How to remove
Delete Your Microsoft Account
from Windows
Easily delete your Microsoft account on Windows 10 or 11 with our simple guide. Ensure your privacy and security—expert-tested for fast results.
How does How to Delete Your Microsoft Account end up on your PC?
- Duplicated Microsoft account created by user
- Users forget their email and password
- Old accounts created for specific services like Skype or Outlook
- Transition from separate services to a unified Microsoft Account
- Data loss associated with removal of the account
Repairs Windows system files, removes malware, and restores a clean OS state — without reinstalling.
I have duplicated Microsoft account. I want to remove the one I do not use anymore. How can I do it?
Microsoft Account is necessary for logging in to your Windows computer, Skype, Outlook mailbox, OneDrive, Xbox Live and Windows Phone. The account also allows connecting via social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn. However, computer users tend to create new accounts when they buy new laptops or other Microsoft products, for instance, Office. Sooner or later the time to say goodbye to an old and useless account comes.
Most of the time creation of the new account is related that users forget their email and password created several years ago. Indeed, not so long ago, Skype and other services were not related, and users needed Microsoft Account only for buying or activating other company’s products. Thus, login details might disappear from the memory quite easily.
The concept of Microsoft Account as we know today was introduced with Windows 8. With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft Account took over mailing services, such as Hotmail, Outlook, MSM, and others. Thus, users can log in with the same user name and password.
The same situation has happened to Skype, OneDrive, Gamer Tag and Xbox Live. Therefore, removal of the Microsoft Account leads to the data loss of associated accounts. For this reason, you have to make sure that necessary information and contacts are transferred to some other place before you start the closure.
Once you decide to delete Microsoft Account, you have 60 days to change your mind. For instance, if you forget to copy some important files from OneDrive or forgot to tell your Skype contacts about changed user name, you will be able to log in and reset the account automatically.
Steps to close Microsoft Account
Before sharing instructions how to remove Microsoft Account, we have to remind that this action leads to deletion of Outlook mailbox, Skype, files saved in OneDrive, Gamer Tag and Xbox Live data. However, if you have new accounts or stored necessary data to other devices or platforms, you should follow these steps:
1. Go to Close your Account page.
2. Sign into your account and verify your identity by following the provided instructions. If you are already signed in, make sure that it’s actually the account you want to remove.
3. Click Next.
4. You will be redirected to the closure page. Here you have to check all the options and make sure that you have all information you need.
5. Click Next.
6. In the next page, you will see the drop-down menu. Choose the reason why you decided to delete your account.
7. Click Mark account for closure.
Keep in mind that your Microsoft Account will be deleted entirely after 60 days. Thus, you will be able to log in if you change your mind. Once you sign in within two months time, your data will be restored immediately.
Bottom line
To delete your Microsoft Account, ensure that all necessary information and contacts are backed up. Follow the outlined steps to safely close your account. If these steps do not resolve your issue, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support.
Frequently asked questions
To delete your Microsoft account on Windows 10, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, then select 'Manage my Microsoft account' and follow the prompts to close your account.
Yes, in Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your info, click on 'Manage my Microsoft account,' and follow the instructions to delete your account.
When you delete your Microsoft account, all associated data, including emails and files stored in OneDrive, will be permanently removed after a 60-day recovery period.
Report an issue
What's wrong with this guide? We review every report and update or remove content.
Report received — thank you. We'll review and fix it.
You need a free account to submit a report.
Be the first to comment