What does the new terms of service for Microsoft mean for Microsoft Outlook and keeping my email

Question

I use Microsoft Outlook for my Microsoft account and use that email for several other account I read some of the newest terms of service from January this year and read something about having to login to my outlook once every year which I thought meant opening the app but on google it says it requires to login to my account which I don’t k ow how to do on the app can anyone help I don’t want to lose my Microsoft email and account

Answer 1

Yes, the wording is confusing, and I want to clarify one point from my previous reply.

Microsoft says you must “sign in to your Outlook.com mailbox at least once in a one-year period,” but it does not clearly state whether simply receiving mail in the Outlook app always satisfies that requirement. See: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/email-is-missing-from-your-outlook-com-inbox

It does not specifically say that you must use the website. However, if you want to be 100% safe, I would recommend signing in at https://outlook.live.com/ at least once a year. It only takes a moment and removes any uncertainty.

Since you already use the Outlook app regularly, there is no reason to be concerned. The occasional website login you mentioned is a good precaution.

Answer 2

I understand why that seems confusing. The reason is that Microsoft’s inactivity system is based on account activity records, not just whether the app is installed on a device.

The Outlook app normally keeps your account active when you are actually using it (sending, receiving, syncing mail). Microsoft recommends signing in through the website occasionally because it is a simple way to confirm the account is still active and avoid any uncertainty.

It is more of a safety measure for accounts that have been completely unused for a long time. Since you regularly use your mailbox and you logged in recently, you should be fine.

Answer 3

You are right, this requirement can be confusing.

The reason Microsoft has this rule is mainly to identify accounts that have been abandoned for a long time. They cannot keep every unused mailbox forever, so they use inactivity rules to determine whether an account is still being used.

Using the Outlook app normally should count as activity, especially if you are receiving or sending emails. The safest option is just what you are already doing: sign in occasionally through Outlook or https://outlook.live.com/ to make sure the account stays active.

Since you logged in 2 days ago, your account is fine. There is no need to worry or do anything special.

Answer 4

You do not have anything to worry about. 😊

Since you regularly use the Outlook app and receive emails frequently, your Microsoft account is already considered active. You do not need to open the website every year just for this purpose.

The yearly sign-in requirement is mainly for accounts that have been completely inactive for a long time. Using the Outlook app, sending emails, receiving emails, or signing in on your devices all count as activity.

If you want extra peace of mind, you can occasionally sign in at https://outlook.live.com/ or https://account.microsoft.com/, but it is not necessary in your situation.

Answer 5

Hello,

You do not need to worry if you regularly use your Outlook email.

Microsoft has two separate inactivity rules: your Outlook.com mailbox should be accessed at least once every 12 months, while your Microsoft account must generally be signed into at least once every two years. Microsoft explains this here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/email-is-missing-from-your-outlook-com-inbox

To be completely safe, simply visit https://outlook.live.com/ once a year and sign in with your Microsoft email address and password. Opening your inbox there is enough—you do not need to change any settings.

If the Outlook app is already signed in and regularly receiving/sending email, you are actively using the mailbox anyway. The web sign-in is just an easy way to make sure there is no doubt.

You can also check your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com/.