How to Delete (Close) a Microsoft Account

Close a Microsoft account on its Close your account page. Choose a 30- or 60-day wait. After that, email, OneDrive files and purchases are deleted.

Steps

1. Sign in at account.microsoft.com.
2. Open the page to close your account (search "close account" in Microsoft help if needed).
3. Confirm with a code if asked.
4. Read the checklist and tick each item.
5. Choose 30 or 60 days and a reason, then mark the account for closure.

What you lose

Before closing

• Download email and OneDrive files.
• Cancel subscriptions such as Microsoft 365 and Game Pass.
• Change the sign-in on other sites that use "Sign in with Microsoft".
• Remove the account from Windows computers, or switch them to a local account.
• Update the email on other services that send mail to your Outlook address.

Changing your mind

During the 30 or 60 days, sign in to reopen the account. After the waiting period, Microsoft deletes it and it cannot be restored.

Work or school accounts

Accounts from an employer or school are managed by their IT department. You cannot close them yourself; ask your administrator.

Children's accounts

A parent may need to give consent to close an account belonging to a child in a Microsoft family group. Remove the child from the family group first.

Just remove the phone or email?

If you only want to stop using a phone number or email for sign-in, remove it in security settings instead of closing the account. See Microsoft two-step verification.

Skype and other services

Skype was replaced by Microsoft Teams Free, and both used Microsoft accounts. Any Skype credit, Teams chats tied to the personal account, and Minecraft purchases made with that account are affected by the closure too. If you play Minecraft, check which Microsoft account owns it before closing.

Getting a code when closing

Microsoft may ask for a security code before it lets you close the account. If codes do not arrive, see Microsoft code not sent.

FAQ

How do I delete my Microsoft account?

Use the Close your account page and choose a 30- or 60-day wait.

Can I reopen a closed Microsoft account?

Yes, by signing in during the waiting period.

Will closing Microsoft delete my Xbox games?

Yes, purchases and progress are lost.

Related: recover a Microsoft account · Microsoft two-step verification · delete a Google Account.