Microsoft accounts may be deleted after two years of inactivity

Microsoft has updated its account activity policies. Previously, the company deemed accounts as inactive after a period with five years of no log-ins. This has now been reduced to two years. Inactive accounts may be deleted but there are various exceptions, which are listed on Microsoft's website. This includes purchases, subscriptions, the earning of certifications, unspent account balances, and family accounts.

Microsoft account activity policy: Under the MSA, you must use your Microsoft account to keep it “active.” Microsoft reserves the right to close all “inactive” Microsoft accounts. Please see section (4)(a)(iv)(2) of the MSA for the consequences of a closed Microsoft account. Except as provided below, 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.

So definitely worth keeping attention to if you have old accounts that are rarely used. For example, an ancient Hotmail account that automatically forwards all your e-mail to a new address.