Delete Outlook.com Account Permanently in a Few Simple Steps (2025)
When you delete Outlook.com account, it removes your Microsoft email and all linked data permanently. If you are here, then you need to close Outlook.com account because the account is no longer needed, security concerns, or there might be another reason. But the reasons don’t matter; a solution is required. Right?
Don’t worry! Today, I’ll explain to you how to remove your Outlook.com account permanently, and how you can back up important data for future use before closing it. So, this means today you get all the information about the same step-by-step.
Without any further ado, let me explain:
- Common Reasons
- Checklist
- How to Delete Account Step-by-Step
- What Happens When You Delete Account?
- How Long Before My Outlook Account Is Deleted?
- How to Recover Your Outlook Account?
- Is it Possible to Delete Account from Windows 10 or Windows 11?
- What If My Outlook Account Is Hacked?
- Author’s Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Delete Outlook.com Account? Common Reasons
Removing an account from an email client like Outlook.com is a huge decision, as it stores crucial data. Still, users take this decision because:
- Switching to another email provider like Gmail or Yahoo.
- Keeping multiple Microsoft accounts all active becomes difficult to manage.
- Privacy concerns force users to reduce their digital footprint and remove accounts they don’t use.
- The account was hacked or compromised.
- Too much spam or unwanted newsletters make it easier to delete the account than to clean it up.
- Not using Microsoft services anymore, such as OneDrive or Teams, making the account unnecessary.
No matter the reason, it is better to take a proper backup before closing the account permanently.
Before You Close Outlook.com Account – Checklist
As we discussed, removing an account is a big decision, so before doing anything, following these points is essential:
- Download Emails from Outlook.com
- Cancel Microsoft 365 or Xbox subscriptions
- Turn off recurring billing
- Use any remaining Microsoft credits
- Export contacts, files, and OneDrive data
- Delete Outlook.com account from all trusted devices
- Update account details wherever this email was used for login or password recovery
Don’t avoid or skip any of these points if you want to get the expected results. Additionally, most of the users are wondering how to backup their Outlook.com account. Am I right?
If yes, then for the same, you can use SysTools Outlook.com Backup Tool for free. It allows exporting everything in different formats like PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, and MSG. Moreover, this utility also helps preserve folder structure and securely stores a local copy.
Why this? There is no reliable manual solution for backing up data simultaneously, which is why I’m suggesting this highly preferred utility. So, download this now for free, and ensure access even after deleting the Outtlok.com account.
When you ensure you can back up, then only move to the next section, in which I’ll share how to close Outlook.com account.
How to Delete Outlook.com Account Step-by-Step
Follow the stepwise instructions below to remove your Outlook.com account permanently:
- Step 1. Sign in to the Microsoft Account
- Step 2. Access Account Closure Page
- Click Your info
- Scroll down > Select Manage your account or Close your account link
- Step 3. Now, Microsoft will ask you to verify my identity via:
- Email verification
- Text message (if phone number added)
- Step 4. Microsoft shows a checklist of consequences. Confirm each point to acknowledge:
- I understand that this will delete emails, OneDrive files, etc.
- I am responsible for cancelling services tied to the account
- Step 5. Choose Account Closure Timeline:
-
- 60 days (default and recommended)
Note: At this time, to recover the account if you change your mind.
- Step 6. Select a reason to delete the Microsoft Outlook.com account.
- Step 7. Finally, click Mark account for closure.
What Happens When You Delete Outlook.com Account?
When you delete your account, you’re actually closing the entire Microsoft Account associated with that email. This action impacts all linked services, including:
- Cloud Storage, like files in OneDrive, are removed.
- Subscriptions such as services including Microsoft 365, Teams, Skype, etc., are discontinued.
- Any Windows PC logged in with the same account will lose sync settings.
- Access to Microsoft Store apps and licenses will be lost.
I repeat that Microsoft keeps the account in a 60-day recovery period before deleting it permanently.
Related guide: Remove IMAP Account
How Long Before My Outlook Account Is Deleted?
After initiating closure, your account enters a 60-day grace period.
During this time:
- You can still sign in and reactivate your account
- After 60 days, deletion becomes permanent and irreversible. Afterwards, the only option to access is offline backup.
How to Recover Your Outlook Account?
If you change your mind after the closure, then here are the steps to restore it:
- Visit Outlook.com
- Sign in with the same email
- Follow the on-screen steps to re-activate the Account
As long as it’s within 60 days, Microsoft restores everything.
Is it Possible to Delete Outlook.com Account from Windows 10 or Windows 11?
Yes, you can remove an Outlook account from Windows, but that does not delete the account permanently. For the same:
Windows 10
- Open Settings > Accounts
- Email & accounts
- Select the Outlook email > Remove
Windows 11
- Settings > Accounts
- Access work or school / Email & accounts
- Select > Remove
This only disconnects the account from the device, not the account closure or deletion.
Also read: Archive IMAP Emails
What If My Outlook Account Is Hacked?
Currently, most of the users decide on closure because they have gained unauthorised access. In that case, I recommend:
- Immediately resetting the password
- Reviewing security activity
- Removing suspicious recovery emails or phone numbers
And only then proceed with account closure if necessary.
Author’s Verdict
Removing the Outlook.com account directly affects many other Microsoft services which you rely on. That’s why I always take backups and cancel subscriptions before proceeding.
If you’re sure you don’t need your Outlook email or Microsoft account anymore, following the steps above, you can smoothly delete Outlook.com account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How long does Microsoft keep the account before deleting it?
60 days. During this period, you can recover the account by logging in again.
Q. What happens if I have an active Microsoft 365 subscription?
You must cancel it before closing the account; otherwise, charges may continue.
Q. Does deleting Outlook remove my Teams and OneDrive data too?
Yes. All services tied to that Microsoft account are impacted.