Windows 11 is packed with features that make our digital lives smoother, including the ability to sign in and sync with different accounts. From Microsoft accounts to Google, Outlook, and work or school accounts, Windows 11 lets apps connect with them to offer personalized experiences.
But here’s the thing—sometimes, you no longer want those accounts linked. Maybe you’re switching jobs, you logged in temporarily with a friend’s account, or you just want to tidy things up. In that case, you’ll need to know how to remove accounts used by other apps in Windows 11.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to unlink those accounts quickly and safely.
Why Remove Accounts Used by Other Apps?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.”
-
Privacy concerns – Don’t want apps snooping into accounts you no longer use.
-
Organization – Too many accounts make Windows cluttered.
-
Switching jobs/schools – Old work or school accounts may cause login errors.
-
Error prevention – Sometimes unused accounts trigger sync issues.
In short, removing unnecessary accounts helps keep your system secure and clean.
Method 1: Remove Accounts from Windows Settings
This is the easiest way and works for most accounts.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Accounts
Click Accounts from the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Access Email & Accounts
Select Email & accounts under the Accounts section.
Step 4: Remove the Account
-
Look under Accounts used by other apps.
-
Click the account you want to remove.
-
Hit Remove and confirm.
That’s it—Windows won’t use that account for apps anymore.
Method 2: Remove Work or School Accounts
Work and school accounts sometimes need extra steps.
Step 1: Go to Access Work or School
-
Open Settings → Accounts → Access work or school.
Step 2: Disconnect Account
-
Select the account.
-
Click Disconnect → Confirm with Yes.
This is especially useful when you’ve left a job or changed schools.
Method 3: Remove Microsoft Accounts from Apps
Some apps like Outlook, Mail, or Microsoft Store may still hold onto accounts.
Step 1: Open the App
Launch the app (e.g., Mail).
Step 2: Manage Accounts
-
In Mail: Go to Settings > Manage Accounts.
-
Select the unwanted account.
Step 3: Delete Account from This App
Click Delete account from this device.
Repeat for other apps like Calendar or OneDrive.
Method 4: Use Control Panel (Legacy Method)
Windows still lets you manage accounts via the old Control Panel.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to User Accounts
Go to User Accounts > Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
Step 3: Remove Stored Accounts
From here, you can delete older accounts tied to apps like Outlook.
Method 5: Clear Stored Credentials
Sometimes Windows saves account logins in Credential Manager.
Step 1: Open Credential Manager
Press Win + S, search Credential Manager, and open it.
Step 2: Windows Credentials
Click Windows Credentials.
Step 3: Remove Unwanted Accounts
Find the account details → Select Remove.
This is helpful if you keep getting unwanted login prompts.
Method 6: Remove Accounts via OneDrive
If OneDrive is linked to an account you no longer use:
-
Right-click OneDrive in the system tray.
-
Go to Settings > Account.
-
Click Unlink this PC.
Method 7: Remove Accounts Linked in Microsoft Edge
Edge can also store accounts for syncing bookmarks, history, and passwords.
-
Open Edge.
-
Click profile icon → Manage profile settings.
-
Select unwanted account → Remove.
Method 8: Remove Work Accounts via Command Prompt (Advanced)
If settings don’t work, you can try the command line.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (Admin)
Press Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin).
Step 2: Enter Command
Type:
This disconnects the device from Azure AD (used for work/school).
Method 9: Reset the App to Clear Accounts
If an app keeps showing old accounts, reset it.
-
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
-
Select the app (like Mail).
-
Click Advanced options > Reset.
What Happens After You Remove an Account?
-
Apps will no longer access the account.
-
Emails, calendar events, or files tied to that account won’t sync anymore.
-
You can always re-add the account later if needed.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Remove an Account?
-
Restart your PC and try again.
-
Make sure you’re signed in as an administrator.
-
For work accounts, check with your IT admin.
-
Use Command Prompt method if GUI methods fail.
Extra Tips to Manage Accounts Safely
-
Regularly review accounts linked to apps.
-
Remove accounts when leaving jobs/schools.
-
Use a strong, unique password for every account.
-
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Conclusion
That’s it! Now you know exactly how to remove accounts used by other apps in Windows 11 easily. Whether it’s through Settings, Control Panel, Credential Manager, or even Command Prompt, you’ve got multiple methods at your disposal.
Keeping your system free of unused accounts not only keeps things organized but also improves security. So next time you stop using an account, take a minute to unlink it—it’s quick, simple, and worth it.
FAQs
1. Can I remove my main Microsoft account from Windows 11?
Not directly—you’ll need to switch to a local account first, then remove the Microsoft account.
2. Will removing an account delete my emails or files?
It removes access on that device, but your emails/files remain safe online.
3. Why can’t I remove my work account from Windows 11?
Work accounts may be managed by your organization’s IT admin.
4. Can I re-add a removed account later?
Yes, simply go back to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts and add it again.
5. Does removing an account improve PC performance?
Indirectly, yes—it reduces sync processes and prevents unnecessary background tasks.