Microsoft Account Errors

How to Close and Delete an Inactive Child Microsoft Account

Adam Davis Sep 25, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to permanently close an old, inactive Microsoft account that belongs to a child.

How to Close and Delete an Inactive Child Microsoft Account

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A family wants to clean up and delete an old child account because the child is now utilizing newer accounts for services like Xbox and Roblox.
Observed behavior: The goal is to properly untie the child account from the Microsoft family group, ensure no important data or subscriptions are lost, and complete the account closure process.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for both the parent (organizer) account and the child account. Review all active subscriptions, Xbox game purchases, and saved data, as closing the account will permanently delete access to these services.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Child Account from Family Group and Initiate Closure

This is the standard procedure to untie the child account from your family group and schedule it for permanent deletion.

Before an account can be closed smoothly, it is highly recommended to remove it from any existing Microsoft family groups. Afterwards, you will need to log into the child account itself to mark it for closure.

Remove from Family Group

Sign in to family.microsoft.com using the parent account. Find the child's profile card, click 'More options', and select 'Remove from family group'.

Sign in to the Child Account

Navigate to the Microsoft account closure page (account.live.com/closeaccount.aspx) and sign in using the credentials of the inactive child account you wish to delete.

Review Account Details

Follow the on-screen prompts to review what will be deleted, including emails, Xbox profile data, and purchases. A parent or consent manager may be prompted to authorize this step.

Confirm Closure

Select a reason for leaving from the dropdown menu, check all the acknowledgment boxes, and click 'Mark account for closure'.

Remove the Child Account from Family Group and Initiate Closure

Account Recovery Window: Microsoft provides a 30- or 60-day grace period to reopen the account. If the child changes their mind, simply sign back in within this timeframe to cancel the closure.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Support for Consent Restrictions

Use this method if strict parental consent restrictions or lost access prevent you from closing the child account manually.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Free, Family-Friendly Office Suite? Try WPS Office

While you are organizing your family's digital accounts, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight, and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office that is perfect for students and families. Enjoy a familiar interface without the hassle of expensive subscriptions.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your Windows, Mac, or mobile device.
2. Open Existing Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files. No conversion is needed.
3. Start Creating: Use the familiar interface to write essays, build presentations, or manage family spreadsheets for free.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Completely free core features, making it ideal for students and family homework projects.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on older family computers and laptops.Built-in PDF editing tools for managing school assignments and family documents easily.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Xbox game progress from the old account to the new one before closing it?

No, Microsoft does not allow transferring game progress, purchases, or account balances between different Microsoft accounts. You must accept the loss of these items when closing the old account.

What happens to the child's email address when the account is deleted?

Once the 30- or 60-day closure period ends and the account is permanently deleted, the associated Outlook or Hotmail email address is permanently deactivated and cannot be recreated or reused.

Do I need the child's password to close the account?

Yes, you must be able to sign in to the specific child account to initiate the closure process. If you have forgotten the password, you will need to reset it first using the account recovery options.

Login & Account Issues