What does the new terms of service for Microsoft mean for Microsoft Outlook and keeping my email

Yes, I think you would most likely be fine if you are regularly using the Outlook app, but I would not rely on that alone because Microsoft’s wording specifically says you must “sign in to your Outlook.com mailbox at least once in a one-year period.” It does not clearly say whether regular use through every Outlook app counts toward that requirement.

Microsoft confirms the one-year mailbox rule here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/email-is-missing-from-your-outlook-com-inbox

Since you signed in on the website two days ago, you are fine now. Just try to visit Outlook.com occasionally when you remember. You do not need to do it frequently or worry about doing it on an exact schedule.

I understand why that seems confusing. The reason is that Microsoft’s inactivity system is based on account activity records, not just whether the app is installed on a device.

The Outlook app normally keeps your account active when you are actually using it (sending, receiving, syncing mail). Microsoft recommends signing in through the website occasionally because it is a simple way to confirm the account is still active and avoid any uncertainty.

It is more of a safety measure for accounts that have been completely unused for a long time. Since you regularly use your mailbox and you logged in recently, you should be fine.