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I have 2 separate Microsoft accounts which have merged and one account should be deleted but is primary alias

Bob Anne Taylor 0 Reputation points
2025-12-12T12:41:08.2033333+00:00

Due to problems with my mobile, I had to go to factory setting and lost contact to my Microsoft account, I had to start afresh and made a new account, this was a mistake. I still had access to my original Microsoft account on my tablet and laptop. So, in effect I had two Microsoft accounts and didn't realise I was paying for two. Now I want to remove the second account but can't because it has become the primary alias for both accounts. I have stopped the recurring payment for the second account that was created and which I want to remove, how do I progress in this action. I have limited time because the renewal for the second account is due 16th December. I don't want to lose all my files and pictures which I have access in both accounts. I want to use the original account only. Please help me

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  1. Noel Macadangdang 7,765 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-12T14:07:28.84+00:00

    Hi Bob,

    Thank you for sharing your question.

    I understand how urgent and frustrating this situation is, especially with the renewal date so close and the risk of losing files. You’ve already taken the right step by stopping the recurring payment for the second account. Here’s what’s happening and how to resolve it:

    The reason you can’t delete the second account is that its email alias is set as the primary alias, and Microsoft doesn’t allow deleting or closing an account until you change that. The good news is you can fix this without losing your files.

    Please follow these steps.

    Start by signing in to the account you want to keep (your original account) at account.microsoft.com. Go to Your info → Manage how you sign in to Microsoft. Add an email alias if needed and set it as the primary alias. Once the original account has the correct primary alias, you can remove the unwanted alias from the other account.

    Next, for the second account you want to delete, confirm there are no active subscriptions and back up any files or photos from OneDrive or linked services. Then go to Close your account and follow the steps to permanently close it.

     

    I hope this helps.

     

    Best Regards,

    Noel

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