In order to use the numerous services from Microsoft, you usually do not necessarily need a Microsoft account. If you don’t use your Microsoft e-mail address, it can become a burden for you, for example because e-mails are piling up there. You should also remove accounts that you definitely do not use for security reasons. In the following you will find out how to make your Delete Microsoft account can.
Before you turn off your account
Microsoft is now more than just any account. The group has made a name for itself by linking several services and apps with just one account. So before you delete your Microsoft account, you should think about what your account is linked to everywhere. The developer will show you all the options you may have on their support page. Key linked data includes:
- OnDrive files
- Xbox Live Files/ Gamertags
- Skype ID including the associated contacts
- the email address and email accounts of Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live and MSN email
In the following we will show you what you should do before you permanently delete your account:
- If you still have credit in your Microsoft account, you should use it up before deleting it.
- You should cancel existing subscriptions such as Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox Live Gold or your Outlook account.
- You can use an out-of-office message in Outlook to tell your contacts about your new email address.
- Your OneDrive cloud will lose all data after you completely delete your Microsoft account. You should therefore download emails, photos, document and video files beforehand and save them on an external data medium.
- Existing devices like a Windows phone or your Xbox console work better with a Microsoft account than without. For these external devices, it is also advisable to create a dedicated Microsoft account.
Delete Microsoft account: Here’s how
The process may seem a bit confusing at first as there is no actual “Delete Microsoft Account” option. And yet you can say goodbye to your Microsoft account permanently – it will only take a little while and there is one important thing to keep in mind. Follow these steps if you want to permanently remove your account:
- Go to the Microsoft website and log in with your account information.
- Now click on your profile and select “View account”.
- On the next page, go to “Security and Privacy”.
- Under “Account Security” click on the “Additional Security Settings” tab.
- A new page will open entitled “Protect Account”.
- Here you have to request a security code with your stored e-mail address or mobile phone number. (Tip: also check your spam folder)
- Now enter the security code in the marked field and click on “Send code”.
- You can now skip the next steps to get security codes faster.
- You will now be redirected to the “Security Settings” page.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page until you reach the sub-item “Closing your account”.
- Now click on “Close my account”.
- Following are some confirmation pages with instructions, all of which you must confirm.
The very last step is to provide a reason for closing your account.
What happens now?
You have now requested to delete your Microsoft account. After the closure, you will be sent a link that you can use to restore your account if you wish.
If you do not access this link within the next 60 days, your Microsoft account will be completely deleted.
Pros & Cons: Microsoft account
The question now is when is it really time to delete your Microsoft account. An account is particularly worthwhile for owners of a Windows PC. For example, if you buy a new Microsoft computer, data synchronization with the Microsoft account is very easy. If you don’t have a Windows computer and you use Microsoft services with an external email address, you can permanently delete your account.
Conclusion: delete Microsoft account within 60 days
The 60-day wait rule is a bit unusual, but at least it allows you to permanently delete your Microsoft account. Just follow our step-by-step guide. If you don’t want to use Microsoft services anymore, these Microsoft Office alternatives are worth a look.
Of course, we also have instructions if you want to create a new Microsoft account.
Sources: own research, Microsoft Support