
While many feel that the approach is somewhat ham-handed on Microsoft’s part, the reality is they’re fighting an incredibly difficult problem: account theft. It’s also a way to end up unable to access your email while traveling.

Not doing so is by far the fastest way to lose access to your account - forever - should something go wrong. It is critical that you keep your recovery information up to date. Usually, that’s a code sent to your phone or alternate email address. If there’s something “different” about your attempt to sign in - and being in a different country qualifies - Microsoft now often requires that even if you know your password, you must provide additional security confirmation. I get so many variations of this question.
