Microsoft Will Start Deleting Accounts After Two Years Of Inactivity

Microsoft has changed up its terms and conditions, telling gamers that their accounts can now be deleted after two years of inactivity.

In a blog post detailing the change, Microsoft writes: “You must use your Microsoft account to keep it ‘active.’

Credit: Microsoft

“Microsoft reserves the right to close all ‘inactive’ Microsoft accounts…you must sign in to your Microsoft account at least once in a two-year period to keep your account active. If you don’t sign in during this time, Microsoft will consider your account to be inactive.”

There are a number of ways to keep your account active that don’t involved playing games, like making a purchase for example. You can check out the full list of exemptions on the Microsoft website right here.

Credit: Microsoft

Although the news probably won’t affect too many people, there is concern for those who use gamer tags and accounts as a source of comfort in memorialising those who’ve passed away.

On Twitter, one user contacted Xbox and Microsoft writing: “I ask for you to reconsider [deleting inactive accounts]. I have a friend who passed away, seeing his name on my friends list means alot [sic] to me. Please keep Nexion36 s Xbox live account.”

Credit: Microsoft

At the time of writing, Xbox and Microsoft have yet to respond to the request, but hopefully they’ll find a way to make this account exempt from the upcoming rule change.

The change will be effective from August 30, 2019, so if you haven’t used your Microsoft account for a while but don’t want to say goodbye to it, now might be the time to log back in.

Microsoft clarifies: “You may always review the activity status of your Microsoft account by navigating to the Microsoft account management website.

“Your activity status will show you how frequently you need to sign in to your account to prevent your account from being deemed inactive. Please note that it may take up to thirty (30) days for any recent purchases or other account activity to be reflected in your activity status.”

Featured Image Credit: Microsoft