Microsoft deleted Xbox gamer's account with 25 years of data and son's baby photos

Full text

You should always remember that whatever service you use to back up anything, something could go wrong and your data could be lost. This is what happened to streamer Joshua Khane, who couldn't access years' worth of games and photos of precious memories after Microsoft shut down his OneDrive account.

He posted what was happening on July 14, on Twitter . " Microsoft DELETED my account AND OneDrive!!?? After ACKNOWLEDGING that I’m the owner of the account and that it was compromised???" he says.

"25 fucking years of data, thousands of euros spended [sic] on games??" he adds. "My son’s baby pictures? GONE!"

We’re sorry this happened, it’s not the experience we want anyone to have when their account is compromised. We have been working to restore access to your purchases and reached out with the next steps. Please check your voicemail or inbox. July 15, 2026

Included is a screenshot of communication from Microsoft. It opens with confirmation that "unauthorized access occurred" and that "security information on your account" had been changed. As such, the whole thing was "permanently suspended," rendering his OneDrive inaccessible.

That's it - everything, totally unavailable with zero recourse, just like that. Ain't the future grand? Khane's post started to gain traction, and Xbox has since reached out to remedy the situation.

"We’re sorry this happened, it’s not the experience we want anyone to have when their account is compromised," the Xbox Support Twitter account tells him. "We have been working to restore access to your purchases and reached out with the next steps."

So far, this is the last communication between them. These situations are difficult because, on Microsoft's side, defenses are built to protect users and their data, to the point of completely locking down files and information in the event of a hack or unauthorized access.

Anecdotally, I once lost everything on a phone because the pattern was entered incorrectly too many times while it was being jostled in my pocket. Eventually, a wall comes up, because the assumption is someone may be up to no good, and it's better to do a full lockdown than risk letting a bad character in.

On the back of Sony discontinuing physical discs, this is a firm reminder that your digital libraries can be fickle. Circumstances outside of your control can render your collection null and void. A nightmare, but at least Khale's gotten traction on social media, and there may be recourse within the bowels of Microsoft.

Xbox layoffs claim leadership of Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax, including a 14-year veteran who was only appointed to run the studio last July