Closing a Microsoft account is a significant decision that involves permanently deleting all associated data and losing access to various Microsoft services like Microsoft Teams or OneDrive.
Fortunately, a managed IT service provider like Wingman Solutions can simplify this process with their comprehensive account management services.
We help you have a smooth transition by helping you back up important data, cancel subscriptions, and notify your contacts.
If you need help closing an account yourself, these step-by-step instructions for closing your Microsoft account will set you on the right track.
Key Takeaways
Closing your Microsoft account will permanently delete all associated data, including email, contacts, and access to Microsoft services such as Xbox Live, Skype, and OneDrive.
You need to follow specific steps to delete your Microsoft account via the Microsoft website or the Office app.
Ensure you back up important files and data, cancel subscriptions and notify contacts before proceeding with the account closure.
There is a grace period of 60 days during which you can reactivate your account if you change your mind.
How to Prepare to Close a Microsoft Account
Use Money Left on Your Account
Before you delete your Microsoft account, make sure to use any remaining balance. This includes any money in your Microsoft accounts that can be spent on Microsoft products or services.
Cancel Subscriptions
Cancel all subscriptions linked to your Microsoft account. This includes subscriptions to services like Microsoft 365, Xbox Live, and any other Microsoft services. This step is crucial to avoid ongoing charges after you close your account.
Tell People How to Reach You
Inform your contacts about your plan to close your email account and provide them with an alternative way to reach you. This can include updating your contact information on various platforms and notifying people through a final email from your Microsoft account.
Save Your Files and Data
Back up all important files and data stored in your Microsoft account, including emails, documents, and photos from OneDrive. Once you delete your Microsoft account, you will lose access to all associated data.
Update Accounts Connected to Your Microsoft Account
Update any accounts that are linked to your Microsoft account with a new email address or login information. This includes services like banking, social media, and other online accounts that use your Microsoft email for communication or verification.
Keep a Local Account for Windows 10 or 11
If you are using Windows 10 or 11, ensure that you have a local account set up on your computer. This will allow you to continue using your device without issues after you close your Microsoft account.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid losing important data or access to essential services when you close your Microsoft account.
How to Close Microsoft Accounts
How to Close Microsoft Accounts via the Office Mobile App
Open the App: Launch the Office mobile app on your device and click on your profile picture.
Access Settings: Navigate to “Settings” by clicking the gear icon.
Help and Support: Scroll down to “Help and support” and type “delete” into the search bar.
Close Your Account: Click on “delete account” from the suggestions and then select “Close your account”.
Mark for Closure: Follow the on-screen instructions to mark the account for closure.
How to Close Microsoft Accounts via the Website
Visit the Website: Go to the Microsoft account closure page directly at aka.ms/CloseAccount
Sign In: Log in with the Microsoft account you wish to close.
Review Account: Before proceeding, ensure you’ve cancelled any subscriptions, saved necessary files, and spent any remaining balances.
Initiate Closure: Follow the on-screen instructions, which will include checking boxes to acknowledge you understand the consequences of closing your account.
Choose a Reason: Select a reason for closing your account from the dropdown menu.
Mark Account for Closure: Click “Mark account for closure”. Note that there will be a 60-day grace period during which you can reopen the account if you change your mind.
How to Remove a Microsoft Account from Windows 10
Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select “Settings”.
Accounts: Choose “Accounts” from the settings menu.
Your Info: Navigate to the “Your info” tab.
Sign in with a local account: Click on “Sign in with a local account instead” and follow the prompts to create a local account.
Follow Prompts: You’ll need to enter your current Microsoft account password and then set up your new local account with a username and password.
Sign out and Finish: After setting up the local account, you’ll be prompted to sign out. Do so and then sign back in with the local account.
Remove Account: To remove the Microsoft account, go back to “Settings” → “Accounts” → “Family & other users”. Under “Other users”, select the Microsoft account you wish to remove and click “Remove”.
How to Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 11
Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select “Settings”.
Accounts: Navigate to “Accounts” in the settings menu.
Your Info: In the “Your info” section, click on “Sign in with a local account instead”.
Follow Instructions: Enter your current Microsoft account password when prompted, and then follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new local account with a username and password.
Sign out and Finish: You will be prompted to sign out. Do so and then sign back in with the new local account.
Remove Account: After signing in with the local account, go back to “Settings” → “Accounts” → “Family & other users”. Under “Other users”, find the Microsoft account you wish to remove and click “Remove”.
How to Delete an Outlook Account
Understand the Impact: Note that deleting your Outlook account will also close your entire Microsoft account and you will lose access to all associated services.
Visit the Closure Page: Go to the Microsoft account website and log in.
Close Account Link: Click on “Close my account”.
Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions, review the information, check all the boxes, and choose a reason for closing.
Mark for Closure: Click “Mark account for closure” and verify your identity with a security code if prompted.
FAQs About How to Close Microsoft Accounts
Once I’ve asked to close my account, what will happen to the email?
Once you have asked to close your Microsoft account, all email and contacts associated with your email account (such as @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com) will be permanently deleted from Microsoft’s servers. You will lose access to your email account, and the data cannot be recovered. It is important to save any important emails or contacts before initiating the closure process.
What happens to my subscriptions like Office 365 when I close my Microsoft account?
When you close your Microsoft account, any active subscriptions, including Office 365, will be canceled. You will lose access to all Microsoft services linked to your account, such as Skype, Xbox Live, and OneDrive. Ensure that you cancel these subscriptions manually before closing the account to avoid any issues. Also, be sure to use any remaining credits or benefits associated with these subscriptions.
Can I reactivate my Microsoft account after closing it?
Yes, you can reactivate your Microsoft account within a grace period of 60 days from the date of closure. During this period, you can log back into your account to stop the closure process and regain access to your data and services. However, once the 60-day grace period has passed, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Summing Up How to Close Microsoft Accounts
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you still find account management a complete burden, remember: you don’t have to do it yourself!
Leave the task of closing your Microsoft accounts to Wingman Solutions and focus on what matters to you. Contact us
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