How Do I Delete an Outlook Email Account?

So, you’re ready to sever ties with an Outlook email account? Whether it’s an old account you no longer use, one you accidentally created, or simply a move to a different email provider, the process is straightforward but varies slightly depending on whether you’re referring to removing an account from the Outlook application (desktop or mobile) or actually closing the entire Microsoft account associated with that email address. Essentially, removing an account means disconnecting it from your Outlook application, while closing the account means permanently deleting it from Microsoft’s servers.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Removing an account from the Outlook application (desktop or mobile): This only disconnects the email account from the Outlook app on your device. The account itself still exists, and you can access it via the web or another email client.

   • Outlook Desktop App (Windows/Mac): Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select the account you want to remove and click Remove. Confirm the removal.

   • Outlook Mobile App (iOS/Android): Tap your profile icon, then the gear icon (Settings). Select the account you want to remove. Scroll down and tap Delete Account (or similar wording). Confirm the deletion.

2. Closing the entire Microsoft account (permanently deleting the email address): This is a permanent action. All data associated with the account, including emails, contacts, files in OneDrive, and Xbox Live subscriptions, will be deleted.

   • To close the entire account: Go to the Microsoft account close account page. You’ll typically find this through a web search like “close Microsoft account”. You’ll likely be asked to verify your identity (e.g., through a security code sent to an alternate email or phone number). Carefully review the information about what happens when you close your account. Mark the tasks as completed. Select “Mark account for closure.” You usually have 60 days to reopen the account if you change your mind.

Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to give you the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between “removing” and “deleting” an Outlook email account?

Removing an account from the Outlook app (desktop or mobile) simply disconnects it from that specific instance of Outlook. Think of it like unplugging a device – the device (the account) still exists. You can still access it from another device or through a web browser.

Deleting an account (or more accurately, closing the Microsoft account) is a far more drastic step. It permanently erases the account and all associated data from Microsoft’s servers. This includes emails, contacts, files, subscriptions, and anything else linked to that account. It’s like throwing the device away – it’s gone for good (after the waiting period).

2. What happens to my emails and contacts if I remove an account from Outlook?

If you only remove the account from Outlook (the application), your emails and contacts are not deleted from the mail server. They remain accessible if you log in through a web browser or another email client. However, they will no longer be accessible within that specific instance of Outlook where you removed the account. It’s crucial to understand this distinction. The data resides on the server; removing the account simply disconnects that particular connection.

3. How long does it take for a Microsoft account to be fully deleted after I mark it for closure?

Microsoft typically provides a 60-day grace period after you initiate the account closure process. This gives you time to change your mind and reopen the account if necessary. After the 60-day period, the account is permanently deleted, and all associated data is erased.

4. Can I recover my emails and contacts after permanently deleting my Microsoft account?

No. Once the 60-day grace period has passed and the account is permanently deleted, your emails, contacts, and all other data are irrecoverable. This is why it’s absolutely critical to back up any important information before initiating the account closure process. Consider exporting your emails as PST files or backing up your contacts to a CSV file.

5. What happens to my OneDrive files when I delete my Microsoft account?

Your OneDrive files are permanently deleted along with the rest of your account data. Before deleting your account, you must download any files you want to keep. Microsoft typically provides warnings about this, but it’s essential to be proactive and back up your data. Don’t rely on a “maybe” backup; ensure you have a complete copy before proceeding.

6. Will deleting my Outlook email account cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?

Not necessarily. Deleting the email account used to access your Microsoft 365 subscription doesn’t automatically cancel the subscription itself. You’ll need to cancel the subscription separately. This is typically done through the Microsoft account dashboard. If you don’t cancel the subscription, you’ll continue to be charged, even after the email account is deleted. Think of the email account as the key to your house (the subscription). Throwing away the key doesn’t mean the house disappears; you still have to sell the house (cancel the subscription).

7. I forgot my password for the Outlook email account I want to delete. What should I do?

You’ll need to recover your password before you can delete the account. Use Microsoft’s account recovery process, which typically involves answering security questions or receiving a verification code via an alternate email address or phone number. Without access to the account, you can’t initiate the closure process.

8. Can I delete an Outlook email account if I only access it through the web browser?

Yes, you can delete a Microsoft account (which includes the associated Outlook email address) even if you only access it through a web browser. The process is the same: go to the Microsoft account close account page and follow the instructions. The method of access doesn’t change the underlying process of closing the entire account.

9. How do I back up my Outlook emails before deleting my account?

The easiest way to back up your Outlook emails is to export them to a PST file.

• In the Outlook desktop app: Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export. Choose “Export to a file” and select “Outlook Data File (.pst)”. Choose the email account you want to back up, select the folders you want to include (or the entire account), and choose a location to save the PST file.

This PST file contains a complete copy of your emails, contacts, calendar events, and tasks. You can later import this PST file into another Outlook account or use it to access your archived data.

10. Can I reuse the same email address if I delete my Outlook account?

Generally, no. Once a Microsoft account (and its associated email address) is permanently deleted, the email address becomes unavailable and cannot be reused to create a new account. This is a common security measure to prevent identity theft and other potential issues. Consider carefully if deleting is the only option or if simply renaming the account to a different email address is feasible.

11. What happens to my Skype account if I delete my Microsoft account?

Your Skype account is linked to your Microsoft account, so deleting your Microsoft account will also delete your Skype account and all associated data, including your contacts, chat history, and Skype credit.

12. I removed an account from Outlook, but it keeps reappearing. What’s going on?

This can happen if the account is still configured as an Exchange ActiveSync account on your device (especially on mobile devices). Even after removing it from Outlook, the device may still be trying to sync with the account. You’ll need to go into your device’s settings > accounts > email and manually remove the account from the system-level email settings. This will prevent it from reappearing in Outlook. In some cases, restarting the device might also be needed.

Deleting an Outlook email account, especially the entire Microsoft account, is a significant decision. Make sure you fully understand the implications and have backed up any important data before proceeding. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft support if you encounter any difficulties.