If you’ve signed into Microsoft 365 on your Windows 11 PC but want to switch accounts, troubleshoot issues, or simply remove it, this guide will walk you through how to remove a Microsoft 365 account safely and effectively.
Whether it’s for a personal device, a work PC, or troubleshooting login errors, following these steps ensures your account is removed without affecting other Windows features.
Key Takeaways
-
Microsoft 365 accounts are tied to Windows 11 through Office apps and Windows settings.
-
You can remove accounts via Settings, Control Panel, or Outlook/Office apps.
-
Always save or back up your files before removing an account.
-
Removing a Microsoft 365 account does not delete the subscription itself — only removes it from that PC.
Why Remove a Microsoft 365 Account?
Common reasons include:
-
Switching to a different Microsoft account.
-
Troubleshooting sign-in or sync issues.
-
Preparing a PC for resale or handover.
-
Removing work/school accounts no longer in use.
👉 Think of it as logging out completely while keeping your subscription intact.
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Before removing an account, make sure you:
-
Save Office documents to OneDrive or local storage.
-
Export Outlook emails or calendar if needed:
-
In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file.
-
-
Backup Teams data or other Microsoft apps linked to the account.
✅ This prevents data loss.
Step 2: Remove Microsoft 365 Account via Settings
This is the easiest and safest method.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Go to Accounts > Email & accounts.
-
Under Accounts used by other apps, find the Microsoft 365 account.
-
Click the account and select Remove.
-
Confirm by clicking Yes.
Your account is now removed from Windows 11 apps and system services.
Step 3: Sign Out from Office Apps
Even after removing the account in Settings, you may still be signed in to Office apps.
Steps:
-
Open any Office app (Word, Excel, Outlook).
-
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
-
Select Sign out.
-
Close and reopen the Office app to confirm.
✅ This ensures the Microsoft 365 account is completely disconnected.
Step 4: Remove Account from Outlook (Optional)
If you use Outlook with Microsoft 365:
-
Open Outlook.
-
Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
-
Select the Microsoft 365 account and click Remove.
-
Confirm the removal.
👉 Outlook will no longer sync emails from that account.
Step 5: Remove Account from Control Panel (Legacy Method)
Older or legacy apps may still reference the account.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + R, type
control, and press Enter. -
Go to User Accounts > Mail (Microsoft Outlook) > Email Accounts.
-
Select the Microsoft 365 account and click Remove.
✅ This clears any leftover references.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After removing accounts:
-
Restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect.
-
Open any Office app to verify you’re signed out.
-
Re-add a different account if necessary via Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts > Add account.
Tips for Removing Microsoft 365 Accounts Safely
-
Do not uninstall Office unless you want to remove all apps completely.
-
Keep local copies of important files in case OneDrive data was linked to the account.
-
Removing accounts will stop automatic updates for that subscription on this PC.
-
Work/school accounts may require IT permission for removal.
Common Issues When Removing Accounts
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Account still appears in Office apps | Sign out directly in Word, Excel, or Outlook. |
| Emails not syncing | Remove the account in Outlook and re-add if needed. |
| OneDrive prompts for login | Disconnect the account in OneDrive settings > Account > Unlink this PC. |
| Cannot remove work/school account | Check with IT admin; some accounts are managed centrally. |
Conclusion
Removing a Microsoft 365 account from Windows 11 is straightforward:
-
Backup important files.
-
Remove the account via Settings > Email & accounts.
-
Sign out from Office apps and Outlook.
-
Optionally, remove through Control Panel.
-
Restart your PC.
👉 After following these steps, your account will be fully removed, allowing you to switch accounts, troubleshoot, or hand over your PC safely.
FAQs About Removing Microsoft 365 Accounts in Windows 11
1. Will removing the account delete my Microsoft 365 subscription?
No, your subscription remains active online. Only the PC is signed out.
2. Can I remove a work or school Microsoft 365 account?
Yes, but some managed accounts may require IT admin approval.
3. Do I lose files after removing the account?
Local files are safe, but OneDrive files must be backed up before removal.
4. How do I re-add a Microsoft 365 account?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts > Add account.
5. Will Office apps still work after removing the account?
Some features may be limited; re-adding an account is required for full access.