Outlook Login Problems

How to Remove a Former Microsoft 365 Work Account from Outlook

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop Outlook 2019 from continuously asking for login credentials associated with a previous employer's Microsoft 365 account.

Product: Microsoft Outlook 2019 / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: A former work account managed via Intune Company Portal was supposedly removed, and a separate Office 2019 version was installed, but system remnants continue triggering credential prompts.
Observed behavior: Outlook keeps prompting the user for credentials from a former employer's Microsoft 365 work account upon launch.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for your current email account handy and that Microsoft Outlook is completely closed before adjusting your mail profiles.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Account via Control Panel Mail Settings

Use the Windows Control Panel to access Outlook's underlying mail profile settings and force the removal of the old work account.

Often, Outlook caches old profiles that cannot be easily deleted directly from the app interface. Using the Mail applet in the Control Panel bypasses the app interface and modifies the core mail profile.

Close Outlook

Make sure Microsoft Outlook is fully closed so that data files are not locked by the system.

Open Control Panel

Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and open the desktop application.

Access Mail Applet

In the Control Panel search bar, type 'Mail' and click on the 'Mail (Microsoft Outlook)' icon.

Remove the Former Account

Under the Email tab, click on 'Email Accounts'. Select the former work account and click 'Remove'. If you are unable to remove it, ensure you set your new or personal account as the 'Default' first.

Default Account Requirement: You cannot remove an account if it is currently set as your default data file. Always designate a new default account before clicking Remove.

Solution 2

Uninstall Remaining Microsoft 365 Components

Clear out any lingering Microsoft 365 installations that might be triggering the Intune credential prompts alongside Office 2019.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If persistent credential loops and complex work account configurations in Microsoft Office are slowing you down, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, fully-featured alternative without complicated corporate account entanglements.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
3. Open Your Files Easily: Instantly open and edit your existing Office documents without mandatory cloud account sign-ins.

Avoid complex Intune or Microsoft 365 work account credential loops.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Free and lightweight, taking up far less storage space on your device.Familiar user interface allowing for a quick and seamless migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook keep prompting for an old work account password?

This happens when the old account's credentials are saved in your Windows Credential Manager, or the account is still registered as an active data file within the Outlook Mail Profile.

How do I change the default email account in Outlook?

Open the Control Panel, go to Mail > Email Accounts, select the current account you want to use from the list, and click the 'Set as Default' button.

Can I remove an Intune-managed account manually?

Yes. Beyond removing it in Outlook, you should also go to Windows Settings > Accounts > Access work or school, select the managed account, and click 'Disconnect'.

Will removing the old account delete my local files?

Removing the account from the Outlook profile severs the connection to the server. Any cached offline data (OST files) tied to that account will no longer be accessible through Outlook, but your new account's data will remain unaffected.

Outlook & Email Problems