how do I permanently delete a hotmail account

Dustin Smiley 0 Reputation points
2026-10-03T21:50:23.3633333+00:00

I would like to delete, permanently my ******@hotmail.com account because someone is using it without my permission. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Dustin

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-03T21:50:34.94+00:00

    To permanently delete a Hotmail account, the Microsoft account associated with it must be closed.

    Important: closing the Microsoft account deletes the email and contacts from Microsoft servers and they can’t be recovered. If that Microsoft account is also used for services like OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, or other Microsoft services, access to those services is also lost.

    Steps:

    1. Sign in to the Hotmail account that needs to be deleted.
    2. Go to the account closure page and follow the prompts to close the account: Close your account
    3. Complete the closure process.

    If sign-in is not possible, use Contact Microsoft Support.

    Because the account is being used without permission, review the hacked account recovery guidance first if access is still available: My Outlook.com account has been hacked.

    After closing the account, Microsoft offers either a 30-day or 60-day grace period during which the account can be reopened by signing in again. After that period, the account is permanently deleted.


    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. GsN5034 - IA 78,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T02:11:42.2133333+00:00

    Hello,

    Did you notice any unusual activity in your Microsoft Account?

    https://account.live.com/Activity

    1. "What makes you think that someone has access to your Microsoft Account?"

    Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication for added security. This helps protect your account because even if someone knows your password, they cannot sign in without a second verification method, such as a security code or approval through the Microsoft Authenticator app.

    You can enable 2FA by signing in with your @hotmail.com account here: https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage

    Alternatively, on the Security Settings page, select the 'Sign out everywhere' option. Microsoft will sign you out of all the trusted devices within 24 hours. So, even if someone has access, they may be asked to sign in and will be blocked on the 2FA page.

    You can also have the Same account by adding another Alias to your Microsoft account. So that you can use a different email address (Username) to sign in.

    See: How to help keep your Microsoft account secure


    If you still wish to close the @hotmail.com account permanently, click the link below and select 'Close Account'.

    How to close your Microsoft account

    Before closing the account, make sure you have backed up all important data you wish to keep.

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