What happens to a Microsoft account, Outlook.com email and OneDrive when someone dies, and how next of kin request closure.
What happens to a Microsoft account, Outlook.com email and OneDrive when someone dies, and how next of kin request closure.
No legacy-contact option. The best you can do in advance is record the login and make sure someone can reach the Outlook inbox.
Without the login, a relative submits a Next of Kin request to Microsoft with a death certificate and proof that they can act for the estate. A response usually takes two to four weeks. Note that an inactive account is closed after about a year and its email and OneDrive files are then deleted.
Can we get the OneDrive files?
Microsoft may provide data through the Next of Kin process, but act promptly because inactive accounts are deleted after about a year.
No legacy-contact option. Submit a Next of Kin request with a death certificate and proof of authority. Response takes about two to four weeks. Inactive accounts are closed after roughly a year and data deleted, so do not leave it too long.
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Last reviewed June 2026. Platform processes change, so please confirm on the Microsoft Account help page before acting. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
