Gamertags/inactive accounts

Adding to this, just because it is inactive on Xbox, does not mean that the Microsoft account is inactive. As long as they keep using the account, then the gamertag will stay attached.

An account has to be inactive for two years now, before the account is closed.

Hello,

Microsoft has stated previously that an account must be inactive for a minimum of 2 years before being designated as inactive. After that period, the gamertag can be reclaimed by a new account. Before then, there is no way to claim the gamertag if it is
linked to an account that has not been inactive for two years.

I hope this helps and sorry for the inconvenience.

I want to change my gamertag to the name I use on all other platforms, the gamertag is used by an inactive (atleast 5 years inactive) Xbox account. How can this gamertag be reset so that I can use it on my own account?

If they sign into the Microsoft account their xbox gamertag is tied to in order check their email at least once every 2 years then this will also make their account (active) and basically would never have their gamertag reset as long as they do that.

Because of that there really is no way to know for sure if an account is inactive or not.

If the tag belongs to an inactive account would it not be available for lookup? Could that be why I'm having this issue? Also, if the account is inactive is there anyway for me to get the tag? Also, is there a way to search for inactive gamertags like
mine possibly is?

Once a gamertag is acquired MS will not release the gamertag until that account has been completely inactive with anything to do with MS not just the xbox for 5 years from the last date that it was used. Keep in mind even if it may seem like a gamertag
is inactive on the xbox console that does not mean that the MS account associated with that gamertag is not being used in something else associated with MS.

Microsoft have recently updated their terms and it is now 2 years of inactivity and they will shut down the account.