Permanently deleting your Microsoft account removes all associated data including Outlook emails, OneDrive files, Xbox purchases, and Windows licenses. This guide walks you through the complete deletion process, including essential preparation steps to avoid data loss.
Before You Begin: What You'll Lose
Deleting your Microsoft account is permanent. You will lose access to:
- Outlook/Hotmail: All emails, contacts, and calendar data
- OneDrive: All files, photos, and documents in the cloud
- Xbox: Your Gamertag, game saves, achievements, and all digital purchases
- Windows: License activation linked to the account
- Skype: Contacts and any remaining credits
- Microsoft Store: All purchased apps and remaining account balance
- Microsoft 365: Subscription access and associated services
Important: Your email address (e.g., [email protected]) will be permanently retired and cannot be used by anyone again.
Step 1: Complete These Prerequisites
Before initiating account closure, complete these critical steps:
Cancel All Subscriptions
- Go to account.microsoft.com/services
- Cancel recurring billing for:
- Microsoft 365
- Xbox Game Pass
- OneDrive storage
- Any other active subscriptions
Spend or Forfeit Your Balance
- Check your account balance at account.microsoft.com/billing
- Any remaining Microsoft account balance is non-refundable
- Purchase apps or content to use up the balance
Back Up Your Data
- OneDrive: Download all files to your local drive
- Outlook: Export emails and contacts
- Photos: Download from OneDrive before closure
Switch Windows to a Local Account
If you log into Windows with this Microsoft account, switch to a local account first:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info
- Click Sign in with a local account instead
- Create local username and password
- Sign out and sign back in with local credentials
Disable Device Protection
- Turn off Find My Device on Windows devices
- Disable Reset Protection on Surface devices
Step 2: Initiate Account Closure
- Go to the closure page:
- Visit account.live.com/closeaccount.aspx
- Sign in if prompted
- Verify your identity with a security code
- Review the checklist:
- Microsoft displays "Make sure [account] is ready to close"
- Review the list of services that will be affected
- Select the waiting period:
- Choose 30 days or 60 days
- Recommendation: Choose 60 days if you're not completely certain
- Acknowledge the consequences:
- Check all required boxes confirming you understand what you're losing
- All boxes must be checked to proceed
- Select a reason:
- Choose from the dropdown (e.g., "I no longer want this account")
- Mark account for closure:
- Click Mark account for closure
Step 3: The Waiting Period
After marking your account for closure:
| During Waiting Period | Status |
|---|---|
| Account status | Suspended (not deleted) |
| Data | Still exists on Microsoft servers |
| Incoming email | Stops being received |
| Recovery option | Sign back in to cancel deletion |
To Cancel Account Deletion
If you change your mind during the waiting period:
- Simply sign in to your Microsoft account
- The closure will be automatically canceled
- All your data and services will be restored
After the Waiting Period
Once the 30 or 60 days expire:
- Deletion becomes permanent - No recovery possible
- Data is scrubbed - OneDrive and Outlook data is permanently erased
- Email address retired - Cannot be used by you or anyone else ever again
- Xbox purchases lost - Games and achievements are permanently gone
Alternative: Keep Account But Remove Data
If you want to keep your email address but remove personal data:
- Delete OneDrive files: Manually delete files at onedrive.live.com
- Clear Outlook: Delete emails and contacts from your inbox
- Unlink devices: Remove devices at account.microsoft.com/devices
- Revoke app permissions: Remove connected apps at account.microsoft.com/privacy
This preserves your email address and account for potential future use.