Outlook users troubled by “too many attempts” issue when trying to sign in, no fix in sight

Some Outlook users are hitting a wall these days, stuck with that frustrating “too many attempts” error popping up every time they try to log in. It’s not just a one-off glitch either; people are saying their accounts stay locked out for days, even after they reset their passwords and try everything they can think of.

Take one user on Reddit who shared how their account stayed blocked for four straight days because of this very message, despite waiting it out and changing their password multiple times. They mentioned two-factor authentication was working fine via phone, but the lock just wouldn’t lift, leaving them wondering if a full seven-day wait from the last attempt is the only way forward.

This problem seems to have kicked off around late October, with complaints piling up across forums and social media. On X, one frustrated person blasted Outlook, saying they’ve been locked out for over a week with the same error, questioning if it’s a hacker attack or something bigger like a DDoS. 

In one thread, users describe occasional login snags since late October, like SSL certificate errors in browsers and prompts to try different devices. Key comments highlight accounts getting locked after failed SMS codes or backup email attempts, with some blaming global server issues messing up text deliveries.

Another discussion that kick-started earlier today asks if Outlook is down outright, with people sharing Xbox login fails tied to the same “too many requests” block. One commenter suggested switching to passwordless sign-in via the Microsoft Authenticator app, but not everyone found relief that way, especially with SMS verification flaking out.

The frustration boils over in posts about endless password reset loops. A user detailed changing their password repeatedly after switching phones, only to hit the incorrect password wall each time, forcing daily waits for new codes. Others worry about losing decade-old accounts, like one tied to Xbox with years of games at stake, all because recovery forms reject their details and support stays automated with no real human help.

Microsoft’s own forums echo the chaos. Questions flood in about permanent “too many times” errors on long-held accounts, with resets failing to unlock anything. Advisors suggest clearing caches, trying incognito modes, or waiting 24-48 hours, but users report these tips falling flat.

What’s making it worse is the lack of direct support. People say chat agents just repeat basics, and automated systems trap them in loops. Some have luck accessing via browsers but not apps, or using Edge over Firefox, but that’s hardly a cure-all. With no official word from Microsoft on a patch, users are left hanging, sharing workarounds like creating temp accounts to reach help.

If you’re dealing with this, you’re not alone. We’ll keep an eye out for any further developments and will update this article when there’s something to share. Meanwhile, if you’ve stumbled on a potential workaround, feel free to share it in the comments to help others stuck in the same situation. Thanks in advance!