Technology

Losing access to your Microsoft account can be incredibly frustrating, disrupting access to email, online services and important files. While the process can sometimes feel complex, Microsoft provides several avenues for account recovery, even if you’re locked out or have forgotten your password. Understanding these options and preparing beforehand can significantly increase your chances of regaining access.

The core of Microsoft’s account recovery process relies on verifying your identity. This is increasingly important as cybersecurity threats evolve and protecting user data becomes paramount. Microsoft emphasizes that the primary method for regaining access is through their dedicated account recovery form, designed to confirm you are the legitimate owner. However, navigating this process effectively requires understanding the available tools and potential roadblocks.

Understanding the Account Recovery Process

If you find yourself unable to sign in to your Microsoft account, the first step is to attempt a password reset. Microsoft offers a standard password reset process, accessible from the sign-in page. However, this relies on having access to the recovery email address or phone number associated with your account. As of February 2026, you can initiate a password reset at https://account.live.com/password/reset. If these options are unavailable, the account recovery form is the next crucial step.

The Microsoft account recovery form is a detailed questionnaire designed to gather information only the account holder would know. Microsoft states that completing the form can capture time, as it’s designed to be thorough. Before starting, ensure you have access to a working email address – even one belonging to a friend or relative – to receive updates about your request. You can even create a temporary Outlook.com account if needed.

What to Do If You’re Still Locked Out

If the standard recovery form doesn’t yield results, Microsoft offers an alternative path. A form to reset your access to Microsoft services is available at https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/concern/AccountReinstatement#. It’s important to note this isn’t a direct recovery form. instead, it allows you to detail your problem and receive a response via email within 48 to 72 hours.

For those struggling with the recovery process, Microsoft provides guidance on resetting a forgotten Microsoft account password, including troubleshooting verification code issues. The Sign-in Helper tool is also recommended as a first step, as it can guide you through the process and potentially offer alternative verification methods.

Strengthening Your Account Security

Preventing account lockouts in the future is crucial. Microsoft recommends regularly reviewing and updating your security information, including your recovery email address and phone number. You can find resources on maintaining account security at How to maintain the level of security of your Microsoft account and learning about security info and verification codes at Microsoft account security info and verification codes.

It’s important to remember that Microsoft support agents are unable to directly reset passwords or access account details to protect user privacy. The account recovery process is designed to be self-service, empowering users to regain control of their accounts while minimizing security risks.

As Microsoft continues to refine its security protocols, the account recovery process may evolve. Staying informed about the latest best practices and utilizing the available resources will be key to safeguarding your digital life. If you’ve recently experienced an account lockout, sharing your experience in the comments below could help others navigate similar challenges.

The Swiss public broadcaster RTS is facing criticism after a commentator made controversial remarks during coverage of the bobsleigh competition at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The controversy centers on comments made by Stephan Renna regarding Israeli bobsleigh athletes Adam Edelman and Menachem Chen, sparking accusations of bias and inappropriate commentary.

The incident occurred during the second run of the bobsleigh event, where Edelman and Chen were positioned at the bottom of the standings. Renna reportedly discussed Edelman’s publicly stated political views and connected them to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, drawing immediate condemnation from viewers and prompting a wave of criticism on social media platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). The core of the dispute revolves around whether Renna’s commentary crossed the line from objective sports reporting into personal opinion and political commentary.

According to reports, Renna stated that Edelman “defines himself as a Zionist to the core,” and referenced social media posts made by the athlete regarding the conflict in Gaza. He cited Edelman’s assertion that the military intervention was “the most morally just war in history,” a statement that has fueled the controversy. The commentator similarly referenced a report by the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded in September 2023 that Israel had committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

Israel strongly rejected the UN report, labeling it “biased and false.” The inclusion of this contentious detail within the Olympic broadcast has raised questions about journalistic impartiality and the appropriateness of injecting political discourse into sporting events. The incident has ignited a debate about the responsibilities of broadcasters to maintain neutrality and avoid potentially inflammatory statements during live coverage.

Social Media Response and Allegations of Antisemitism

The backlash against Renna’s commentary was swift and widespread. A former Secretary-General of the Geneva office of the Swiss-Israel Association shared a post on LinkedIn that quickly gained traction, expressing outrage over the commentator’s remarks. On X, users accused RTS of broadcasting “antisemitic nonsense” live during the bobsleigh competition. The hashtag #RTS is currently trending as users share their opinions and demand accountability.

Edelman and Chen’s Olympic Performance

Adam Edelman and Menachem Chen are representing Israel in the two-man and four-man bobsleigh events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. As of the time of this report, they are currently ranked at the bottom of the standings after two of four runs. The team’s participation in the Olympics represents a significant milestone for Israeli bobsleigh, a relatively new program in the winter sports landscape.

RTS Response and Potential Consequences

As of February 16, 2026, RTS has not issued a formal statement addressing the controversy. However, the broadcaster is facing mounting pressure to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. The incident raises questions about the training and oversight of commentators, and whether existing guidelines adequately address the potential for biased or inflammatory remarks during live broadcasts. The Swiss Federal Communications Commission may also review the incident to determine if it violated broadcasting regulations.

The controversy surrounding Stephan Renna’s commentary underscores the challenges of maintaining objectivity in an increasingly polarized world. It also highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potential for seemingly innocuous remarks to be interpreted as biased or offensive. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the need for broadcasters to uphold the highest standards of impartiality.

The fallout from this incident is likely to continue in the coming days, with further scrutiny of RTS’s editorial policies and potential calls for greater accountability. The focus will now shift to how the broadcaster responds to the criticism and whether it takes steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The situation also raises broader questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and media coverage in the global arena.

What are your thoughts on the role of commentators during live sporting events? Share your opinions in the comments below.