I have a second account I didn't realize I had and need to cancel one.

It is not possible to merge two Microsoft accounts, there is no method to do that.

1

Log into each Microsoft account on this link, do you find a Microsoft 365 subscription listed on one or both accounts?

https://account.microsoft.com/services/

2

Log into OneDrive on each account, do you find files stored on both OneDrive accounts online?

https://onedrive.live.com/

Hi @Paula Bush

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Hi @Paula Bush

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Hi Paula Bush,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand your frustration right now as your accounts are being mixed up. As Microsoft accounts cannot be merged, you ought to choose which one to keep. Here are some ways for you to identify your main account and how to delete the other one:

Identify Your Main Account:

• Check where you're actively signed in (Windows Settings, Office apps, Outlook.com). The account with your important emails/files, active subscriptions (like Microsoft 365), recent purchases (Office, games), or linked devices is your primary account. Keep this one.
• Check for Aliases: Go to account.microsoft.com > Your Info > Manage sign-in. If the "second" email is listed as an alias under your primary account, you can remove the alias instead of closing the whole account.

Back Up the Account You'll Close:

Before closing anything:

• Log into the other account (the one you'll close).
• Save important emails (forward them to your primary account).
• Download critical files from its OneDrive to your computer, then upload them to your primary account's OneDrive.

Note: Subscriptions, purchases (like Xbox games/apps), and licenses cannot be transferred. Closing the account means losing access to these.

Close the Unneeded Account:

Only close the account after backing up.

• Go to: https://account.microsoft.com/account while signed into the account you want to close.
• Follow the steps. You'll have a 60-day grace period to recover it if you change your mind.

For further reference, you can visit this article.

Key Reminder: Double-check subscriptions and purchases on the account before closing – you'll lose them permanently. If unsure, keep the account inactive rather than closing it.

Hope this helps. Feel free to get back if you have other questions.

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