live.com/password/reset)

    Enter the **Email** from your delivery and click **Next**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verification Screen">
    You'll see one of two screens:

    **Option A:** If you see "Authenticator" page, click **"Use a different verification option"**

    **Option B:** If you see verification options directly, proceed to next step
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Recovery Code Option">
    Click **"I don't have any of these"** at the bottom of the options.

    This gets you to the recovery code entry.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Recovery Code">
    Microsoft asks: "Do you have an account recovery code?"

    Copy and paste your 25-character recovery code, then click **"Use recovery code"**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Your Contact Email">
    Enter **YOUR own email** (Gmail, etc.) — this becomes a recovery option.

    Microsoft sends a verification code to your email. Check your inbox, copy the code, paste it back.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Your New Password">
    Create a new password you'll remember. 8 characters minimum, case sensitive.

    <Warning>**Write this down!** This is your new account password.</Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Your New Recovery Code">
    Microsoft shows a **new recovery code**. Your old one no longer works.

    <Warning>**CRITICAL:** Copy and save this new 25-character code somewhere safe!</Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Done!

The account is now yours with:

* Your new password
* Your email as a recovery option
* Your new recovery code for emergencies

You can now [fully secure the account](/mfa/secure-account) by adding 2FA, removing old security info, etc.