How to Notify Microsoft of a Death: Subscription Service Bereavement Guide 2026

How to notify Microsoft of a death — step by step

1. Contact Microsoft Support

   Call 0800 026 0329 or visit support.microsoft.com. Microsoft has a process for closing accounts after death. The primary concern is cancelling subscriptions (Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, OneDrive) and recovering or deleting data as appropriate.

2. Cancel Microsoft 365 and other subscriptions

   Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Xbox Game Pass, and OneDrive storage are subscription services. Cancel these via the Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com if you have access, or contact Microsoft Support to cancel without account access.

3. Handle the Microsoft account closure

   Microsoft allows account closure under their Next of Kin process. Contact Microsoft Support with the deceased's email address, death certificate, and proof of your authority. Microsoft may delete the account and its contents (emails, OneDrive files) — recover important documents first.

4. Recover important documents from OneDrive

   Before closing the account, try to recover any important documents stored in OneDrive or attached to Outlook emails. Once the account is closed, data cannot be recovered.

What documents does Microsoft need?

• Death certificate
• Deceased's Microsoft account email address
• Proof of authority (probate or next of kin documentation)
• Proof of your own identity

Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.

How long does Microsoft take?

Microsoft typically takes 2–6 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.

During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.

Microsoft accounts often serve as the login for Windows computers. Be aware that closing the Microsoft account may affect access to locally installed Microsoft 365 applications. Consider whether the devices need to be deactivated separately.

What happens after you notify Microsoft?

Once Microsoft receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.

Microsoft will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.

What cannot wait