How to Delete Hotmail Account: Hotmail, now managed by Outlook, was one of the pioneering email services online. However, if you’re no longer using your Hotmail account or are trying to clean up old, unused accounts, deleting it can help streamline your digital life.
This guide is here to help you navigate the process step-by-step.
Key Considerations Before Deleting a Hotmail Account
Before deleting your Hotmail account, it’s important to understand the implications. Here are some key points to consider:
- Loss of Data: Once your account is deleted, you will no longer have access to any emails, contacts, or data associated with that account.
- Impact on Linked Accounts: If your Hotmail account is connected to any other Microsoft services (like OneDrive, Xbox Live, or Microsoft Office), deleting it may disrupt access to these platforms.
- Recovery of Account Data: Microsoft provides a 60-day grace period, after which the account is permanently deleted, and recovery is impossible. This window allows you to retrieve data if you change your mind.
Preparation Steps for Deleting Your Hotmail Account
Before permanently closing your Hotmail account, take these preparatory steps to avoid losing any important information:
- Backup Important Emails and Files: Go through your emails and save any important messages, attachments, or files. You can forward important emails to another email account or download them using an email client.
- Disconnect Linked Accounts: If you have linked your Hotmail account to other accounts, such as banking, social media, or utility services, update your email address on these platforms to avoid losing access.
- Cancel Subscriptions and Services: Verify if you have active subscriptions through your Hotmail email (like newsletters, apps, or other memberships). Unsubscribe or transfer them to a new email.
What Happens When You Delete a Hotmail Account
When you delete your Hotmail account, all data associated with the account is removed from Microsoft’s servers after the grace period. Here’s what to expect:
- Email and Data Removal: All emails, files, and personal information will be deleted.
- Timeframe: Microsoft allows a 60-day grace period from the date of deletion. During this time, the account can still be recovered if you change your mind.
- Linked Services Impact: If your Hotmail is associated with other Microsoft services, they will be affected, so be sure to update those accounts before proceeding.
How to Save or Export Emails from Hotmail
If there are emails or data you want to keep, follow these steps to back up your information before deleting the account:
- Manual Backup: Open important emails and download attachments or forward them to a different email account.
- Use an Email Client: Programs like Microsoft Outlook or Thunderbird allow you to set up your Hotmail account and download your emails. This can be useful if you have a large number of emails to save.
Step-by-Step Process to Delete Your Hotmail Account
Step 1: Sign in to Your Hotmail (Outlook) Account
- Open a web browser, go to outlook.com, and log in with your Hotmail credentials.
Step 2: Navigating to Account Closure Options
- Once logged in, click on your profile icon at the top right and select “My Microsoft Account.”
- Go to the Security tab, and under Your Info, find the option that says Close your account.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
- Microsoft may require you to verify your identity by providing a security code sent to your backup email or phone number. Complete this step to ensure it’s really you.
Step 4: Review the Account Closure Checklist
- Microsoft will present a checklist of things to review before closing your account, including backup email options, active subscriptions, and data download prompts.
Step 5: Confirm the Closure and Provide Feedback
- After reviewing the checklist, click on Next, then select a reason for leaving, and confirm by clicking Mark account for closure. This will start the 60-day waiting period before your account is permanently deleted.
How Long It Takes for Hotmail Account to be Deleted
Once you’ve completed the account closure process, Microsoft will place your account in a temporary deactivation state for 60 days. This waiting period allows you to reactivate the account if needed.
How to Reopen a Closed Hotmail Account
If you change your mind and want to keep your Hotmail account, you can reactivate it within 60 days by simply signing back in with your account credentials. This will cancel the deletion process.
FAQs about How to Delete Hotmail Account
Can I delete my Hotmail account permanently?
Yes, you can permanently delete your Hotmail account. When you delete it, all emails, contacts, and account settings will be removed, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding.
How do I start the deletion process for my Hotmail account?
To begin, sign in to your Hotmail account, navigate to the Microsoft account closure page, and follow the prompts. You may need to verify your identity before you can proceed with the deletion.
Will I lose access to other Microsoft services if I delete my Hotmail account?
Deleting your Hotmail account also removes access to associated Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, Skype, and Xbox Live, that are tied to that account.
Is there a waiting period before my Hotmail account is fully deleted?
Microsoft typically holds your account for 60 days after you request deletion. During this time, you can reactivate it by signing in. After 60 days, your account is permanently deleted.
Can I recover my Hotmail account once it’s deleted?
After the 60-day waiting period, your account and its contents are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Conclusion
Deleting your Hotmail account can be a strategic move to improve your online organization and security. However, make sure to follow all the preparation steps, back up essential data, and consider any accounts linked to your Hotmail. This step-by-step guide ensures a smooth and effective process for permanently closing your Hotmail account.
