Closing a Hotmail account may be necessary for various reasons, ranging from no longer needing the account to wanting to create a fresh account with a new email address. Here are eight steps that will guide you through the process of closing your Hotmail account.

1. Sign in to your Hotmail account: First, go to https://outlook.live.com/ and sign in using your Hotmail email address and password.

2. Navigate to the Account Settings: Once you are logged in, click on your profile picture at the top right corner, and then click on “View account.”

3. Access the Security tab: On the next page, you will see different tabs such as “Your info,” “Privacy,” and “Security.” Click on the “Security” tab.

4. Verify your identity: You may be asked to verify your identity by providing a code that will be sent to your alternate email address or mobile number. Follow the instructions on the screen and enter the code received.

5. Choose a reason for closing the account: On the security page, scroll down and select “More security options.” Then click on “Close my account” at the bottom of the page. A new page will appear where you need to select a reason for closing your account from the dropdown menu provided.

6. Read and agree to Microsoft’s terms: After selecting a reason, read through Microsoft’s terms regarding closing an account, which includes losing access to any paid services or subscriptions associated with it. Once you have read and understand these terms, check all boxes acknowledging that you have reviewed this information.

7. Confirm your intention to close the account: Click on “Next” followed by “Mark Account for Closure.” This step confirms that you want to close your Hotmail account.

8. Wait for 60 days: Microsoft retains closed accounts for 60 days during which time you can still recover your account. If you change your mind, simply sign back into your Hotmail account within that 60-day period to cancel the closure request. If you do not sign in, the account will be permanently deleted after the 60 days.

By following these eight steps, you can successfully close your Hotmail account. Keep in mind that it is crucial to back up any important emails or files before initiating the closure process, as all your data will be permanently lost once the account is closed.