Next week Microsoft will begin closing all Hotmail, Live, Outlook, and MSA accounts that have not logged any activity at least once in a two-year period. This is due to the entry into force of a new activity policy announced by the Redmond company in July 2019. However, accounts that comply with any of the established exceptions will not be seen affected.
Hotmail is one of the most legendary email services. In its 25-year history, although it has changed its name several times, it has garnered a huge number of users. Today, under the name Outlook, is associated with Microsoft account , the gateway to all the services of the Redmond company. Among them Windows, Xbox, Office and others.
However, as time went by, many accounts became inactive. That is, users did not enter them again. In this sense, Microsoft decided to update its activity policy to eliminate all those accounts that have been inactive for a period of two years as of August 30, 2019, so this August 30, 2021 Many accounts will start to disappear.
Some Hotmail, Live and Outlook accounts still have a chance
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash Microsoft points out in a support document some exceptions to the rule. For example, if an MSA account (with Hotmail, Live, or Outlook domains) was used to purchase, redeem, or access a Microsoft product, it will not be affected. The same happens if there is an amount payable to those of Redmond, in case of debt, the account will not be closed either.
Those of Redmond ensure that an account will remain active if it has balance in favor (for example, of a gift card). However, if the user lives in a jurisdiction where gift cards are considered “unclaimed property,” Microsoft will cancel the unspent balance associated with their gift card.
In the event that an inactive Outlook, Hotmail or Live account is associated with an active account that belongs to a minor , it will not be closed due to inactivity either. Microsoft will keep the inactive account open until the minor's account is deemed inactive and closed.
From now on, in order not to lose a Microsoft account, the recommendation is to log in at least once every two years. However, the company reserves the right to change the status of an account according to the legislation of each country.
