Microsoft Office 365 (now called Microsoft 365) is one of the most popular productivity suites. But what if you no longer need it, want to switch to another version, or simply need to reinstall it to fix issues? In that case, uninstalling Office 365 from your Windows 11 device is the way to go.
Don’t worry—it’s not complicated. In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple step-by-step methods to uninstall Office 365 from Windows 11.
Why Uninstall Office 365?
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why:
-
Switching to another version (like Office 2019 or Office 2021).
-
Troubleshooting errors such as crashing apps or update failures.
-
Freeing up storage space on your PC.
-
No longer using the subscription and avoiding unnecessary clutter.
Think of it like cleaning out your digital toolbox—sometimes less is more.
Method 1: Uninstall Office 365 via Windows 11 Settings
This is the easiest and most common method.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Apps
In the left sidebar, click Apps, then select Installed apps.
Step 3: Find Microsoft Office 365
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate Microsoft 365 (Office 365).
Step 4: Uninstall
-
Click the three-dot menu next to Office 365.
-
Select Uninstall.
-
Confirm when prompted.
Windows will now remove Office 365 from your computer.
Method 2: Uninstall Office 365 Using Control Panel
Some users prefer the classic Control Panel method.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press Windows + R, type:
and press Enter.
Step 2: Access Programs and Features
Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
Step 3: Locate Microsoft 365
Scroll through the list until you find Microsoft 365.
Step 4: Uninstall
Right-click on it → Uninstall → follow the on-screen instructions.
Method 3: Uninstall Office 365 with Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
If Office 365 refuses to uninstall using the normal methods, Microsoft provides a dedicated tool.
Step 1: Download the Tool
Go to Microsoft’s official website and download the Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) tool.
Step 2: Install and Launch
Run the setup and open the tool.
Step 3: Select Office
Choose Office Uninstallation from the options.
Step 4: Follow Instructions
The tool will detect and completely remove Office 365, including leftover files.
Method 4: Remove Office 365 Using Command Prompt (Advanced Users)
This is a more technical approach, but effective.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Admin
Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run Office Removal Script
Type:
Step 3: Restart PC
After completion, restart your PC to finalize removal.
Method 5: Manually Delete Leftover Files (Optional)
Even after uninstalling, some Office files may remain. You can clean them up manually:
-
Navigate to:
-
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office -
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office
-
-
Delete leftover Office folders.
-
Clear registry entries (⚠️ advanced users only).
How to Verify Office 365 is Completely Uninstalled
After uninstalling, double-check:
-
Press Windows + R, type
winword, and hit Enter.-
If Word doesn’t open, Office is removed.
-
-
Revisit Installed Apps to ensure Microsoft 365 no longer appears.
Common Issues When Uninstalling Office 365
1. Office Doesn’t Show in Installed Apps
-
Try using Control Panel or the SaRA tool.
2. Office Apps Still Appear After Uninstall
-
Leftover shortcuts may remain. Delete them manually.
3. Error Messages During Uninstall
-
Restart PC and retry.
-
Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.
Tips Before Uninstalling Office 365
-
Backup documents stored in OneDrive or Office folders.
-
Make sure you have your license key or subscription details if you plan to reinstall.
-
If you’re switching to another Office version, remove Office 365 completely before installing the new one.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Office 365 on Windows 11 can be done in several ways—through Settings, Control Panel, Microsoft’s official uninstaller tool, or even Command Prompt for advanced users. Whether you’re freeing up space or resolving technical issues, following these step-by-step methods will ensure a smooth removal process.
FAQs
Q1: Can I reinstall Office 365 after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall it anytime by signing into your Microsoft account and downloading it again.
Q2: Will uninstalling Office 365 delete my files?
No. Your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files remain safe on your computer.
Q3: What’s the easiest way to uninstall Office 365?
Using Settings > Apps > Installed apps is the simplest method.
Q4: Why won’t Office 365 uninstall on my Windows 11 PC?
Some components may be stuck. Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to force uninstall.
Q5: Do I need to restart my PC after uninstalling Office 365?
Yes, restarting ensures all leftover files and services are fully removed.