( This worked for me with an account I haven’t used in over 3 years. Interestingly, even after 365 days of inactivity, your Windows Live ID and password will persist on the server unless someone attempts to register a new account using your exact Live ID.Once you close an account, it should stop accepting new email messages.It takes 60 days to close the email account after putting in the request.You can also remove any credit cards from your account on this page as well. Check your Microsoft and Xbox account balances using this link.Any credits will be lost once you close your account. Remember to spend any Skype credits before you blow away your account.Hotmail, Windows Live, and accounts are not considered “Microsoft Accounts.” You can’t close just the Hotmail account without closing the entire Windows Live, aka Microsoft Account.If a live subscription is active, it will block you from permanently closing your account. Visit the Microsoft Billing service before closing or deleting your Microsoft Account (Hotmail, Windows Live, and accounts).Important information about deleting your Hotmail, Outlook, and Windows Live Microsoft accounts