Thanks should go to Brad Sams at Neowin for this (and to Hankers).

This should be a “definitely do today”.

That’s because once you’re hacked, it’s pointless.

This “Security Code” will allow you to recover your account if someone hacks it and changes the password.

“How to”:

1. Login. https://account.live.com/p

2. Under “Recovery Code” click “Set up”. If you’ve done this in the past, your page will say, “Replace”…in which case, click “Replace”.

3. Click on “Print”.

If you haven’t set one up in the past, MS will ask a security question like “______@yahoo.com” and you will have to fill that info in. Your code will be sent there (after copying it, make sure to delete that email).

Then, on the page where you enter it, fill it in. You’re done.

It only takes a couple of minutes…but well worth it if you store stuff on OneDrive and wish to protect it and your email.

Source:

http://www.neowin.net/news/how-to-protect-your-microsoft-account-if-you-get-hacked