Recovering OneDrive account that still receives "Your memories from this day" emails

scott bingham 0 Reputation points
2026-10-07T20:56:23.8766667+00:00

Can I recover a OneDrive account that appears to be closed but I'm still getting "Your memories from this day" emails? When I try to login using the same email address, it isn't recognized.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-07T21:35:09.36+00:00

    Hi, @scott bingham

    The "Your memories from this day" emails do not necessarily mean the OneDrive account is still active. They could be delayed or previously generated automated notifications.

    If the email address is not recognized when signing in, first try:

    https://aka.ms/sign-in-helper

    To help narrow this down:

    1. What exact message appears when you try to sign in?
    2. When was the last time you successfully accessed that OneDrive account?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-07T20:56:41.4666667+00:00

    Yes, but it depends on the account state.

    • If the Microsoft account was closed by choice, it can only be reopened during its 30-day or 60-day grace period by signing in at https://account.microsoft.com and completing the security code check. After that, it cannot be reopened.
    • If the account has been inactive for more than two years, it may have been automatically deleted, and it can no longer be reopened.
    • If OneDrive says the account is frozen, sign in with the correct account credentials. A common cause is having a different Microsoft account than expected.
    • If the email address is not recognized, try account recovery and verify that the correct email domain and alias are being used. If the username still is not found, contact support through the Microsoft account support flow.
    • If the account was temporarily blocked, it may be due to suspicious activity, large traffic volume, or a policy violation. In that case, use the Microsoft services account reset page. If the account was recently verified by text message or many files were shared, the block can be removed within 24 hours.
    • Receiving “Your memories from this day” emails does not by itself confirm that the account is still recoverable. Microsoft notes that genuine OneDrive emails can come from @mail.onedrive.com, @notificationmail.microsoft.com, or @infomail.microsoft.com.

    Practical path:

    1. Try signing in at https://account.microsoft.com with the same address.
    2. If the address is not recognized, check for a different alias or country-specific domain such as .com vs .co.uk.
    3. Use the account recovery process if the password or username no longer works.
    4. If the account was closed, reopen it only if still within the grace period.
    5. If OneDrive reports the account is blocked, use the account reset page.
    6. If the account has already been deleted, recovery is not possible.

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

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