So you want to delete your Hotmail account? Honestly, I get it. Maybe you're drowning in spam, switched to a better email service years ago, or just want to declutter your digital life. Whatever your reason, I've helped dozens of folks through this process, and let me tell you – Microsoft doesn't make it obvious. That "Close account" button? It's hidden like buried treasure.
Before we dive in: Deleting a Hotmail account means nuking your entire Microsoft ecosystem access – Xbox live progress, OneDrive files, Office licenses, Skype contacts. Gone. Permanently. Take a breath before proceeding.
What You MUST Do Before Closing Your Account
A friend learned this the hard way last month – he deleted his Hotmail and suddenly couldn't access his Minecraft worlds his kid spent years building. Don't be like Dave. Do this first:
| What to Backup | How to Save It | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Emails & Attachments | Forward critical messages or use Outlook desktop app to export PST file | 15-60 mins |
| Contacts | Export as CSV through People > Manage > Export | 5 mins |
| OneDrive Files | Download folder or use OneDrive sync to desktop | Varies by data size |
| Game Saves & Licenses | Check Xbox/Minecraft account links – may need physical backups | 20 mins |
Forgot your password? You'll need it to delete the account. Use Microsoft's account recovery tool first. No way around this – their security checks are strict.
Critical Checklist Before Deletion
- Cancel Microsoft subscriptions (Office 365, Xbox Game Pass)
- Update login info for banks, social media, Amazon
- Transfer Microsoft Store purchases to another account (games, apps)
- Delete or download Skype chat history
Actual Steps to Delete Hotmail Account (2024 Method)
Here's where most guides get outdated. Microsoft changed their interface again last March. Follow these current steps:
Step 1: Sign in at account.microsoft.com
Use your Hotmail email and current password. If you see a "Verify identity" prompt, check your alternate email or phone.
Step 2: Navigate to Security Settings
Click your profile icon > My Microsoft Account > Security tab. Scroll down to "More security options".
Step 3: Find the Termination Link
Under "Account security", click "Advanced security options". Look for the tiny "Close my account" text at the bottom. Why do they hide it? Probably hoping you'll give up.
Step 4: Read Microsoft's Scare Warnings
They'll list everything you'll lose (see table below). Check all boxes to confirm you understand.
Step 5: Choose Your Reason & Finalize
Select why you're leaving from their dropdown. Click "Mark account for closure".
Important: Your account isn't gone yet! Microsoft gives a 60-day grace period. If you sign in during this time, deletion cancels automatically. Mark your calendar!
What Gets Deleted When You Close Hotmail
| Service | Impact | Recoverable? |
|---|---|---|
| Hotmail/Outlook Emails | All messages permanently erased | No |
| OneDrive Files | Everything deleted including shared links | Within 30 days via admin |
| Xbox Live Gamertag | Account inaccessible, saves gone | No – create new tag |
| Microsoft Store Purchases | Games/apps no longer downloadable | Only if repurchased |
Common Problems People Run Into
When I deleted my old Hotmail account last year, three things almost stopped me:
Problem: "Close Account" Option Grayed Out
Usually means:
- Outstanding balance (check Xbox subscriptions)
- Active child account linked to yours
- Pending security review (wait 72 hours)
Problem: Account Recovery After Deletion
If you're within 60 days? Just sign in – it reactivates instantly. After 60 days? Gone forever. Microsoft support can't help (I've tried for clients).
Problem: "Verify Identity" Loop
Happens if you changed phones. Call Microsoft support at 1-800-642-7676. Prepare old passwords or security questions.
Alternatives to Deleting Hotmail Entirely
Not ready for nuclear option? Try these first:
Option 1: Block All Emails
Go to Settings > Mail > Block senders. Add "*@*" to block everything. You keep the account without inbox clutter.
Option 2: Auto-Forward to New Email
Settings > Mail > Forwarding – send all Hotmail to Gmail. Set reply-from address too.
Option 3: Create Alias & Disable Hotmail
Add new Outlook alias under "Manage how you sign in". Set as primary. Remove Hotmail address from sign-ins.
Hotmail Account Deletion FAQ
How long does it take to delete Hotmail account?
Immediate deactivation, but permanent erasure happens after 60 days. During this period, you can cancel deletion by logging in.
Can I delete Hotmail without losing Xbox games?
No – that's the brutal truth. Your gamertag is tied to the Microsoft account. Save locally first or cloud-transfer if available.
What happens to emails sent to my deleted Hotmail?
After 60 days? Bounced back to sender with "address not found". Warn contacts beforehand!
Can I recover a deleted Hotmail account after 1 year?
No chance. Microsoft permanently purges data beyond 60 days. Their support page confirms this.
Does deleting Hotmail stop Microsoft charges?
Only if you canceled subscriptions FIRST. Otherwise, they'll keep billing – happened to my neighbor last June.
The Pain Points Nobody Talks About
From helping 50+ people delete Hotmail accounts, here's the real talk:
- Shared OneDrive files break immediately – your family photos? Gone from shared links
- Authenticator app stops working – update 2FA on all connected accounts first
- Old devices stay logged in – phones may still show "connected" for weeks
If you use Windows 10/11 with MS login: Your PC login becomes invalid. Back up locally before deleting!
Should You Actually Delete It?
Look, unless you're getting harassed or the account is compromised, I often suggest keeping it dormant. Why?
- Use it for spam signups (protects your main email)
- Retain access to legacy Microsoft products
- Avoid breaking accounts you forgot were linked
But if you're determined to proceed with deleting your Hotmail account, at least now you know exactly how to do it without losing your digital life. The key really is in the preparation – skip that backup step and you might regret it forever. Good luck!
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