This analysis describes what Microsoft'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
Users stand to permanently lose access to data and content stored under a closed account, making account closure an irreversible data loss event in the absence of a legal obligation on Microsoft to preserve or return it.
If your Microsoft account is closed, your data and content will be deleted or disassociated from you unless a legal obligation compels Microsoft to keep, return, or transfer it.
How other platforms handle this
Affirm will retain your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and any applicable state or federal law, rule or regulation.
if you choose to close your account or your account is terminated with us, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices outlined here.
We keep some data until you delete your Google Account, such as information about how often you use Gemini Apps.
"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).Excerpt from Microsoft's Services Agreement (Legacy)
Get the research letter
Companies change their terms quietly. We read every version and catch what actually changed. One email a week on the changes that matter and what they mean.
Users stand to permanently lose access to data and content stored under a closed account, making account closure an irreversible data loss event in the absence of a legal obligation on Microsoft to preserve or return it.
If your Microsoft account is closed, your data and content will be deleted or disassociated from you unless a legal obligation compels Microsoft to keep, return, or transfer it.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 275 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft.