If you’ve ever wondered how to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re switching to a new account, selling your PC, or simply prefer using a local account instead of a Microsoft one. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through every method — step by step — to safely remove your Microsoft account from your Windows 11 device.
We’ll cover why you might want to do this, what to know before you start, and multiple ways to remove the account — through Settings, Control Panel, and even via Command Prompt (for advanced users). Let’s dive in.
What Is a Microsoft Account in Windows 11?
A Microsoft account is an online account that lets you access Microsoft services like OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft Store, and Office 365. It syncs your settings, preferences, and files across multiple devices.
When you sign in to Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, your data (like wallpapers, themes, and app settings) automatically syncs to the cloud. However, if you prefer more privacy or control, you can use a local account instead.
Why You Might Want to Remove a Microsoft Account
There are several reasons you might want to remove a Microsoft account from your PC:
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🧍♂️ Switching users: You’re giving the computer to someone else.
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💻 Creating a local account: You prefer offline use without syncing.
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🔒 Privacy concerns: You don’t want personal data linked to Microsoft’s servers.
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🧾 Fixing login issues: The account got corrupted or can’t sign in properly.
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🔄 Changing ownership: You’re selling or donating your computer.
Whatever your reason, removing the Microsoft account helps reset your system to a cleaner, more private state.
Important Things to Know Before Removing a Microsoft Account
Before proceeding, keep these points in mind:
| ⚠️ What to Know | Description |
|---|---|
| Backup your data | Files stored in OneDrive or synced with the Microsoft account may be deleted locally. |
| Administrator rights required | You must be signed in as an administrator to remove other accounts. |
| At least one account must remain | You cannot remove the only admin account on the PC. |
| Some apps may stop working | Microsoft Store, Mail, and other services tied to that account will be affected. |
Once you’re ready, follow one of the methods below.
Different Ways to Remove a Microsoft Account from Windows 11
Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to remove a Microsoft account. We’ll start with the easiest method first and move to advanced ones.
Method 1: Remove a Microsoft Account via Settings
This is the simplest and most recommended way to remove a Microsoft account.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Accounts → Other users.
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Find the Microsoft account you want to remove.
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Click on it, then select Remove.
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Confirm by clicking Delete account and data.
✅ That’s it! The account and its data will be deleted from your device.
💡 Tip: If the Remove option is greyed out, make sure you’re not currently signed in with that account.
Method 2: Remove a Microsoft Account from Control Panel
If you prefer the classic Control Panel interface, this method works well too.
Here’s how:
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to User Accounts → Remove user accounts.
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Select the Microsoft account you wish to delete.
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Click Delete the account.
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Choose whether to keep or delete files associated with that account.
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Confirm the deletion.
This method removes both local and Microsoft accounts easily.
Method 3: Switch from Microsoft Account to Local Account
Sometimes, you might not want to remove the account completely — just switch to a local account. Here’s how.
Steps to switch:
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Open Settings → Accounts → Your info.
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Click Sign in with a local account instead.
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Follow the prompts and create a username and password.
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Log out and sign in again with the new local account.
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Now you can safely remove the old Microsoft account (as shown in Method 1).
🎯 Why do this? Switching to a local account keeps your files intact while giving you full offline control.
Method 4: Remove Microsoft Account Using Netplwiz
The Netplwiz tool is a hidden gem for managing user accounts.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
netplwiz, and hit Enter. -
The User Accounts window will open.
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Select the Microsoft account you want to remove.
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Click Remove → Yes to confirm.
Once completed, restart your PC to ensure the account is fully deleted.
Method 5: Remove a Microsoft Account via Command Prompt (CMD)
For advanced users who like the command line, this method works too.
Steps:
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Press Windows + S and type cmd.
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Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
This lists all user accounts on your system.
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To remove a specific account, type:
Replace
"username"with the actual account name.
This immediately removes the account from Windows.
What Happens After You Remove a Microsoft Account?
Once you remove the Microsoft account:
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You’ll no longer be able to sign in with that account.
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Files stored in that user folder may be deleted (if you chose “delete account and data”).
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Microsoft apps linked to that account (e.g., OneDrive, Outlook) will no longer sync.
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Any subscription services tied to that account remain active online — just not on that device.
How to Add a Local Account After Removing a Microsoft Account
If you removed your only account, you’ll need a new one to sign in.
Steps to create a new local account:
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Open Settings → Accounts → Other users.
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Click Add account.
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Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
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Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
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Enter your preferred username and password.
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Click Next, then set the account type to Administrator (optional).
You now have a fresh local account ready to use.
How to Unlink a Microsoft Account from Other Apps and Services
If your Microsoft account is connected to apps like Mail, OneDrive, or Microsoft Store, you’ll need to unlink it manually.
Steps:
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Mail App: Open the app → Go to Settings → Manage Accounts → Remove Account.
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OneDrive: Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray → Settings → Account → Unlink this PC.
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Microsoft Store: Open Store → Click your profile picture → Sign out.
Doing this ensures complete disconnection from the removed Microsoft account.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Remove Microsoft Account in Windows 11?
If you’re unable to remove a Microsoft account, here’s what you can try:
| Problem | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| Remove button greyed out | You’re signed in with that account — switch users first. |
| Error message appears | Run Windows Update and restart your PC. |
| No admin rights | Sign in using another administrator account. |
| System glitch | Use Command Prompt (net user “username” /delete) to force-remove the account. |
Tips for Managing User Accounts Safely
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Always keep at least one administrator account active.
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Use strong passwords even for local accounts.
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Regularly back up important files before deleting any user profile.
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If sharing your PC, set up Standard accounts for other users.
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Keep your Windows security settings updated.
Conclusion
Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 11 is simple but powerful. Whether you’re switching users, protecting your privacy, or preparing to sell your PC, the process only takes a few minutes.
Just remember to back up your data, sign in as an admin, and choose the right method — via Settings, Control Panel, or Command Prompt — depending on your comfort level.
By following this guide, you can safely take control of your Windows experience and enjoy a cleaner, more private setup.
FAQs About Removing Microsoft Account from Windows 11
1. Can I remove a Microsoft account without deleting files?
Yes. During deletion, choose “Keep files” when prompted. Your personal files will remain stored locally.
2. Why is the Remove button greyed out?
It’s because you’re currently signed in with that account. Switch to another administrator account and try again.
3. Will removing a Microsoft account delete my data in the cloud?
No. Your data on OneDrive or other Microsoft services remains online. You’re only removing the account from that specific device.
4. Can I remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11 without admin rights?
No. You must have administrator privileges to remove user accounts.
5. What’s the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?
A local account exists only on your PC, while a Microsoft account syncs data across multiple devices and online services.
Key Takeaways
| ✅ Step | Summary |
|---|---|
| Backup your data | Before removing the account, save important files. |
| Use Settings for easy removal | Go to Accounts → Other users → Remove account. |
| Switch to a local account | You can avoid deletion by switching instead. |
| Unlink from services | Disconnect from Mail, OneDrive, and Store. |
| Keep at least one admin account | Never remove your only administrator account. |
Final Thoughts:
By following this step-by-step guide on how to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11, you can easily manage your user accounts and maintain complete control over your system. Whether you’re troubleshooting, improving privacy, or setting up a new user, Windows 11 gives you multiple flexible options — all within a few clicks.