Does hotmail delete email accounts
Yes, Hotmail (now known as Outlook.com) does delete email accounts under certain circumstances. Here are some reasons why:
- Inactivity: If your Hotmail account has been inactive for a long time (typically 12-18 months), Microsoft may delete it to free up storage space and reduce the risk of spam and phishing attacks.
- Abuse: If your account is used for spamming, phishing, or other malicious activities, Microsoft may delete it to prevent further harm to their users and the internet community.
- Terms of Service violations: If you violate Hotmail's Terms of Service, such as using the service for illegal activities or sharing your account with others, Microsoft may delete your account.
- Domain name changes: If the domain name associated with your Hotmail account is changed or becomes invalid, Microsoft may delete the account to prevent confusion and ensure the integrity of their service.
- Account closure: If you request to close your Hotmail account, Microsoft will delete it and remove all associated data.
Before deleting an account, Microsoft typically sends a notification to the account owner, giving them a chance to reactivate or recover their account. However, if the account is deleted, all associated data, including emails, contacts, and settings, will be lost forever.
To avoid account deletion, it's essential to:
- Regularly log in to your Hotmail account to keep it active.
- Use your account responsibly and in accordance with Hotmail's Terms of Service.
- Keep your account information up to date, including your email address and password.
- Consider migrating your emails and contacts to a different email service provider if you're concerned about account deletion.
Remember, it's always a good idea to regularly back up your important emails and data to prevent loss in case your account is deleted or compromised.