Whether you’re upgrading to a new version of Microsoft Office, troubleshooting issues, or simply reclaiming storage space, uninstalling Office 365 from Windows 11 is a common task. While it may seem straightforward, Office installs can sometimes leave residual files or cause uninstall errors if not done properly.
This guide will show you how to safely and completely uninstall Office 365 from Windows 11, step by step.
Why Uninstall Office 365?
There are several reasons you might want to remove Office 365:
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Upgrade to a newer version of Microsoft Office
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Free up storage space on your PC
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Fix performance or installation issues
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Switch to a different office suite
Step 1: Close All Office Applications
Before uninstalling, make sure all Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) are closed.
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Check the taskbar for open applications.
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and ensure no Office processes are running.
Step 2: Use the Settings App to Uninstall
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps → Apps & features.
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Scroll down to find Microsoft Office 365 or Microsoft 365.
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Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Uninstall.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstall.
Step 3: Use Control Panel (Alternative Method)
If the Settings method doesn’t work:
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and press Enter to open Control Panel. -
Click Programs → Programs and Features.
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Locate Microsoft Office 365.
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Right-click and select Uninstall.
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Follow the prompts to remove Office.
Step 4: Remove Residual Files
Sometimes Office leaves behind leftover files:
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Press Windows + R, type
%ProgramFiles%, and press Enter. Delete the Microsoft Office folder if it exists. -
Repeat for
%ProgramFiles(x86)%. -
Navigate to
%AppData%and delete any Microsoft/Office folders.
This ensures a clean uninstall.
Step 5: Use Microsoft’s Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
If Office still isn’t fully removed or you encounter errors:
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Download Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) from the official website.
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Run the tool and select Office → Uninstall Office.
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Follow the guided steps to completely remove all Office components.
Step 6: Restart Your PC
After uninstalling, always restart your computer. This helps:
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Remove temporary files
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Reset system settings
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Ensure no Office processes are running in the background
Step 7: Optional – Reinstall or Upgrade Office
Once Office 365 is removed, you can:
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Install a fresh copy of Office 365 or Microsoft 365
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Switch to Office 2021 or a free alternative like LibreOffice
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Uninstall button is grayed out → Try running Settings or Control Panel as Administrator.
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Error during uninstall → Use SaRA to force removal.
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Leftover icons or shortcuts → Manually delete from Desktop or Start Menu.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Office 365 on Windows 11 is simple if you follow the right steps. Start by closing all apps, then use Settings or Control Panel, remove residual files, and if needed, run Microsoft’s SaRA tool. Restart your computer, and you’ll have a clean system ready for a fresh Office installation or an alternative productivity suite.
By following these steps, you can avoid common uninstall errors and ensure no leftover files clutter your PC.
FAQs
Q1: Will uninstalling Office 365 delete my documents?
No, your personal files remain intact. Only the Office applications are removed.
Q2: Do I need an internet connection to uninstall Office?
No, but reinstalling Office later will require an internet connection.
Q3: Can I uninstall Office 365 if I’m using a trial version?
Yes, the process is the same for both trial and licensed versions.
Q4: How do I completely remove Office if Settings and Control Panel fail?
Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) to force a clean uninstall.
Q5: Can I switch from Office 365 to Office 2021 after uninstalling?
Yes, once Office 365 is removed, you can install any version of Microsoft Office.