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What Happens to Your Microsoft / Outlook Account When You Die

Next of Kin ProcessData Export
Microsoft deletes inactive accounts after 2 years. Family should act before this deadline.

Quick Facts

Deadline

Account inactive 2 years = deleted

Difficulty

Moderate

Key Info

Formal next-of-kin process

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Note your Microsoft account email

Record your Microsoft/Outlook/Hotmail email so family can use it in the next-of-kin request.

Estimated time: 5 min

2

Download OneDrive files

Download important files from OneDrive to an external drive and share with family.

Estimated time: 30-60 min

Go to page
3

Cancel Microsoft 365

Note your Microsoft 365 subscription status so executor can cancel.

Estimated time: 5 min

4

Family submits Next of Kin request

Microsoft has a formal next-of-kin process. Family submits a request with Death Certificate.

Go to pageOfficial docs

Document Now Checklist

  • Microsoft account email
  • OneDrive contents list
  • Microsoft 365 subscription status
  • Xbox gamertag (if applicable)

Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Microsoft / Outlook. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Related Guides

Gmail / Google

Google has the best digital legacy tools available. Inactive Account Manager lets you pre-authorise family access or deletion.

Apple / iCloud

Go to Settings → [your name] → Password & Security → Legacy Contact. Add a trusted person. They get an access key.

Browse all 1,800+ platform guidesDigital Readiness ScoreGmail / Google guideApple / iCloud guide

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