The agreement requires users to sign in to their Microsoft account at least once every two years to keep it active, with Outlook.com and OneDrive requiring separate sign-in at least annually. Inactive accounts are closed and associated data and content are deleted, with Microsoft stating it cannot retrieve content or data after closure.
This analysis describes what Microsoft Copilot's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes that account inactivity for two years (or one year for Outlook.com and OneDrive) triggers account closure and data deletion, with no stated data retrieval mechanism after closure. Users who rely on Microsoft services for content storage should maintain awareness of these inactivity thresholds.
⚠ Microsoft will close the account after two years of inactivity (one year for Outlook.com and OneDrive) and delete associated data and content as stated in Section 4.a.ii
⚠ Microsoft states it cannot retrieve content or data once the account is closed
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Account Inactivity Closure and Data Deletion and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"You must use your Microsoft account to keep it active. This means you must sign in at least once in a two-year period to keep your Microsoft account, and associated Services (unless specified otherwise), active, unless a longer period is provided in the Microsoft account activity policy. If you don't sign in during this time, we will assume your Microsoft account is inactive and will close it for you. If your Microsoft account is closed (whether by you or us), a few things happen. First, your right to use the Microsoft account to access the Services stops immediately. Second, we'll delete Data or Your Content associated with your Microsoft account or will otherwise disassociate it from you and your Microsoft account (unless we are required by law to keep it, return it, or transfer it to you or a third party identified by you). You should have a regular backup plan as Microsoft won't be able to retrieve Your Content or Data once your account is closed.Excerpt from Microsoft Copilot's Terms of Service
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Data deletion upon account closure may interact with GDPR Article 17 right to erasure and data retention obligations for EU/EEA users.
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This provision establishes that account inactivity for two years (or one year for Outlook.com and OneDrive) triggers account closure and data deletion, with no stated data retrieval mechanism after closure. Users who rely on Microsoft services for content storage should maintain awareness of these inactivity thresholds.
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