live email account gone

If a live.com email account appears to be gone, the supported checks are:

1. Try signing in at account.microsoft.com with the full @live.com address.
   • If a password prompt appears, the address is still a Microsoft account.
   • If the message says "We couldn't find an account with that username" or "That Microsoft account doesn't exist", check the spelling and the domain carefully, such as .com vs .co.uk.
2. If the username is not recognized, use the Sign-in Helper tool.
3. If the password is correct but no longer works, use the account recovery flow:
   • Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name used to sign in.
   • Choose where to receive the security code.
   • Enter the code.
   • Set a new password.
4. If the account was temporarily blocked because of unusual sign-in activity, unblocking requires a password reset.
5. If the account has not been signed in to for more than two years, it may have been deleted and can no longer be reopened.
6. If the account was closed intentionally, it can only be reopened during the 30-day or 60-day grace period by signing in and completing security verification. After that, it is permanently deleted.
7. If access is still not possible, check whether the username can be found from devices or apps already signed in:
   • Windows 10/11: Start > Settings > Accounts. Under Email & app accounts, review the usernames associated with the device.
   • Office apps: Open Word or Excel, then File > Account. Under Product Information, check Belongs to.
8. If there was unusual activity or possible compromise, review recent sign-in activity on the Recent activity page.

If none of these steps restore access, use the Microsoft account sign-in support flow or contact support from the sign-in and Outlook.com help pages.

• How to check if your email address is a Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
• My username and password have stopped working | Microsoft Support
• Unblock my Outlook.com account | Microsoft Support
• Reopen your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
• Check products or services where you used your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
• Email is missing from your Outlook.com inbox | Microsoft Support