You can delete a Minecraft account through your Microsoft account settings, but the process depends on which version you own

Deleting a Minecraft account is permanent and removes your character, worlds, and progress. The steps differ depending on whether you play Java Edition (the original PC version) or Bedrock Edition (the newer cross-platform version). Both routes go through your Microsoft account, since Microsoft acquired Minecraft in 2014 and now manages all accounts.

Before you delete, understand what you're losing: your character name becomes unavailable forever, any worlds you created vanish, and you cannot recover them later. If you own the game on multiple devices, deleting your Microsoft account removes access everywhere. If you only want to stop playing but might return, consider just uninstalling the game instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft accounts are tied to your Microsoft account, so deleting one means going through Microsoft's account settings, not the Minecraft launcher.
  • Deleting your account is permanent — your character name, worlds, and all progress cannot be recovered.
  • Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use the same deletion process because both run through Microsoft accounts.
  • If you only want to stop playing, uninstalling the game is simpler and keeps your account in case you return later.

How to delete your account through Microsoft Account settings

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password you use for Minecraft. Once you're logged in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu, then find the option to close or delete your account. Microsoft calls this "Close your account" rather than "Delete".

Click on "Close your account" and Microsoft will show you what will happen: you'll lose access to Minecraft on all devices, any Game Pass subscription tied to that account will end, and any Microsoft Rewards points will disappear. Read through these warnings carefully because they list everything you're about to lose. If you're certain, click the checkbox to confirm you understand, then select "Close account".

Microsoft may ask you to confirm your identity by sending a code to your email or phone number. Check your email (including spam folders) for the verification code, enter it on the Microsoft website, and complete the deletion. Your account will be closed within a few days.

What happens to your Minecraft worlds and characters

When you delete your Microsoft account, Minecraft removes your character profile and all worlds stored on Minecraft's servers. If you played Java Edition, your single-player worlds are stored on your computer's hard drive, but you lose access to your character skin and the ability to play online multiplayer. Bedrock Edition worlds stored in the cloud are deleted entirely.

If you want to keep your worlds before deleting, export them first. In Java Edition, your world files are saved in a folder on your computer (usually in AppData on Windows or the Library folder on Mac), and you can copy them to an external drive or cloud storage. In Bedrock Edition, you can export worlds through the game menu before deletion, though this only works if your account is still active.

Uninstalling instead of deleting if you might return

If you're not sure you want to play Minecraft forever, uninstalling the game is a better choice than deleting your account. Uninstalling removes the game from your device but keeps your account, character, and worlds intact. You can reinstall and play again anytime without losing anything.

To uninstall on Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Minecraft Launcher, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, find the Minecraft Launcher, and drag it to Trash. On console (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox), go to your system's storage settings, find Minecraft, and delete it. The game files disappear, but your account remains active on Microsoft's servers.

If you want to keep your account but stop playing

You don't have to delete your account to stop playing. straightforward uninstall the game and don't log in. Your character and worlds stay saved, and if you ever want to play again, you can reinstall and pick up where you left off. This is especially useful if you're taking a break but think you might return in a few months or years.

If you own Minecraft through Game Pass, your access ends when your subscription expires, but your account and worlds remain. You can buy the game outright later and regain access to everything you built.

Recovering a deleted account is not possible

Microsoft does not restore deleted accounts. Once the deletion is complete, your character name, worlds, and all progress are gone permanently. You cannot contact Microsoft support to undo the deletion or recover your worlds. If you change your mind after deleting, you would have to create a new account and start over.

Because of this, take time to think through whether you actually want to delete before you start the process. If there's any chance you'll want to play again, uninstall instead and leave your account alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete just my Minecraft account without deleting my Microsoft account?

No. Minecraft accounts are part of your Microsoft account, so deleting one deletes the other. If you want to keep your Microsoft account for email or other services, uninstall Minecraft instead of deleting your account.

What if I forgot my Microsoft password?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account". Microsoft will walk you through recovery using your email or phone number. Once you regain access, you can proceed with deletion if you still want to.

Will deleting my account remove Minecraft from my devices?

No. Deleting your account removes your ability to play, but the game files stay on your device. You'll need to uninstall manually through your system settings. On Windows, use Settings > Apps > Apps & features. On Mac, drag the Minecraft Launcher to Trash.

Can I delete my account on console like Xbox or Nintendo Switch?

You must delete through your Microsoft account on a computer or phone at account.microsoft.com. Console settings don't have an account deletion option. Once you delete your Microsoft account, you lose access to Minecraft on all devices, including consoles.

What if I have multiple Minecraft accounts?

Each Minecraft account is tied to a separate Microsoft account. You must delete them individually by signing into each Microsoft account and going through the deletion process. Deleting one account does not affect the others.