How to Delete a Hotmail Account Permanently

There may come a time when you decide you no longer need your Hotmail account. Maybe you've switched to a different email provider, want to simplify your online life, or are concerned about privacy. Whatever the reason, permanently deleting a Hotmail account is a significant decision because it affects much more than just your email.

Since Hotmail is now part of Microsoft's Outlook service, deleting your Hotmail account also means closing your Microsoft account. This can impact services like Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, Microsoft 365, and any other Microsoft products connected to that account.

Before you continue, it's important to understand what happens when you permanently delete your account, how to prepare for it, and how to complete the process safely.

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What Happens When You Delete Your Hotmail Account?

Many people think deleting a Hotmail account only removes access to their inbox. In reality, your Hotmail address is part of your Microsoft account.

When you permanently close the account, you'll lose access to:

• Your Hotmail or Outlook email

• All emails and folders

• Contacts

• Calendar events

• OneDrive files

• Microsoft 365 subscriptions linked to the account

• Skype data

• Xbox profile, games, achievements, and purchases connected to that Microsoft account

• Microsoft Rewards points

• Any apps or services that use the account for sign-in

Because of this, you should carefully review everything connected to your account before proceeding.

Things to Do Before Deleting Your Account

Deleting your account is permanent after Microsoft's waiting period expires. Taking a few minutes to prepare can save you from losing valuable information.

Save Important Emails

Look through your inbox and folders for emails you may need in the future.

Examples include:

• Tax documents

• Bank statements

• Receipts

• Travel confirmations

• Medical information

• School records

• Family photos or attachments

Download or forward anything you want to keep.

Back Up Your Contacts

If your contacts are only stored in your Hotmail account, export them before deleting the account.

Otherwise, you may lose phone numbers, addresses, and email contacts forever.

Download Files from OneDrive

If you've used OneDrive, download your documents, photos, and videos before closing the account.

Once the account is permanently deleted, those files cannot be recovered.

Update Other Online Accounts

Many websites use your Hotmail address for:

• Password resets

• Login verification

• Security notifications

Update your email address on important accounts before deleting your Hotmail account.

Examples include:

• Banking websites

• Shopping accounts

• Streaming services

• Social media

• Government websites

• Utility providers

Doing this first prevents future login problems.

Can You Recover a Deleted Hotmail Account?

Microsoft doesn't immediately erase your account after you request deletion.

Instead, your account enters a waiting period, which is usually 30 to 60 days depending on your account and region.

During this period:

• Your account is scheduled for deletion.

• You can still sign back in.

• Signing in cancels the deletion request.

After the waiting period ends, the account and its data are permanently removed and generally cannot be recovered.

How to Delete Your Hotmail Account Permanently

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Sign In

Log into the Microsoft account associated with your Hotmail email.

Make sure you're signing into the correct account if you have more than one Microsoft account.

Step 2: Open the Account Closure Page

Navigate to the Microsoft account settings and choose the option to close your account.

Microsoft may ask you to verify your identity by sending a security code.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

For your protection, Microsoft confirms that you're the account owner.

You may receive a verification code through:

• Email

• Text message

• Microsoft Authenticator

Enter the code to continue.

Step 4: Read the Information Carefully

Microsoft will display everything you'll lose by deleting the account.

Read each section carefully before continuing.

Step 5: Check the Confirmation Boxes

You'll need to acknowledge several statements confirming you understand:

• Your data will be deleted.

• Your subscriptions may end.

• Purchases may become inaccessible.

• The account cannot be recovered after the waiting period.

Step 6: Choose the Reason

Select the reason you're closing your account from the drop-down menu.

This information helps Microsoft improve its services.

Step 7: Confirm Account Closure

Click the final confirmation button.

Your account is now scheduled for permanent deletion.

What If You Change Your Mind?

If you decide you still need your Hotmail account, simply sign back into it before the waiting period expires.

Doing so cancels the deletion request, and your account remains active.

Once the deletion period has ended, however, the account generally cannot be restored.

Common Reasons People Delete Their Hotmail Account

Everyone has different reasons for closing an email account. Some of the most common include:

• Switching to another email provider

• Reducing the number of online accounts

• Privacy concerns

• Receiving too much spam

• Creating a fresh email address

• No longer using Microsoft services

Before deleting your account, consider whether simply changing your password, updating your security settings, or creating email rules might solve the issue without losing your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is deleting a Hotmail account the same as deleting a Microsoft account?

Yes. Since Hotmail is part of Microsoft's ecosystem, closing your Hotmail account also closes your Microsoft account.

Can someone else use my old Hotmail address?

Microsoft generally does not immediately recycle deleted email addresses, but policies can change over time.

Will my emails disappear immediately?

No. During the waiting period, the account remains recoverable if you sign back in.

Can I create another Hotmail account later?

Yes. You can create a new Microsoft account with a different available email address whenever you like.

Final Thoughts

Deleting your Hotmail account permanently is a major decision because it affects your entire Microsoft account. Before proceeding, make sure you've saved important emails, downloaded your files, updated your login information on other websites, and considered whether deleting the account is truly necessary.

Taking these precautions will help you avoid losing valuable information and make the transition much smoother.

If you'd like to learn more about Hotmail, including how it works and tips for getting started, read our complete guide here: What is hotmail and how does it work