Microsoft accounts that are not signed into at least once every two years will be closed. Outlook.com inboxes and OneDrive accounts must be separately signed into at least once per year, or Microsoft will close those specific services. Upon account closure, Microsoft will delete or disassociate user data and content associated with the account.
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
This provision establishes service-specific inactivity thresholds (one year for Outlook.com and OneDrive; two years for the general Microsoft account) that trigger account closure and associated data deletion or disassociation. The policy applies independently to Outlook.com and OneDrive, meaning a user who signs into their Microsoft account but not these specific services may lose access to those services' content.
⚠ Failure to sign into Outlook.com or OneDrive at least once per year will result in closure of those services and deletion or disassociation of associated content.
⚠ Failure to sign into the Microsoft account at least once every two years will result in account closure and deletion or disassociation of all associated data and content.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Account Inactivity Closure Policy 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 at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2086738 or in an offer for a paid portion of the Services. If you don't sign in during this time, we will assume your Microsoft account is inactive and will close it for you. You must sign into your Outlook.com inbox and your OneDrive (separately) at least once in a one-year period, otherwise we will close your Outlook.com inbox and your OneDrive for you.Excerpt from Microsoft's Services Agreement (Legacy)
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This provision establishes service-specific inactivity thresholds (one year for Outlook.com and OneDrive; two years for the general Microsoft account) that trigger account closure and associated data deletion or disassociation. The policy applies independently to Outlook.com and OneDrive, meaning a user who signs into their Microsoft account but not these specific services may lose access to those services' content.
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