How to delete your Shadow account

About deleting your Shadow account

Shadow is a high-performance cloud computing service that provides users with a fully functional Windows 10/11 PC accessible via streaming. Unlike standard game streaming services, Shadow gives users full administrative control, allowing them to install any software, games, or applications they desire. Because it functions as a remote desktop, it processes significant amounts of personal user data, including login credentials for third-party platforms, browsing history, and localized file storage.

Deleting your Shadow account is an essential step if you have stopped using the virtual machine or if you are concerned about the security of your cloud-based environment. Given that Shadow has previously been impacted by data breaches, users may want to scrub their footprint to prevent unauthorized access to the linked accounts they used while operating the virtual desktop. Common reasons for account deletion include:

• Discontinuing the monthly subscription service.
• Minimizing the risk of personal information exposure following historical security incidents.
• Clearing sensitive data cached within the virtual machine’s storage environment.
• Transitioning away from cloud-based computing services for better local control.

What happens to your data

When you initiate a request to close your Shadow account, the process typically triggers the termination of your virtual machine instance. Shadow effectively wipes the storage associated with your user profile to prevent the next user from accessing your files. However, Shadow is legally required to retain certain financial and account-related data for tax and compliance purposes. Specific data types processed and eventually removed include:

• User account identifiers (email addresses, billing information).
• Virtual machine configuration settings and performance telemetry.
• Locally installed applications and game save files stored on the virtual C: drive.
• Browser cookies and cache files stored within the remote environment.
• Historical subscription invoices and payment transaction logs.

Privacy considerations

Operating a full Windows environment in the cloud introduces unique privacy risks. Since Shadow acts as a bridge between your local device and the cloud, metadata regarding your usage habits—such as session duration and hardware compatibility logs—are collected. If you are preparing to delete your account, ensure you have manually backed up any critical files stored on your virtual machine first, as once the account is terminated, recovery is impossible.

• Always clear your browser history and sign out of personal accounts (like Steam or Epic Games) inside the Shadow desktop before requesting deletion.
• Review your active subscriptions via the Shadow portal to ensure you are not charged after the account closure.
• Monitor your email for confirmation that your data has been marked for erasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting my Shadow account automatically cancel my subscription?

Yes, closing your account should terminate your subscription, but you should verify this in the billing section of your user portal before final deletion.

Does deleting my account remove my game save files?

Yes, all data stored on the virtual machine’s hard drive, including local game saves that are not synced to the cloud, will be permanently erased.

How long does Shadow take to process a deletion request?

While the virtual machine instance is often deactivated immediately, the full scrubbing of your personal account data may take several business days depending on their current support queue.

Can I recover my data after requesting a Shadow account deletion?

No, Shadow does not maintain long-term backups of user-specific virtual machines. Once the account is deleted, your data is irretrievable.

Do I need to contact support if I have an active subscription?

If you have a recurring subscription, it is safer to cancel the plan within your account settings first before requesting the total deletion of your profile to avoid billing disputes.