Don't worry; Microsoft won't delete your free Teams organization

Microsoft Teams Android Install Store
Microsoft Teams Android Install Store (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft accidentally sent an email stating some Teams organizations would be deleted.
  • A Tech Community post explains that this is not the case and why they were sent in error.
  • The issue stems from a method that deletes unused Teams Free organizations.

Several people in charge of Microsoft Teams free organizations received an email about their organizations being deleted. The emails led to quite a bit of confusion and stress, but Microsoft has since clarified the issue. Microsoft accidentally sent out the emails and has no plans to delete active Teams free organizations.

Microsoft's Sam Cosby explains what occurred in a Tech Community post. The problem stems from a new method implemented by Microsoft that deletes Teams free organizations that go unused over a 90-day period. A bug caused emails to go out to organizations that had been active.

The bug has since been fixed, so organizations shouldn't see any notifications about deletion unless they're completely inactive. Only organizations that don't have any sign-ins for 90 days will be deleted.

In an FAQ on the Tech Community post, Microsoft clarifies the state of Teams free organizations:

Will Teams Free still delete in the next few weeks?No, as long as Teams has been in use in the past 90 days. While there are articles out there that have shown Teams Free Admins how to view their license 'duration', it's been confirmed that once the fix goes live that any Teams Free orgs impacted with the above email will be 'extended' automatically and won't have to worry about any data loss.

While completely inactive Teams free organizations will still be deleted, you shouldn't have anything to worry about if your organization is active.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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