Code of Conduct Infractions

Yes—Microsoft may restrict service, block message delivery, suspend access, or close a Microsoft account for violations, but it generally does not disclose what action was taken against a reported sender.

Section 3.a.iii of the Microsoft Services Agreement prohibits spam, defined as unwanted or unsolicited bulk electronic communications. Microsoft reserves the right to stop providing services or close an account for material violations ^1^. Enforcement can also include blocking communications to or from Microsoft services ^2^.

However, a message displaying an Outlook.com address is not conclusive proof that the corresponding account sent it. The visible From address can be spoofed. Outlook may show an unverified-sender indicator or a via tag when the authenticated sender differs from the displayed address ^3^.

Report each message rather than only deleting it

For unsolicited advertising, use Report Junk. If the message attempts to steal credentials, financial information, or other sensitive data, use Report Phishing instead.

• Outlook mobile: Open the message → ⋮ → Report Junk → choose Junk, Phishing, or Block Sender ^4^.
• Outlook.com phishing report: Select the message → Report → Report phishing ^3^.

Reports contribute signals used by Microsoft’s anti-spam systems. Microsoft documents that complaint rates affect a sender’s reputation and deliverability, and that it takes action against sending IP addresses involved in prohibited abuse ^5^.

Stop further messages locally

Reporting does not automatically block the sender. In Outlook.com or new Outlook:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Mail → Junk email.
3. Add the address under Blocked senders, or add its domain under Blocked domains.
4. Select Save.

Future messages matching that address or domain are moved to Junk ^6^.

If the advertising is from a legitimate subscription, Outlook.com also provides Settings → Mail → Subscriptions, where the sender can be unsubscribed or blocked ^7^.

Microsoft evaluates reports and determines enforcement internally. A recipient should not expect confirmation that a specific account was warned, suspended, or closed.

References

1. Microsoft Services Agreement
2. Microsoft Q&A Code of Conduct
3. Phishing and suspicious behavior in Outlook | Microsoft Support
4. How do I report phishing or junk email? | Microsoft Support
5. Sender Support in Outlook.com | Microsoft Support
6. Block or unblock senders in Outlook
7. How to manage email subscriptions in Outlook.com | Microsoft Support