Email saying account will be closed from lack of use despite being used

Lou 20 Reputation points
2026-09-01T15:29:37.72+00:00

I am using Outlook/Hotmail on a windows laptop. two days ago I received an email from MS saying that I had not used my account 2 years and that if I did not log into it I would lose it. This despite the fact I had logged into it just days before and was logged into it when reading the email.

I really do not want to lose this account. Any suggestions on what to do?

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
Answer accepted by question author
John Jefferson Doyon 86,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-01T16:04:36.5233333+00:00

Hi, @Lou

If you have been actively signing in to this Microsoft account, it normally should not be considered inactive. Microsoft’s policy is that you need to sign in at least once within a two-year period.

For now, I would not click the link in that email. Instead, go directly to https://account.microsoft.com in your browser, sign out if necessary, then sign back in with the Hotmail/Outlook account you want to keep. This makes sure there is a fresh sign-in recorded.

Microsoft’s account activity policy is here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-account-activity-policy

The email could also be referring to a different Microsoft account, or it may not be a genuine Microsoft email.

To help narrow this down:

  1. What is the full sender address of the warning email?
  2. Does the email show or partially show which Microsoft account is supposedly inactive?
  3. Do you have any other Microsoft accounts or aliases that could be associated with that email?

Please don't post your full email address here. You can mask part of it.

Click "Add comment" to let me know. Thanks!

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-01T15:29:55.6133333+00:00

    That email is likely not a real account-closure warning.

    Microsoft account inactivity policy says a Microsoft account must be signed in at least once every two years to stay active. Outlook.com mailbox guidance also says the mailbox is closed only if it has not been signed in for the required inactivity period. Since the account was used days before, that warning does not match the stated policy.

    Recommended actions:

    1. Do not click links in the email.
    2. Check recent sign-in activity on the Microsoft account Recent activity page to confirm the account is being accessed normally and to review any unusual sign-ins.
    3. Verify account security info by adding or reviewing an alternate email address and mobile phone number so recovery is easier if the account is ever compromised.
    4. If the message looks suspicious, move it to Junk Email or delete it.
    5. If the account becomes blocked because of unusual activity, use the Sign-in Helper to unblock it.

    Relevant policy details:

    • A Microsoft account is considered inactive if it is not signed in to for two years.
    • A locked account that remains locked for more than two years can also be closed.
    • Active subscriptions can keep the account active.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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