Password & Account Recovery

How to Close or Handle a Deceased Person's Microsoft Account

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know the correct procedure for managing, closing, or handling a Microsoft account after the original account owner has passed away.

What to Do When a Microsoft Account Owner Has Died

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing the digital legacy, online accounts, and sensitive data of a deceased family member or friend.
Observed behavior: The user needs to understand Microsoft's policies for account closure, including what to do if they have login credentials and what happens if they do not.

Before you start

Before taking any action, determine whether you have the deceased person's login credentials or authorized access to their account, as this dictates the closure process.

Solution 1Recommended

Close the Account Manually with Authorized Access

If you have the deceased person's login credentials, you can manually close the Microsoft account using the standard account closure procedure.

This method is the fastest way to ensure all associated data, including Outlook emails and OneDrive files, are securely deleted. Please ensure you have backed up any important documents or photos before proceeding.

Navigate to the closure page

Go to the official Microsoft 'Close your account' page in your web browser.

Sign in to the account

Enter the deceased person's Microsoft account email address and password to log in.

Review the checklist

Read through the provided checklist to understand what services and data will be permanently deleted once the account is closed.

Mark account for closure

Follow the on-screen prompts, select a reason for leaving (you can leave this blank or choose a generic option), and click 'Mark account for closure'.

Close the Account Manually with Authorized Access

Account Recovery Window: Microsoft typically waits 30 or 60 days before permanently deleting the account, in case you need to retrieve anything or change your mind.

Solution 2

Allow the Account to Close Automatically via Inactivity

If you do not have the account login credentials, Microsoft's standard inactivity policy will eventually delete the account without your intervention.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Inherited Documents Easily with WPS Office

If you are sorting through a deceased loved one's digital files, you may need to open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you view and edit these files locally without needing a Microsoft subscription or account access.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Open Office files instantly: Double-click any inherited .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file to open it directly in WPS Office.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsView and edit inherited documents locally without an online accountFamiliar and intuitive user interface for seamless file management

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft give me the password to a deceased family member's account?

No. Due to strict privacy laws and policies, Microsoft will not provide login credentials or grant access to a deceased user's account to family members.

What happens to OneDrive files and Outlook emails when the account is closed?

Once a Microsoft account is permanently closed (either manually or after the two-year inactivity period), all associated data, including OneDrive files, Outlook emails, and Skype contacts, are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Can I transfer subscriptions from a deceased person's Microsoft account to my own?

Microsoft does not support transferring subscriptions between accounts. You must cancel the recurring billing via the associated bank or credit card company and purchase a new subscription on your own account if needed.

Login & Account Issues