What happens when you delete an Outlook account

Deleting an Outlook email account is permanent. Microsoft will close the account, delete all emails in it, and release the email address so someone else could theoretically use it later. You lose access to any files stored in OneDrive linked to that account, any Microsoft subscriptions tied to it, and any services that use that email for sign-in — including Xbox, Skype, or Microsoft 365.

Before you delete, check whether you use that email address to sign into other services. If you do, you will need to change those sign-in methods first, or you will be locked out of those accounts when the Outlook account closes.

If you only want to stop using the email but might need it later, consider renaming it or stopping mail delivery instead. Deletion is the only option if you want the account completely gone.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone — Microsoft will not restore the account or emails after you confirm.
  • You must change the sign-in method on any other accounts that use this email address before you delete, or you will lose access to them.
  • The deletion process takes place in your Microsoft account settings, not in Outlook itself.
  • You have 60 days after deletion to contact Microsoft Support if you change your mind, but recovery is not may provide.

Check what else uses this email address

Before you delete, spend a few minutes checking whether this Outlook email is the sign-in method for other accounts. Common places to check: your Microsoft 365 subscription, Xbox or Game Pass, Skype, OneDrive, and any third-party services like Spotify, Amazon, or banking apps that might use this email.

For each one you find, you will need to change the sign-in email to a different address — either another email you own or a phone number, depending on what the service allows. Do this before you delete the Outlook account, or you will be locked out.

If you are not sure what is linked to the account, sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, go to "Your info," and look at the "Manage your Microsoft account" section. This shows connected services and devices.

Change the sign-in method on linked accounts

For Microsoft 365 (Office, Word, Excel): Sign in to account.microsoft.com. Click "Your info" at the top. Under "Manage your Microsoft account," look for any Microsoft 365 subscription. If it is there, you will need to change the sign-in email before deleting. Go to the Microsoft 365 account page and update the email address associated with the subscription.

For Xbox, Skype, or OneDrive: These are all part of your Microsoft account, so they will close when you delete. If you want to keep using them, create a new Microsoft account with a different email first, then transfer any important files or game progress before you delete the old account.

For third-party services (Spotify, banking apps, etc.): Sign into each service, find the account settings or security section, and change the email address on file to a different one you control. This usually takes two minutes per service.

Delete the account through Microsoft settings

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Outlook email you want to delete. Click "Your info" at the top left. Scroll down and click "Delete account" near the bottom of the page.

Microsoft will ask you to confirm your password and may send a verification code to a backup email or phone number on file. Enter the code when prompted.

Read the warning screen carefully. It will list what will be deleted: emails, contacts, calendar, OneDrive files, and any subscriptions. If you are certain, click "Mark account for deletion" or the equivalent button (the exact wording changes slightly depending on your region).

The account does not close when ready. Microsoft gives you 60 days to change your mind. During this time, you cannot sign in, but the account still exists. If you do nothing, it will be permanently deleted after 60 days.

What to do if you change your mind within 60 days

If you marked the account for deletion but want to keep it, sign in to account.microsoft.com within 60 days using the same email and password. You should see an option to cancel the deletion. Click it, and the account will reactivate.

After 60 days, the deletion is final. Microsoft Support cannot restore the account, emails, or files. If you wait past this window, the only option is to create a new Outlook account with a different email address.

After deletion: what you need to do next

Once the 60-day window closes and the account is gone, update any services that still reference the old email. Check your password manager, browser autofill, and any printed documents or business cards that list the address. Remove the old email from your phone's email app — it will no longer work for sending or receiving mail.

If you had important emails you wanted to keep, you should have exported them before deletion. If you did not, they are gone. There is no way to recover them after the account closes.

If you are switching to a new email provider, set up the new account and update your contacts, subscriptions, and important services to use the new address. This is also a good time to review which services actually need your email address and which ones you can remove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my emails after I delete the account?

No. Once the 60-day grace period ends, the emails are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. If you think you might need them later, export your emails to a file before you delete the account. You can do this through Outlook's settings or by using a backup tool.

What if I forgot the password to the account I want to delete?

You will need to reset the password first. Go to account.microsoft.com, click "Can't access your account," and follow the recovery steps. You will need access to a backup email or phone number on file. Once you reset the password, you can sign in and proceed with deletion.

Will deleting my Outlook account delete my Microsoft 365 subscription?

Yes. If your Microsoft 365 subscription is tied to the account you delete, the subscription closes too. If you want to keep Microsoft 365, create a new Microsoft account with a different email first, then transfer the subscription to that account before deleting the old one.

Can someone else use my email address after I delete it?

Technically yes, but Microsoft usually keeps deleted email addresses unavailable for a long time. You cannot count on the address staying unused, so do not share it with others or assume it is permanently reserved for you.

What if my Outlook account is also my Microsoft account?

Your Outlook email is your Microsoft account. Deleting it closes everything connected to that Microsoft account — OneDrive, Xbox, Skype, Microsoft 365, and any other Microsoft services. If you use any of these, move them to a new Microsoft account before you delete.