Microsoft Account Errors

How to Verify a Deleted Hotmail Account is Permanently Closed

Rana Garcia Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to confirm that a deleted Hotmail or Microsoft account is permanently closed and understand the associated 60-day waiting period.

How to Verify That a Deleted Hotmail Account Is Permanently Closed

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Verifying the permanent closure of a Hotmail or Microsoft account after requesting deletion without accidentally reactivating it.
Observed behavior: The user needs to verify the deletion status because any successful sign-in during the 60-day waiting period will automatically cancel the account closure process.

Before you start

Ensure you have securely backed up any important emails, contacts, or files associated with the account, as permanent closure will result in the unrecoverable loss of all data.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Account Status After the 60-Day Waiting Period

The safest and most practical way to confirm deletion without accidentally reactivating the account.

Microsoft enforces a standard 60-day waiting period when you mark an account for closure. During this time, the account is merely suspended, not deleted. The best way to verify permanent closure is to attempt a sign-in only after this full period has elapsed.

Wait for the full period

Wait at least 61 days from the date you originally requested the account closure to ensure the waiting period has completely passed.

Visit the sign-in page

Open a web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft sign-in page at login.live.com.

Attempt to log in

Enter the Hotmail or Microsoft email address you marked for closure and click 'Next'.

Look for the error message

If the account is permanently closed, you will see an error message stating 'That Microsoft account doesn't exist.' This serves as your practical confirmation.

Check Account Status After the 60-Day Waiting Period

Avoid Early Sign-ins: Do not attempt to sign in before the 60 days are over. Any successful login during the waiting period will immediately cancel the deletion process.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Support for Confirmation

Use this method if you need official confirmation from Microsoft or if you encounter unexpected behavior during the deletion process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else cancel my Hotmail account deletion?

Yes, if someone knows your password and successfully signs in to your account during the 60-day waiting period, the deletion process will be canceled. To prevent this, ensure you enable two-factor authentication and change your password before marking the account for closure.

Can I reuse my deleted Hotmail email address to create a new account?

No. Once a Microsoft account is permanently closed and deleted, the associated email address is locked permanently. It cannot be reused by you or anyone else to create a new Microsoft account.

What happens to my data during the 60-day waiting period?

During the 60-day waiting period, your account enters a suspended state. Your data remains stored securely on Microsoft's servers in case you change your mind and decide to recover the account. However, you will not be able to send or receive new emails. After 60 days, all data is permanently erased.

Login & Account Issues