How to Fix Your Hacked Hotmail Account | 6 Easy Steps

Easy steps to recover hacked Hotmail account

By tmbormann12 | for assistance 1-850-923-O38OPublished 12 months ago • 4 min read

How to Fix Your Hacked Hotmail Account | 6 Easy Steps

Email accounts are the gateway to our personal and professional lives in today's digital age. Hotmail, now part of Outlook, is one of the most popular email services. However, its widespread use also makes it a prime target for hackers. In case you experience a hacked Hotmail account, speed is your first duty: restore your access and protect your information.

1. Change Your Password Right Away**

Change your Hotmail password. If you can still get into your account, do it now to freeze out the hacker.

How to Change Your Hotmail Password

1. Sign in to your Hotmail account.

2. Click your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.

3. Choose **View Account** or **My Microsoft Account**.

4. In **Security**, click **Change Password**.

5. Answer the prompts to create a good, unique password.

**Pro Tip:** Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make a strong password. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)**

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security to your account. Even if a hacker gets your password, they will not be able to access your account without the second verification step.

**How to Enable 2FA on Hotmail:**

1. Go to your **Microsoft Account Security** page.

2. Under **Two-Step Verification**, click **Set Up Two-Step Verification**.

3. Follow the instructions to link your phone number or an authenticator app.

4. Verify your identity using the code sent to your device.

**Pro Tip:** Use an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator for added security.

3. Check for Suspicious Activity**

Review your account for any unauthorized changes or activities. Hackers may alter your settings, send emails from your account, or access sensitive information.

**Steps to Check for Suspicious Activity:**

1. Log in to your Hotmail account.

2. Navigate to the **Recent Activity** page under **Security**.

3. Check for unknown login locations, devices, or times.

4. If you detect suspicious activity, click **This wasn't me** to report it.

**Pro Tip:** Check your account activity regularly to detect potential breaches early.

**4. Remove Unauthorized Apps and Devices**

Hackers can connect third-party apps or devices to your account to keep themselves logged in. Removing these connections is a necessary step to securing your account.

**How to Remove Unauthorized Apps and Devices:**

1. Visit the **Microsoft Account Security** page.

2. Scroll to **Devices** or **Apps with Account Access**.

3. Review the list and remove any unfamiliar devices or apps.

4. Confirm your actions to revoke access.

**Pro Tip:** Avoid granting account access to untrusted apps or services.

**5. Recover Your Account if You’re Locked Out**

If you’re unable to log in, use Microsoft’s account recovery tool to regain access.

**Steps to Recover Your Hotmail Account:**

1. Go to the **Microsoft Account Recovery** page.

2. Enter your email address and follow the prompts.

3. Verify your identity using your phone number, alternate email, or security questions.

4. Reset your password and secure your account.

**Pro Tip:** Keep your recovery information up to date to make the process smoother.

**6. Scan Your Device for Malware**

Hackers widely employ malware in raids on login credentials. Scanning your device ensures that there is nothing malicious threatening your account.

**How to Scan for Malware:**

1. Carry out a full system scan using a reputable antivirus program.

2. Delete the identified threats.

3. Update your operating systems and installed software.

**Pro Tip:** Install antivirus software and enable updates to fight against future attacks.

**FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q1: How can I tell if my Hotmail account has been hacked?**

A: Common signs of hacking include:
Unsent emails that you did not send.
Your password was changed, but you didn't authorize the change.
Your friends and contacts receive spam messages from your account.
You are unable to sign in even with the right password.

**Q2: Can my Hotmail account be hacked?**

A: Absolutely! Best practices for not getting hacked:
Use a unique, strong password.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Do not click on a suspicious link or download an attachment you do not know what it is.
Update your recovery information regularly.

Q3: What do I do if my recovery information has been changed?

A Call Microsoft Support immediately and provide whatever information you can to verify your identity and access your account again.

Q4: Can hackers utilize my other accounts through Hotmail?

A: Absolutely, if you have used it for more than one site. Always, use different passwords across different sites, and activate 2FA wherever it is available.

Q5: How long does it take to recover a hacked Hotmail account?

A: It really depends. If you are on top of things and have up to date recovery, you will get back into the account in minutes. Of course, harder cases take longer.

Q6: Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi with my Hotmail account?

A: Public Wi-Fi is usually unsecured and, therefore, unsafe to use for any sensitive accounts; Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and hide your IP address.

**Conclusion**

A hacked Hotmail account can be a painful experience. You can regain control of your situation by using these six methods. You may want to work quickly, use strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication, and be aware of potential threats. Sometimes, all it takes is being proactive in order to protect your account from being hacked in the first place and to prevent such a breach from occurring in the future.