Problem:
If you’ve ever seen a message that says “We’ve detected unusual activity”, “Too many login attempts”, or “Too many requests, please try again later” while using Outlook or Hotmail, you’re not alone.
This problem usually appears when:
- You’ve entered the wrong username or password multiple times in a short period.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) attempts keep failing.
- You’re logging in from different locations or devices in a short time, which triggers Microsoft’s security system.
- Automated scripts or apps are repeatedly trying to connect with the wrong credentials.
When this happens, Microsoft’s servers temporarily lock or rate-limit your account for security reasons. This means even if you type the correct password later, you might still get blocked until the cooldown period ends.
For individuals, this can mean being locked out of important emails. For businesses, the issue can delay responses, disrupt work, and frustrate teams that rely heavily on Outlook and Microsoft 365.
Solution:
While this block is automatically enforced to protect your account, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue faster and prevent it from happening again.
1. Wait for the Lockout Period to End
- Microsoft usually resets login attempts after a few minutes to a couple of hours.
- Avoid repeatedly trying to log in, as this can extend the lockout.
2. Reset Your Password (If You Forgot It)
- Go to the Microsoft Account Password Reset page .
- Choose “I forgot my password,” follow the steps, and set a new secure password.
- If you suspect your account was hacked, choose “I think someone else is using my Microsoft account.”
3. Check Your Internet & Device Settings
- If you’re using multiple devices, log out of all of them before resetting the password.
- Sync your phone or computer’s date and time to ensure 2FA codes are correct.
- Temporarily disable VPNs or proxies that may cause Microsoft to flag suspicious login attempts.
4. Clear Cached Credentials
Sometimes Outlook keeps retrying old credentials, which triggers repeated login attempts:
- On Windows, open Credential Manager → Windows Credentials.
- Remove saved credentials related to Outlook, MicrosoftOffice, or your email account.
- Restart Outlook and re-enter your updated password.
5. Use an App Password (For Older Outlook Versions)
If you’re using an older Outlook app that doesn’t support modern authentication:
- Log in to your Microsoft account → Security → Advanced Security Options.
- Generate an App Password and use it instead of your normal password.
- This prevents Outlook from repeatedly failing with modern 2FA requests.
6. For Business & Admin Users
- Inform staff that login attempts should be limited to avoid extending the block.
- Use the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to check for account lockouts or suspicious activity.
- If multiple users are affected, it may indicate a larger outage or brute-force attempts.
- Consider enforcing policies that encourage strong passwords and secure sign-in methods.
Final Thoughts
The “Too Many Login Attempts” or “Too Many Requests” error in Outlook/Hotmail can be stressful, but it’s usually a temporary security measure. By waiting out the lockout period, resetting your password if necessary, clearing cached credentials, and checking Microsoft’s official status page, you can usually regain access quickly.
For businesses, proactive communication and backup communication tools can minimize downtime. Setting up secure sign-in practices and training employees to avoid repeated failed attempts can also reduce the chances of being locked out in the future.
