How to Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 11

Using a Microsoft account has several advantages. You can use it to sign in to all Microsoft services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more. However, there are some situations where you might want to remove your Microsoft account, such as for privacy or security, or if you’re going to sell or give away your computer. This guide shows you how to remove your Microsoft account from Windows 11.

Step 1: Create a Local Account

Before proceeding, make sure you have another account to log into Windows with. If you don’t, you won’t be able to log in after removing your Microsoft account.

1. To create a new local account, go to the Settings app and click Accounts.

   

2. In the next window, click Family & other users.

   

3. Under the Other users section, select Add account.

   

4. In the pop-up window, select the I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option.

   

5. Select the Add a user without a Microsoft account option.

   

6. Enter the username and password for the new account and click Next.

   

Step 2: Set the Local Account as Administrator

After creating the new account, you need to set it as administrator. This is necessary because when you delete your previous Microsoft account, all the administrator privileges will be removed from it as well.

1. To set the account as administrator, open the Settings app and click Accounts.

   

2. In the next window, click Family & other users.

   

3. Under the Other users section, click the arrow symbol next to the new account you created, then click Change account type.

   

4. A pop-up window will appear. Under the Account type section, select Administrator and click OK.

   

Step 3: Remove the Microsoft Account

Now that you have an administrator account to log in with, you can remove your Microsoft account.

Remove a Microsoft Account Using the Settings App

Using the Settings app is the easiest way to remove your Microsoft account.

1. Click the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then click Accounts.

   

2. In the next window, click Family & other users.

   

3. Under the other users section, click the arrow symbol next to the account you want to delete and choose Remove.

   

4. A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation. If you are sure, Click the Delete account and data button to proceed.

   

Remove a Microsoft Account Using the Control Panel

The Control Panel is a Windows application that allows you to change settings for your computer. One of these settings is managing your Microsoft accounts.

1. To open the Control Panel, go to the Start menu and search for “Control Panel” Then click the top result to open the app.

   

2. In the Control Panel window, click on the User Accounts option.

   

3. Under the User Account section, click Remove user accounts

   

4. A list of accounts will appear. Select the account you want to delete and click it.

   

5. Five options will appear. Choose the Delete the account option.

   

6. A confirmation window asking you whether to keep the files or remove them will appear. Choose the Delete Files option.

   

Remove a Microsoft Account from User Accounts Settings

Another option to remove your Microsoft account is by going to the User Accounts settings.

1. Click the Windows key + R to open the Run tool.
2. Type in “netplwiz” and click Enter.

   

3. The User Accounts window will now appear, containing all the accounts on your computer.
4. Locate the account you want to delete, select it, then click Remove.
5. A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm the deletion. Click Yes to proceed.

   

After following one of the three methods above, your Microsoft account will be removed from your Windows computer. You can now log in using the local account you created.