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"Too Many Failed Attempts" = Forced Password Change

Anonymous
2023-08-25T12:48:22+00:00

Mod note: Brought here by a search because there are a ridiculous number of login attempts to your account? Read the note at the bottom of this message.

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Why is it possible for the actions of someone else to force me to change my password?

The password I had for my Microsoft account was SECURE - it had not been breached or leaked - I also had authenticator app on my phone.

So why after getting my password wrong once was I forced to change my password, owing to 'too many failed attempts to log in' - PEOPLE WITHOUT ACCESS TO MY ACCOUNT SHOULD NOT HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE ME CHANGE MY ACCOUNT. I cannot change it back to the password I want to use now - so I'm simply at a loss.

I cannot use a password manager as I use this account from too many other devices and locations where I don't have password manager available, so I can only use a password I remember, I am stretched too thin as it is so I cannot remember as new password every time. The only other more secure password I could possibly remember is the master password to my password manager, which I'm not going to use. This has forced me to go to the only route I have left - use a password that I know for a fact is known to other people. Therefor, I am now less secure than I was before.

These strong-arm policies should have some way to allow us to opt-out - I don't WANT to change my password if some bad-actor fails to break into my account, I WANT to use a known secure password, I don't want to use something new. This only makes it impossible for me to keep my current Microsoft account, and I will have no choice but to create a new account after 20 years.

Please can someone help me find a way of resolving this issue without creating a new email address.

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Added on 29 May 2026. This article will explain how to create a new primary alias and set it so that no one can sign in to the original account name/address, now a non-primary alias. To repeat a warning that's in the article... Do not delete the original address. Keep it as a non-primary alias.

https://www.outlook-tips.net/tips/keeping-hackers-microsoft-accounts/

Microsoft Edge | Profile, sync, and sign in | Windows 11

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-11-08T12:32:04+00:00

    Chandy, you did not address the OP's concerns. A failed attempted means the password is not compromised and you put us users at a security risk if you force us to continue to change passwords. Further, I don't believe you (microsoft) have good intentions as it was very telling that after you randomly forced a password change on me you tried to sell me a no password security product.

    Your company should block repeated failed attempts obviously to stop a brute force attack. But when you force users to change their passwords cause someone else failed 3 times it is clearly from your laziness or a deceptive business practice you are doing so.

    Hilarious how microsoft also blocks copy and paste so I can't even quote you. Ridiculous company fat and spoiled on past success.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-20T15:42:43+00:00

    Very dissapointed to change password very often for NO REASON. Only because I have to read e-mails on the phone, laptop and desktops. Shame on Microsoft.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-11-29T17:47:38+00:00

    Same here. When I want to log in on my computer, I am FORCED to change my password almost at a daily basis, I have the authenticator app on my phone.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-15T12:59:18+00:00

    I don't suppose this has been resolved? I'm at a loss with the amount of times I've had to reset my password. It is so frustrating that you only get one attempt! A simple typo and you are locked out :@!!!

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