Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

If you no longer need your Outlook.com email account, follow these steps to get rid of it for good.

If you delete your Outlook.com account, all your email and contacts will be deleted from the Microsoft server and can’t be recovered. Also, you won’t be able to access Microsoft services like Xbox, Skype, and OneDrive using the account.

Step 1: Sign in to Your Outlook.com Account

  • Open Live.com (link opens in a new browser tab)
  • Then at the top right of the page, click Sign in.
how to delete hotmail account
  • At the sign in page, enter your outlook.com email address. Then click Next.
how to delete hotmail account
  • Type your email password and click Sign in.
how to delete hotmail account

Step 2: Delete Your Outlook Account

Once you are signed in to your account, follow the steps below to permanently close the account:

  • A sign-in page will open on a new browser. Enter the password to your Outlook.com email and click Sign in.
Microsoft will require you to sign in to the account again. This is for security purposes and to confirm you are the actual owner of the account.
how to delete hotmail account
  • Microsoft will then send a code to your alternate email address or phone number. To receive the code click the verification method. In my example, I will click Email…
how to delete hotmail account
  • You will be required to enter the full alternate email address or phone number. Enter it in the field. Then click Send Code.
how to delete hotmail account
  • Enter the code you received from your alternate email or phone number. Then click Verify.
  • On the confirmation page, read the relevant information. When you are sure you want to delete Account, click Next (beneath the page).
how to delete hotmail account
  • Finally, check all the boxes on the last page. Then on the Still want to close this account? drop-down, select a reason and click Mark account for closure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Conclusion

Closing your Outlook.com account is an irreversible action. Once deleted you cannot recover it (except within the 60-day recoverable period). So, it is important to be ensure you really want to close the account.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

I hope you found this Itechguide helpful. If you were able to delete Outlook.com account with the steps in this guide, kindly spare 2 minutes to share with us by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Ultimate Backup 4-n-1 Photo & Video USB Flash Drive for Apple, Android, and PC Devices (Black, 128, GB)
Ultimate Backup 4-n-1 Photo & Video USB Flash Drive for Apple, Android, and PC Devices (Black, 128, GB)
Effortless automatic "one click” computer AND phone backup; Hassle-free safeguard and protect hundreds of thousands of photos and files
$219.99
Bestseller No. 2
Ultimate Backup Photo & Video USB Flash Drive for Apple, Android, and PC Devices (Gold, 256, GB)
Ultimate Backup Photo & Video USB Flash Drive for Apple, Android, and PC Devices (Gold, 256, GB)
Effortless automatic "one click” computer AND phone backup; Hassle-free safeguard and protect hundreds of thousands of photos and files
$259.99
Also popular on Amazon
SHARKSEEK 500GB External Hard Drive,USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, PS4, Xbox
  • 【Aluminium Housing · Outstanding Heat Dissipation】 Featuring a thickened aluminium alloy housing with an excellent finish, it provides highly efficient heat conduction and dissipation, keeping the chip cool during high-speed data transfer and ensuring data security.
  • 【USB 3.1 High-Speed Transfer】 Equipped with a USB 3.0 data cable featuring a thickened copper core, it delivers read speeds of up to 110–133 MB/s and write speeds of up to 103 MB/s, enabling large files to be transferred in seconds.
  • 【Ultra-Slim and Silent · Portable for On-the-Go Use】 The motherboard features a noise-free design, creating a quiet working environment. Its ultra-slim and lightweight body fits easily into a bag, making it ideal for carrying whilst travelling or on business trips.
  • 【Plug-and-Play · Wide Compatibility】 No driver installation required; simply plug it in and use it. It delivers stable, high-speed performance on both gaming consoles and computers. A USB-C adapter is included for compatibility with the latest devices.
  • 【Full Set of Accessories · Three-Year Warranty】 The package includes the hard drive, a USB 3.0 data cable, a USB-C adapter and a user manual, all presented in an elegant gift box. Enjoy a three-year warranty and free technical support for complete peace of mind.
Also popular on Amazon
Ultimate Backup Photo & Video USB Flash Drive for Apple, Android, and PC Devices (Gold, 256, GB)
  • Automatically finds and saves all of your files including photos, videos, documents, contacts, music, online services and email photos
  • Effortless automatic "one click” computer AND phone backup
  • Hassle-free safeguard and protect hundreds of thousands of photos and files
  • Effortless cross-device compatibility. Easily backs up your Smartphone and Computer with USB, USB-C, Apple, Android, PC and Mac devices
  • No-subscription external drive
Popular on Amazon
Ultimate Backup 4-n-1 Photo & Video USB Flash Drive for Apple, Android, and PC Devices (Black, 128, GB)
  • Automatically finds and saves all of your files including photos, videos, documents, contacts, music, online services and email photos
  • Effortless automatic "one click” computer AND phone backup
  • Hassle-free safeguard and protect hundreds of thousands of photos and files
  • 4-in-1 compatibility with effortless cross-device compatibility. Easily backs up your Smartphone and Computer with USB, USB-C, PC and Mac devices
  • No-subscription external drive

For more guides like this visit our How To page.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 10, 2026 7:53 am GMT.