Deleting an Outlook Account: A Comprehensive How-To Guide
Published: 2023-07-18 12:03:07

---
title: Deleting an Outlook Account: A Comprehensive How-To Guide
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date: 2023-07-18 09:13:43 UTC
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canonical_url: https://ektechnerd.com/deleting-an-outlook-account-a-comprehensive-how-to-guide/
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Microsoft Outlook, part of the [Microsoft Office suite](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365), has undergone several changes and rebranding since its introduction in 1997. As a result, many users have found more convenient services and are looking to delete their Outlook accounts. This guide will walk you through the steps to delete an Outlook account permanently, discuss the repercussions of such an action, and introduce a temporary solution.

## How to Delete Your Outlook Account Permanently

Deleting an Outlook account requires more than just uninstalling the app from your device. Microsoft offers a centralized solution to manage and delete accounts via a web browser. Here are the steps to delete your Outlook account permanently:

1. Visit the [Outlook website](https://outlook.live.com/) in any browser.
2. Log in to your Outlook email account using your credentials.
3. Access your central account management page by visiting [this link](https://account.microsoft.com/account).
4. Navigate to the Security tab appearing on the blue strip at the top of the page.

![image](https://i.postimg.cc/FzbKNFrp/image.png "Deleting an Outlook Account: A Comprehensive How-To Guide 1")

1. Verify your identity by entering your password again or using fingerprint verification if enabled.
2. Click on advanced security options.

![image](https://i.postimg.cc/vTC4H2f8/image.png "Deleting an Outlook Account: A Comprehensive How-To Guide 2")

1. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Close my account.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts, read and tick various caveats to explain why you’re leaving.
3. Click on Mark account for closure.

Once you finish these steps, a message will appear on the screen indicating the date your account will be closed, typically 60 days after initiating the closure.

## Consequences of Deleting Your Outlook Account

Deleting your Outlook account can have far-reaching effects, especially if you use other services within the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll lose access to services registered with the deleted email, including [OneDrive](https://onedrive.live.com/), [Skype](https://www.skype.com/), [Office 365](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365), and [Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/). Any digital purchases made with the existing account will no longer be available for use. If you’ve used your Microsoft account to acquire a certification online, the relevant badge and transcript will be deleted. Physical devices like Xbox that must be associated with a Microsoft account may stop working. You’ll also lose access to your game progress, scores, podcasts, captures, and friends list. If you have purchased or won a subscription, it may be canceled, and you’ll lose any receivable balance on the service.

## Reactivating Your Outlook Account

Outlook accounts are not deleted right away. You have a pending period of 60 days to reclaim or reactivate your account, typically by signing back in or contacting [customer service](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/). After the pending period, your username will be removed from the signup database and become available to other users.

## A Temporary Solution: Removing an Email Account from the Outlook App

If you’re only bothered by the frequent Outlook notifications on your PC or mobile email client but want to avoid terminating the account, consider removing the service from the relevant app. Removing the account from the app only deletes the configuration, without impacting the status of your account.

## Considering Outlook Alternatives? Look Beyond Big Tech.

If you’re looking for a new email provider, consider [Skiff](https://skiff.com/), a multifeatured, privacy-first alternative to Big Tech email services. Skiff offers an end-to-end encrypted email service with a complementary productivity suite.