Hi, I understand how confusing this can be. When a Microsoft account is deleted, the linked Minecraft account doesn’t always get fully removed from Mojang’s system right away.
That means the username can stay locked because Mojang treats names as permanent identifiers unless they’re freed during a name-change cycle or special purge, and there’s no set timeline for that.
The best first step is to confirm whether the Microsoft account deletion was completed through the Privacy Dashboard.
If it was, then reach out to Minecraft Support and ask them to release the username since the account is no longer active.
Can you check if you still see any trace of the old Microsoft account in your dashboard, or do you want me to help you draft a message for Mojang Support?
Regards,
Aron