A Microsoft account is a single sign-in service that allows you to access various Microsoft products and services, such as Windows, Office, Xbox, Skype, OneDrive, Outlook, and more. However, if you’ve had enough, this guide will show you how to delete your Microsoft account on desktop and mobile.
Deleting your Microsoft account can be a complex process involving several steps and implications. Here’re certain things that you should be aware of before proceeding.
- Ensure you have backed up or transferred any critical data or information you want to access later.
- You must cancel any subscriptions or memberships linked to your Microsoft account and remove your Microsoft account from any device you use to sign in.
- After deleting your Microsoft account, you have a grace period of 30-60 days to reactivate your account. If you don’t reactivate it, it’ll be permanently deleted.
So, these are some things to know before deleting your Microsoft account. If you wish to proceed further, there are certain things you must do before starting the deletion process; keep reading.
Also Read: How to reset Microsoft Store in Windows
Things to Do Before Deleting Microsoft Account
Once you decide you no longer need or want to use your Microsoft account, you can close it permanently. However, you should do a few essential things before you do that.
1. Remove Microsoft Account From Windows
Removing the Microsoft account from your computer is pretty important before you go ahead and delete it. Follow the below-mentioned steps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
Step 2: In the Settings window, select Accounts from the sidebar.
Step 3: Scroll to Account settings and choose ‘Email & accounts’ on the right.
Step 4: You will see a list of accounts connected to your Windows computer. Click on the account you want to remove or plan to delete permanently.
Step 5: From the drop-down, choose the Remove button.
Step 6: Click Yes in the pop-up to confirm that you want to remove the account from your Windows computer.
That’s it. The connected Microsoft account gets immediately removed from your computer, opening up the way to deleting your Microsoft account. If you have any subscriptions associated with the account, cancel them before deleting them.
2. Cancel Your Subscriptions
If you have active subscriptions or memberships associated with your Microsoft account, such as Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, Skype Credit, or OneDrive storage, cancel them first. Otherwise, you might get charged even after closing your account. Follow the below steps:
Step 1: Go to your Microsoft account’s Services & Subscriptions page and sign in with your email and password if prompted.
Step 2: Find the subscription you want to cancel and click on Manage.
Step 3: Now, click Cancel or Turn off recurring billing and follow the instructions to confirm your cancellation.
On the same page, you can also check the status of your subscriptions and see when they will expire. If you have prepaid subscriptions that will not expire soon, you might want to use them before deleting your account.
Also Read: Microsoft Office 365 Essentials vs Premium
Do You Need a Microsoft Account to Use Windows
A common question that many users have is whether they need a Microsoft account to use Windows 10 or Windows 11. The answer is no; you don’t need a Microsoft account to access Windows. You can still use a local account to sign in to your PC and enjoy most of the features of Windows. However, using a Microsoft account versus a local account has some benefits and drawbacks.
Some benefits of using a Microsoft account are syncing your settings, one-click access to your Microsoft services and subscriptions, personalized recommendations, and so on. On the flip side, there are some drawbacks, such as you need to have an internet connection to sign in to your PC for the first time, you might share more information than you want to with Microsoft, and so on.
Now that you understand the differences and checked off things to do, let’s hop on to deleting your Microsoft account.
How to Delete Microsoft Account Permanently From Desktop
Step 1: Go to the Close your Account webpage on Microsoft’s official site using the below link and log in with your credentials.
Step 2: In the deletion form, go through a set of checklists to download any records, utilize any pending credits, set up auto-replies, etc. Click Next.
Note: By default, Microsoft waits 60 days before closing the account permanently. However, you can change it to 30 days.
Step 3: Review and check every box. Finally, select your reason to delete the account from the drop-down.
Step 4: Click the ‘Mark account for closure’ button.
That’s it. Microsoft account will be saved as a deactivated account for 60 days (or 30 days), after which it will be permanently deleted. During the deactivation period, if you change your mind, you can always log back into your Microsoft account to revive it.
How to Close Microsoft Account From Android or iOS Devices
Step 1: Firstly, launch the Microsoft Office app on your iOS or Android device.
Note: If you don’t have the app, you can download it from the Play Store or App Store.
Step 2: Visit Microsoft’s Close Your Account page using the below link.
Step 3: Scroll down and choose Next. You can also choose 30 days from the drop-down menu instead of 60 to reduce the reactivation period.
Step 4: Review the details and check all the boxes until you see the question, ‘Still want to close this account?’
Step 5: Select your reason and tap ‘Mark account for closure.’
There you have it. Microsoft will delete your account after the set number of days of deactivation. You can always reopen your account if you change your mind during the deactivation period.
FAQs on Removing Microsoft Account
1. What happens to my emails and files when I delete my Microsoft account?
When you delete your Microsoft account, all associated emails and email data, including your inbox, sent messages, and any folders, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. This includes all email content, attachments, and contacts linked to that account. It’s essential to back up any important emails or data before proceeding with the deletion to prevent data loss.
2. Can I use the same email address to create a new Microsoft account after deletion?
No, you cannot use the same email address to create a new Microsoft account. If you want, create a new Microsoft account with a different email address.
3. What happens to my Windows license after deleting my Microsoft account?
Deleting your Microsoft account does not affect your Windows license or activation. Your Windows license is tied to your device’s hardware, not your Microsoft account. Therefore, your Windows installation and activation will remain unaffected even if you delete your Microsoft account.
4. Can I delete a Microsoft account without deleting my Outlook email?
No, you cannot delete a Microsoft account without deleting associated services, including your Outlook email. Deleting a Microsoft account involves deleting all the services and data associated with that account, including emails, files, contacts, and more.
Goodbye, Microsoft
Now that you know how to delete a Microsoft account on desktop and mobile, you can quickly close the account, switch to a different platform, or create a new account. You may also want to read how to set up Windows without logging in to your Microsoft Account.
Categories: How to
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