Removing an Outlook account from your profile stops it from syncing emails and calendar events. If you are wondering how to delete an outlook account, this guide covers every step clearly and directly. Whether you want to close a Microsoft account linked to Outlook or just remove it from a device, we have you covered.
Many people think deleting an Outlook account is complicated. It is actually straightforward once you know the correct process. This article walks you through both options: removing the account from an app or permanently deleting the Microsoft account itself.
How To Delete An Outlook Account
Before starting, understand the difference. You can remove Outlook from your phone or computer without closing the Microsoft account. Or you can delete the entire Microsoft account, which erases Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and other services. Choose wisely.
What Happens When You Delete Your Outlook Account
When you delete a Microsoft account, you lose access to all associated data. This includes emails, contacts, calendar events, and files stored in OneDrive. You also lose subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Xbox Game Pass.
If you only remove the account from a device, your data stays on Microsoft servers. You can still log in from another device. This is useful if you are switching phones or cleaning up old profiles.
Backup Your Data First
Always backup important information before deletion. Export emails, contacts, and calendar items. Download files from OneDrive. Save any subscription details or receipts.
- Export emails using Outlook’s built-in export tool
- Save contacts as a CSV file
- Download OneDrive files to your computer
- Cancel any active subscriptions
Microsoft gives you 60 days to recover a deleted account. After that, data is permanently gone. Do not rely on this grace period for critical files.
Removing Outlook From A Windows Computer
If you just want to stop Outlook from syncing on your PC, follow these steps. This does not delete your Microsoft account.
Remove Account From Outlook Desktop App
Open the Outlook desktop application. Go to File in the top left corner. Click Account Settings, then Account Settings again. Select the account you want to remove and click Remove. Confirm the action.
Your emails and calendar events will no longer sync to this computer. The data remains on Microsoft servers. You can add the account again later if needed.
Remove Account From Windows Mail App
Open the Mail app on Windows. Click the gear icon for settings. Select Manage Accounts. Choose the Outlook account and click Delete Account. Confirm the deletion.
This removes the account from Mail and Calendar apps. Other apps like OneDrive remain unaffected.
Removing Outlook From A Mac
On a Mac, the process is similar. Open the Outlook app. Go to Tools in the menu bar. Select Accounts. Highlight the account you want to remove and click the minus sign (-). Confirm removal.
Your data stays on Microsoft servers. You can re-add the account anytime.
Removing Outlook From An Iphone Or Ipad
To remove an Outlook account from iOS, go to Settings. Scroll down and tap Mail. Tap Accounts, then select the Outlook account. Tap Delete Account and confirm.
This removes the account from Mail, Contacts, and Calendars. Your Microsoft account remains active online.
Removing Outlook From An Android Device
On Android, open the Settings app. Tap Accounts or Users & Accounts. Find the Outlook account and tap it. Tap Remove Account or Delete Account. Confirm the action.
Your emails and calendar events stop syncing to this device. The account itself is not deleted.
How To Permanently Delete Your Microsoft Account
If you want to completely close your Outlook account, you must delete the entire Microsoft account. This is irreversible after 60 days.
Step-By-Step Guide To Delete Microsoft Account
- Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in
- Click on Your Info at the top
- Scroll down to Account settings
- Click Close account
- Read the warning carefully
- Check the boxes confirming you understand
- Click Next and follow prompts
- Enter your password to confirm
- Click Close account again
Microsoft will send a confirmation email. Your account is now scheduled for deletion. You have 60 days to change your mind.
What You Lose When Deleting Your Microsoft Account
- All Outlook emails and folders
- OneDrive files and photos
- Xbox profile and game saves
- Skype contacts and history
- Microsoft 365 subscriptions
- Office product keys tied to account
- Bing rewards and Microsoft Store purchases
Make sure you really want to lose everything. There is no way to recover individual services after deletion.
Recovering A Deleted Outlook Account
If you change your mind within 60 days, you can recover your account. Go to account.microsoft.com and try to sign in. Follow the recovery prompts. You may need to verify your identity via email or phone.
After recovery, all data should be restored. Emails, files, and settings return as they were. Subscriptions may need reactivation.
After 60 days, recovery is impossible. The account and all data are permanently erased.
Common Issues When Deleting An Outlook Account
Account Still Active After Deletion
Sometimes the account appears active even after you delete it. This usually means you removed it from a device but not from Microsoft servers. Follow the permanent deletion steps above.
Cannot Delete Because Of Subscriptions
Microsoft blocks account deletion if you have active subscriptions. Cancel all subscriptions first. Wait for them to expire or end immediately. Then try deleting again.
Forgot Password
If you forgot your password, use the password reset tool at account.live.com. You need access to your recovery email or phone number. Without these, recovery is very difficult.
Account Used By Other Services
If your Outlook account is linked to other services like Xbox or Skype, deleting it affects those too. Unlink services if possible before deletion.
Alternative: Close Outlook Without Deleting Account
If you only want to stop using Outlook but keep other Microsoft services, do not delete the account. Simply stop using the email address. You can also set up forwarding to another email.
To forward emails, go to Outlook settings online. Click Mail, then Forwarding. Add your new email address. Choose to keep copies or delete forwarded messages.
This way, you keep OneDrive, Xbox, and other services active. Your old emails remain accessible if needed.
Security Considerations
Deleting an account removes your data from Microsoft servers. However, copies may exist in backups or legal holds. Microsoft says they delete data within 60 days of account closure.
If you are concerned about privacy, delete sensitive emails manually before closing the account. Also remove any personal information from your profile.
Change passwords on other accounts that used this Outlook email for login. Otherwise, you may lose access to those accounts too.
What To Do After Deleting Your Outlook Account
After deletion, update your email address on all important accounts. This includes banks, social media, subscriptions, and work accounts. Use a new email service like Gmail or ProtonMail.
Notify contacts of your new email address. Set up an auto-reply on your old account if possible. Microsoft allows this during the 60-day grace period.
Download any remaining data you might need. Check OneDrive, Skype, and Xbox for files or messages you want to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Outlook account without deleting Microsoft account?
No. Outlook is tied to your Microsoft account. Deleting Outlook requires deleting the entire Microsoft account. However, you can remove Outlook from devices without deleting the account.
How long does it take to delete an Outlook account?
After you submit the deletion request, Microsoft schedules it immediately. You have 60 days to cancel. After that, the account is permanently deleted.
Will I lose my OneDrive files if I delete Outlook?
Yes. Deleting your Microsoft account deletes all associated services, including OneDrive. Backup files before deletion.
Can I recover my Outlook account after deletion?
Yes, within 60 days. Go to account.microsoft.com and try to sign in. Follow recovery steps. After 60 days, recovery is impossible.
What happens to my Xbox account if I delete Outlook?
Your Xbox profile, game saves, and purchases are all lost. You cannot keep Xbox without a Microsoft account. Consider unlinking or transferring data before deletion.
Final Thoughts On Deleting An Outlook Account
Deleting an Outlook account is a big decision. It affects many services beyond email. Always backup important data first. Understand the difference between removing from a device and permanent deletion.
Follow the steps carefully. Double-check your choices before confirming. If you are unsure, remove the account from your device first and wait. You can always delete permanently later.
Remember the 60-day grace period. Use it to change your mind or recover data. After that, everything is gone for good.
We hope this guide helped you understand how to delete an outlook account. Take your time and make the right choice for your needs.