Is it common for people to create accounts without noting the credentials? I'm not saying MS is without fault here, but I would think one would at least note the details long enough to get what one needs.
I accept responsibility for not writing down the creds, but the protocol of throwaway account creation for access to small tools and sites I believe is ingrained in a large percentage of internet users. I could be wrong.
I personally will spend more time taking care of new credentials now I have seen how they can be quickly linked to other aspects of my devices.
I'm a bit scared about all my accounts. I do mot currently understand which account depends on what bit of information.
That leaves me vulnerable. For example, if this phone dies and Google starts asking me for a password and 2FA I have no idea what I'd do.
I have several pieces of hardware that I use to login across a wide range of accounts. I guess I need to print out a list of passwords and 2FA codes and set two phones as backup IDs.
I really wish someone would just fix authentication. :-/