Managing email accounts on Windows 11 is straightforward, but sometimes you might want to remove an account — maybe you’re switching emails, troubleshooting sync issues, or cleaning up your system. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove an email account from Windows 11 using multiple methods, plus tips to ensure your data stays safe.
Summary (Key Takeaways)
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings | Access accounts management |
| 2 | Navigate to Email & Accounts | Find linked email accounts |
| 3 | Select the account to remove | Identify the target account |
| 4 | Click Remove | Disconnect the email from Windows 11 |
| 5 | Confirm removal | Ensure account is fully deleted |
Why Remove an Email Account from Windows 11?
There are several reasons you might want to remove an account:
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No longer using the email address
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Troubleshooting sync or login issues
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Cleaning up shared or old accounts
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Improving security by removing unused accounts
Removing an account ensures it no longer appears in Mail, Calendar, or other linked Windows apps.
Prerequisites
Before removing an email account:
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Backup important emails if it’s an active account.
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Ensure you know your login credentials for future use.
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Be aware that removing an account does not delete the email itself, only disconnects it from Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings
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Press
Win + Ito open Settings. -
You can also click Start > Settings from the taskbar.
Step 2: Go to Accounts Section
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In Settings, select Accounts from the left-hand menu.
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Click Email & accounts.
This page lists all Microsoft accounts, work, and personal email accounts linked to your PC.
Step 3: Select the Account You Want to Remove
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Scroll through Accounts used by email, calendar, and contacts.
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Locate the account you wish to remove.
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Click the account to reveal options.
Step 4: Remove the Account
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Click Remove.
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A confirmation dialog will appear warning you that all data associated with this account will be deleted from this device.
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Click Yes or Remove to confirm.
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Windows will disconnect the account, and it will no longer appear in Mail, Calendar, or linked apps.
Step 5: Verify the Account Is Removed
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Open the Mail app or Calendar app.
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Check that the account no longer appears in the list.
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Ensure no emails are syncing from that account.
Alternative Method: Remove Work or School Accounts
For accounts added via organization or school:
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Open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
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Click the account you want to remove.
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Select Disconnect.
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Confirm by clicking Yes.
💡 Tip: Work or school accounts may also manage device settings. Disconnecting them may remove access to some organizational resources.
Remove a Microsoft Account Completely from Windows 11
If the account is the primary Microsoft account used to log in, you need to:
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Add a local account first:
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Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add account > Sign in without Microsoft.
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Switch to the local account.
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Then remove the Microsoft account following Step 4.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Remove button greyed out | Account is primary login | Create a local account first |
| Emails still appear | Cached data | Restart PC or reset Mail app |
| Cannot remove work/school account | Admin policies | Contact IT administrator |
Tips for Managing Multiple Email Accounts
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Use Mail app folders to organize emails before removal.
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Backup important emails to Outlook or export as PST.
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Remove accounts you no longer use to improve privacy and system speed.
Bonus: Remove Account from Microsoft Edge
If your account is linked to Microsoft Edge:
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Open Edge > Settings > Profiles.
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Click the profile associated with the email.
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Select Sign out and delete profile.
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Confirm the removal.
Conclusion
Removing an email account from Windows 11 is simple and can improve performance, security, and privacy. Using Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts is the fastest way, while work/school accounts may require additional steps. Always backup important emails before removal to prevent accidental data loss.
By following these steps, you’ll have a clean, organized system without unnecessary accounts cluttering your apps.
FAQs
1. Does removing an email account delete the email itself?
No — it only disconnects the account from Windows 11. The email remains accessible via web or other devices.
2. Can I remove my Microsoft account if it’s my login account?
Yes, but you must first create a local account and switch to it.
3. What happens to synced data when I remove an account?
All emails, calendar entries, and contacts synced to Windows 11 from that account will be removed from the device.
4. How do I remove a work or school account?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Select the account > Disconnect.
5. Can I re-add the same email account later?
Yes — simply go to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts > Add account and sign in.