How to Uninstall Office 365 on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re running Windows 11 and want to uninstall Microsoft Office 365, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re switching to another version of Office, troubleshooting an issue, or simply clearing space on your computer. Whatever the reason, removing Office 365 from Windows 11 is easier than you think—if you know the right steps.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple methods to uninstall Office 365. We’ll cover everything from using Windows Settings to advanced uninstallation methods. By the end, you’ll have a completely clean system without leftover Office files slowing you down. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Why Uninstall Office 365 on Windows 11?

Before we jump into the steps, let’s quickly discuss why someone might want to remove Office 365:

Switching versions: Maybe you want to downgrade or install Office 2021 instead.
Fixing errors: Office might not be working properly, and a clean reinstall is the best fix.
Freeing up space: Office apps take up a lot of storage, especially with updates.
Personal preference: You may prefer alternatives like Google Workspace or LibreOffice.

Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Method 1: Uninstall Office 365 from Windows Settings

This is the easiest and most common way to uninstall Office 365.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Click on Apps from the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Find Microsoft Office 365

Go to Installed apps.
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to type Office or Microsoft 365.

Step 3: Uninstall Office

Click the three-dot menu next to Microsoft 365.
Select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal.

Method 2: Use Control Panel to Uninstall Office 365

Old-school, but still effective.

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Access Programs and Features

Click Programs > Programs and Features.
Look for Microsoft Office 365 in the list.

Step 3: Remove Office

Right-click Microsoft Office 365.
Select Uninstall.
Wait while Windows removes the program.

Method 3: Use Microsoft’s Office Uninstall Support Tool

Sometimes, normal methods leave behind leftovers. That’s where Microsoft’s official tool comes in.

Step 1: Download the Tool

Visit Microsoft’s official site and download the Office Uninstall Support Tool.

Step 2: Run the Tool

Open the file and follow the prompts.
The tool will detect all Office installations and remove them completely.

Step 3: Restart Your PC

After the process, restart your computer to finish the uninstallation.

Method 4: Uninstall Office 365 via Command Prompt (Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable with commands, this method works too.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Search for CMD, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run the Command

Enter this command:

setup.exe /uninstall ProPlus /config config.xml

(Note: The actual command may vary depending on your Office version.)

Step 3: Wait for the Process

The uninstall will begin and may take a few minutes.

What to Do After Uninstalling Office 365

Uninstalling Office isn’t the end of the story. Here’s what you should do next:

Restart your PC to clear leftover files.
Check for residual files in C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
Clear registry entries (only if you’re experienced).
Install a new version of Office or an alternative if needed.

Alternative Productivity Tools to Try

If you don’t want to reinstall Office, here are some solid alternatives:

Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
LibreOffice (Free, open-source alternative)
WPS Office (Lightweight and user-friendly)
Zoho Office Suite (Great for business use)

Troubleshooting: Common Issues While Uninstalling Office 365

Sometimes uninstalling isn’t smooth. Here’s how to fix common problems:

Office Won’t Uninstall?

Try the Microsoft Support Tool mentioned above.

Error Messages During Uninstall

Restart your PC and run the uninstaller again.
Make sure no Office apps are running in the background.

Office Still Appears After Uninstall

Clear leftover files manually.
Run a registry cleaner (advanced users only).

Tips for a Smooth Uninstallation

Always save your documents before uninstalling.
Make sure you know your Office license key if you plan to reinstall.
Use the official Microsoft tool for a complete cleanup.

Reinstalling Microsoft Office After Uninstallation

If you plan to reinstall Office:

Go to the Microsoft 365 website.
Sign in with your account.
Download and reinstall the apps.

Should You Uninstall or Just Repair Office 365?

Before uninstalling, consider repairing.

Quick Repair: Fixes most minor issues in minutes.
Online Repair: More thorough, reinstalls Office but keeps your settings.

This option can be found in Apps & Features > Microsoft Office > Modify.

Precautions Before Removing Office 365

Backup your important files (Word docs, Excel sheets, etc.).
Sync your OneDrive files if you use cloud storage.
Note down your Microsoft account credentials.

Benefits of Removing Office 365

Frees up disk space.
Fixes corrupted installations.
Lets you install a different version of Office.
Helps improve system performance.

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling Office 365 on Windows 11 might sound intimidating at first, but as you’ve seen, there are multiple ways to get it done. From the quick Windows Settings method to Microsoft’s dedicated uninstall tool, you’ve got options.

The key is to back up your files, follow the steps carefully, and restart your computer afterward. Whether you plan to reinstall Office or switch to another productivity suite, your PC will thank you for a cleaner setup.

FAQs

1. Can I reinstall Office 365 after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall it anytime by signing in to your Microsoft account and downloading it again.

2. Will uninstalling Office 365 delete my documents?
No, your files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) will remain safe on your computer.

3. How long does it take to uninstall Office 365?
Typically, 5–15 minutes, depending on your system speed.

4. What if I can’t uninstall Office using normal methods?
Use the Microsoft Office Uninstall Support Tool for a complete removal.

5. Do I need my product key to reinstall Office?
No, if you’re signed in with your Microsoft account. But if you bought a standalone license, keep your product key handy.