How to Remove User Account in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Managing user accounts in Windows 11 is essential for keeping your PC organized, secure, and clutter-free. Whether you want to delete an old profile, remove a guest account, or get rid of an unused Microsoft account, Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to remove user accounts safely.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove a user account in Windows 11 step by step using different methods — from the Settings app to Control Panel, Command Prompt, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly which method works best for your situation.

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📝 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

• Windows 11 allows you to remove both local accounts and Microsoft accounts.

• You can delete an account via Settings, Control Panel, User Accounts tool, or Command Prompt.

• Always backup important files before deleting an account — everything inside it will be erased.

• You cannot remove the account you’re currently signed in with — sign in as another admin first.

• Deleting an account is irreversible — once removed, all files and settings linked to it are lost.

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Why Remove a User Account in Windows 11?

Here are the most common reasons why you may want to remove a user account:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Shared PC cleanup: Remove unused accounts from family or friends.

• 🧹 Declutter: Reduce confusion by removing duplicate or temporary accounts.

• 🔐 Security: Eliminate accounts with outdated or compromised login info.

• 👔 Business use: Remove old employee accounts from company PCs.

• 💻 Performance: Fewer accounts can speed up login and reduce background processes.

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Things to Do Before Removing a User Account

Before deleting an account, follow these best practices:

• Backup important files (Documents, Pictures, Desktop) to another location.

• Make sure you have administrator privileges — only admins can delete accounts.

• Create a new admin account if the one you want to remove is the only admin.

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Method 1: Remove a User Account via Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest method and works for both local and Microsoft accounts.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Accounts → Family & other users.

3. Under Other users, locate the account you want to remove.

4. Click the account → Select Remove.

5. Confirm by clicking Delete account and data.

✅ This will permanently delete the account and all its files.

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Method 2: Remove a User Account from Control Panel

Control Panel still exists in Windows 11 and provides another way to manage accounts.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S and type Control Panel → Open it.

2. Go to User Accounts → Remove user accounts.

3. Select the account you want to delete.

4. Click Delete the account.

5. Choose whether to delete files or keep files.

👉 This method gives you the option to back up user files before deletion.

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Method 3: Remove a User Account Using netplwiz (Advanced Tool)

The netplwiz tool provides a classic way to manage accounts.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and hit Enter.

2. In the User Accounts window, select the account to delete.

3. Click Remove → Confirm.

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Method 4: Remove a User Account via Command Prompt (For Power Users)

If you prefer the command line, you can delete accounts directly.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   net user username /delete


   (Replace username with the actual account name.)

3. You’ll see a confirmation message if successful.

⚠️ Be very careful when using this method — there’s no undo option.

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Method 5: Remove a Microsoft Account from Windows 11

If your PC is linked to a Microsoft account and you want to remove it:

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Your info.

2. If signed in with a Microsoft account, switch to a local account first:

   • Select Sign in with a local account instead.

   • Enter your details → Sign out and back in.

3. Once switched, go to Accounts → Email & accounts.

4. Under Accounts used by other apps, select the Microsoft account → Remove.

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Method 6: Remove a User Account with Local Users and Groups (Pro Edition Only)

This method is available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter.

2. Expand Users.

3. Right-click the account you want to remove → Delete.

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Comparison of Account Removal Methods

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What Happens After Removing an Account?

When you delete a user account:

• All personal files stored under that account are erased (unless you choose to keep them via Control Panel).

• The user will no longer appear on the login screen.

• Microsoft services linked to that account (OneDrive, Outlook, Xbox) will be unlinked from the device.

• System performance may improve slightly with fewer background processes.

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Troubleshooting: Issues When Removing Accounts

❓ Can’t remove the account you’re currently signed into?
👉 Log in with another admin account and try again.

❓ The remove button is greyed out in Settings?
👉 Ensure you’re using an administrator account.

❓ Files still remain after deletion?
👉 Some files may be stored outside the user profile folder — delete manually.

❓ Microsoft account keeps reappearing?
👉 Remove it from both Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts and Settings → Access work or school.

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Pros and Cons of Removing a User Account

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Conclusion

Learning how to remove a user account in Windows 11 is essential for keeping your PC secure and well-managed. The method you choose depends on whether you’re removing a local account or a Microsoft account.

• For most users, the Settings app is the simplest method.

• Advanced users can use Command Prompt or Local Users and Groups for more control.

Just remember: backup important files first — once deleted, the data is gone forever.

By following this guide, you can safely and easily manage accounts on your Windows 11 PC.

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FAQs: How to Remove User Account in Windows 11

1. Can I remove the account I’m currently signed in with?
No — you must log into another admin account first.

2. What happens to the files when I delete a user account?
They are permanently erased unless you use Control Panel and choose to keep them.

3. How do I remove a Microsoft account without deleting it entirely?
Switch to a local account first, then remove the Microsoft account from settings.

4. Is removing a user account reversible?
No — once deleted, you can’t recover it unless you had backups.

5. Can I delete the Administrator account?
No — at least one admin account must remain on the system. You can delete additional admin accounts if needed.