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.

You are right, this requirement can be confusing.

The reason Microsoft has this rule is mainly to identify accounts that have been abandoned for a long time. They cannot keep every unused mailbox forever, so they use inactivity rules to determine whether an account is still being used.

Using the Outlook app normally should count as activity, especially if you are receiving or sending emails. The safest option is just what you are already doing: sign in occasionally through Outlook or https://outlook.live.com/ to make sure the account stays active.

Since you logged in 2 days ago, your account is fine. There is no need to worry or do anything special.

Yes, the wording is confusing, and I want to clarify one point from my previous reply.

Microsoft says you must “sign in to your Outlook.com mailbox at least once in a one-year period,” but it does not clearly state whether simply receiving mail in the Outlook app always satisfies that requirement. See: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/email-is-missing-from-your-outlook-com-inbox

It does not specifically say that you must use the website. However, if you want to be 100% safe, I would recommend signing in at https://outlook.live.com/ at least once a year. It only takes a moment and removes any uncertainty.

Since you already use the Outlook app regularly, there is no reason to be concerned. The occasional website login you mentioned is a good precaution.