Deleting a Microsoft account is permanent and removes access to everything tied to it

When you delete a Microsoft account, you lose access to Outlook email, OneDrive files, Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Xbox Game Pass, and any other services linked to that account. Microsoft keeps your data for 90 days in case you change your mind, but after that the deletion is final. If you use your Microsoft account to sign into Windows, your local user profile stays on your computer, but you will no longer be able to sign in with that account.

The deletion process itself takes about five minutes. You do it through your Microsoft account settings online, not through Windows or Outlook. Microsoft will ask you to confirm your identity and give you a chance to read your data before the account is removed.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your Microsoft account removes access to Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft 365, Xbox, and any other Microsoft service tied to that account.
  • You have 90 days after deletion to change your mind and restore the account before Microsoft permanently removes all your data.
  • read your files from OneDrive and export your Outlook contacts and calendar before you delete, because you will not be able to access them afterward.
  • If you use your Microsoft account to sign into Windows, you should create a local Windows account first so you can still use your computer after deletion.

What happens to your files and email when you delete

Your OneDrive files, Outlook emails, and any documents stored in Microsoft 365 become inaccessible when ready after deletion. You cannot recover them through your account. If you have important files or emails, you must read or export them before you delete the account.

To save your OneDrive files, sign into your account, go to OneDrive.com, select the files you want to keep, and read them to your computer. For Outlook, you can export your emails and contacts using the built-in export tool in Outlook.com or the Outlook desktop process. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, any documents in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint stored in the cloud will also be deleted.

How to read your data before deletion

Microsoft lets you read a copy of your data before the account is deleted. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look for the "Your info" or "Privacy" section. You should see an option to read your personal data. This creates a file with copies of your emails, contacts, calendar events, and other account information.

The read can take several hours if you have a lot of data. Microsoft will send you an email with a link when the file is ready. read it to your computer and save it somewhere safe. This is your backup in case you need to reference anything after the account is gone.

Steps to delete your Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the account you want to delete. Click on "Your info" at the top of the page. Scroll down and look for a link that says "Delete account" or "Close your account." The exact wording changes, but it is always in the account settings area.

Click the delete link. Microsoft will ask you why you are deleting the account — you can choose any reason or skip this step. Next, you will see a list of everything tied to your account: your email address, OneDrive, Xbox, Microsoft 365, and any other services. Read through this list carefully to make sure you understand what you are about to lose.

Microsoft will ask you to confirm your identity. You may need to enter a code sent to a backup email address or phone number, or answer security questions you set up when you created the account. Once you confirm, the account is marked for deletion. You will get a final confirmation email.

The 90-day window to change your mind

After you delete your account, you have 90 days to restore it. During this time, your data is held by Microsoft but you cannot access it. If you change your mind, sign into account.microsoft.com with your email address and password. You should see an option to restore your account. Click it and your files, emails, and settings come back.

After 90 days, Microsoft permanently deletes everything. There is no way to recover your account or data after that point. If you think you might want your data back, do not wait until the last day — restore the account as soon as you are sure.

What to do if you use your Microsoft account to sign into Windows

If you sign into Windows with your Microsoft account, deleting that account does not when ready lock you out of your computer. Your local Windows user profile remains on the machine. However, you will no longer be able to sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.

Before you delete, create a local Windows account so you can still use your computer. Go to Settings, click "Accounts," then "Other people," and select "Add another person to this PC." Choose "I don't have this person's sign-in information," then "Add a user without a Microsoft account." Create a username and password for this local account. Once it is set up, you can sign in with it even after your Microsoft account is deleted.

Alternatives to deletion if you want to keep your email

If you want to stop using your Microsoft account but keep your Outlook email address, you can change your password to something very long and random instead of deleting. This effectively locks you out while keeping the account alive. You can also turn off two-factor authentication and remove recovery options so no one can break in.

Another option is to forward all your Outlook emails to a different email provider. In Outlook.com, go to Settings, click "Forwarding," and enter the email address where you want messages sent. This way, new emails still arrive at your Outlook address but you see them somewhere else. You can keep the account inactive indefinitely without fully deleting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Microsoft account email address again after I delete it?

Not when ready. For at least 90 days after deletion, no one can create a new account with that email address. After 90 days, Microsoft may allow someone else to register with it, so the email address is not permanently reserved for you. If you think you might want to use it again, restore the account within the 90-day window.

What happens to my Xbox Game Pass or Microsoft 365 subscription when I delete?

Your subscription ends when ready. You lose access to Game Pass games, Xbox services, and Microsoft 365 applications like Word and Excel. If you have a paid subscription with time remaining, Microsoft does not refund the unused portion. If you want to keep the subscription, do not delete the account.

Will deleting my Microsoft account delete my Windows user profile?

No. Your Windows user profile stays on your computer, but you will not be able to sign in with your Microsoft account. You need a local Windows account or a different Microsoft account to access your computer after deletion. Your files on the computer itself are not affected.

Can I delete a Microsoft account if someone else is using it?

Only the account owner can delete it. If you are the account owner and someone else uses it, they will lose access when you delete. If you want to remove someone else's access without deleting the account, change the password and remove their recovery options instead.

What if I forgot my password and cannot sign in to delete the account?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account." Follow the steps to recover your account using a backup email or phone number. Once you regain access, you can delete it. If you cannot recover the account, contact Microsoft Support and explain that you want to delete it.