If you use your Windows 11 computer for both personal and professional purposes, chances are you’ve added a work or school account at some point. While these accounts allow you to access shared files, organizational apps, and company policies, you may later want to remove a work account from Windows 11 — especially if you’ve changed jobs, no longer need organizational access, or simply want to keep your device personal.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to remove a work account in Windows 11, explain what happens afterward, and share useful tips to avoid potential issues.
What Is a Work or School Account in Windows 11?
A work or school account is typically an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) or Microsoft 365 account provided by your organization or school.
-
It gives access to resources like OneDrive for Business, Outlook, Teams, and shared files.
-
IT administrators can enforce security policies like password rules, encryption, or app restrictions.
-
Your PC may also be connected to an organization’s domain or management system (Intune, MDM).
Why Remove a Work Account from Windows 11?
You might want to disconnect or remove a work account for several reasons:
-
You left a job or school and don’t need access anymore.
-
Your PC is personal, and you don’t want organizational policies applied.
-
You want to switch to a personal Microsoft account for apps and services.
-
Company restrictions are slowing down your PC or limiting features.
Things to Consider Before Removing a Work Account
Before removing a work or school account:
-
🔹 Backup data: Files stored in OneDrive for Business or linked to the work account may become inaccessible.
-
🔹 Check app access: Apps like Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint may log out.
-
🔹 Admin restrictions: If your device is company-managed, you might need admin approval.
-
🔹 Local files remain safe: Documents stored outside work-related apps (e.g., in “Documents” or “Desktop”) won’t be deleted.
Method 1: Remove a Work Account via Windows Settings
This is the easiest and most common way to remove a work account.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Navigate to:
Accounts → Access work or school. -
Select the work or school account you want to remove.
-
Click on Disconnect.
-
Confirm by clicking Yes when prompted.
✅ The account will be removed, and any organization policies tied to it will no longer apply.
Method 2: Remove a Work Account from Access Work or School
If the work account is still listed, you can remove it manually.
Steps:
-
Open Settings (Windows + I).
-
Go to Accounts → Access work or school.
-
Click on the account → Select Manage.
-
Choose Disconnect this account.
-
Restart your PC to complete the process.
Method 3: Remove a Work Account Using Control Panel
Older users might prefer Control Panel.
Steps:
-
Search for Control Panel in Start.
-
Navigate to:
User Accounts → Mail (Microsoft Outlook). -
Select the work account → Click Remove.
-
Confirm the removal.
Method 4: Remove Work Account with Command Prompt
Advanced users can use Command Prompt to remove a connected work account.
Steps:
-
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
-
Run the command:
-
Press Enter.
-
Restart your PC.
⚡ This disconnects your device from the organization’s Azure AD.
Method 5: Disconnect Work Account from Microsoft Apps
Sometimes, even after removing the account from Settings, it may still appear in apps like Outlook, OneDrive, or Teams.
Steps:
-
Outlook: Go to File → Account Settings → Remove account.
-
OneDrive: Right-click OneDrive → Settings → Account → Unlink this PC.
-
Teams: Sign out and remove cached credentials.
Method 6: Remove a Work Account from Browser (Edge/Outlook)
Work accounts may also remain signed in through browsers.
Steps (Microsoft Edge):
-
Open Edge browser.
-
Click Profile icon → Manage profile settings.
-
Select the work account → Click Remove.
Steps (Outlook Web):
-
Open Outlook Web App.
-
Go to Profile → Sign out.
-
Clear cookies and saved logins if needed.
How to Remove Work Account Policies
Even after removing the account, your PC may still have leftover policies or restrictions.
To remove them:
-
Press Windows + R, type:
(for Pro/Enterprise editions).
-
Remove applied group policies manually.
-
If Intune or MDM is enforced, contact your IT admin.
What Happens After You Remove a Work Account?
-
You lose access to work-related apps and cloud storage.
-
Your PC stops receiving organizational policies.
-
Files saved locally remain intact.
-
Outlook/Teams may require a new login with a personal account.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Remove Work Account in Windows 11
If you’re unable to remove a work account:
-
🔹 Check admin rights: You must be an administrator.
-
🔹 Disconnect from VPN or company network.
-
🔹 Use Command Prompt (
dsregcmd /leave). -
🔹 Remove cached credentials from Credential Manager.
Tips for Managing Multiple Accounts on Windows 11
-
Use a personal Microsoft account for apps like OneDrive, Outlook, and Store.
-
Add work accounts only when needed.
-
Switch profiles in Edge or Office apps instead of mixing accounts.
-
Regularly check Access work or school settings to avoid conflicts.
Conclusion
Removing a work account from Windows 11 is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the consequences. Whether you use Settings, Control Panel, or Command Prompt, the account can be disconnected in a few clicks.
To recap:
-
Use Settings → Accounts → Access work or school for the easiest removal.
-
Use Command Prompt (
dsregcmd /leave) for stubborn accounts. -
Don’t forget to unlink apps like Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily regain full control of your personal PC and ensure no leftover company restrictions affect your device.
FAQs
1. How do I completely remove a work account from Windows 11?
Go to Settings → Accounts → Access work or school, select the account, and click Disconnect.
2. Will removing a work account delete my files?
No. Local files stay safe, but cloud files in OneDrive for Business may no longer be accessible.
3. Why can’t I remove a work account?
You may need administrator rights or your device might still be connected to a company domain. Try using dsregcmd /leave.
4. Do I need internet to remove a work account?
No, but some organization policies may sync upon removal if you’re online.
5. Can I add the same work account back later?
Yes. You can always re-add it from Settings → Accounts → Access work or school.