To permanently delete an Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account, sign in to that Microsoft account and mark the entire Microsoft account for closure.
Permanently delete the account
- Open Microsoft’s account-closure instructions and select Continue to start the guided process.
- Sign in to the exact account you want to delete.
- Verify that the closure page shows the correct email address.
- Select Next.
- Read and check each acknowledgement.
- Choose a 30-day or 60-day reopening window.
- Select a reason, then choose Mark account for closure.
- Repeat separately for each account you want deleted. ^1^
Important: Deleting an Outlook.com mailbox closes its entire Microsoft account—not just email. After the reopening period expires, email and contacts cannot be recovered, and access to services and data associated with that account—including OneDrive, Xbox, Skype, and saved BitLocker recovery keys—is lost. Download anything needed before proceeding. ^2^
If you only want to delete one email address
The address might be an alias attached to a Microsoft account rather than a separate account. Aliases share the same password, contacts, storage, subscriptions, and settings.
- Open Microsoft account → Your info → Edit account info.
- Sign in.
- If necessary, add another email address and make it the primary address.
- Select Remove beside the unwanted alias. ^3^
Warning: Removing a Microsoft-domain alias such as @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or @live.com permanently deletes that address; it cannot be reclaimed. ^4^
If you only want it removed from the Outlook app
This does not delete the mailbox:
- New Outlook for Windows: Settings → Accounts → Your accounts → Manage → Remove
- Classic Outlook: File → Account Settings → Account Settings → Email → select account → Remove
- Outlook mobile: Profile icon → Settings → select account → Delete/Remove Account ^5^
If sign-in fails, use the Sign-in helper linked from the closure instructions. Microsoft requires access to the account before it can be closed. ^1^
References
- How to close your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- Close your Outlook.com account | Microsoft Support
- Change the email address for your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- Can I change the email address that is connected to my Clipchamp account? | Microsoft Support
- How do I remove an old Outlook account - Microsoft Q&A