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How to Completely Uninstall Microsoft 365 on Windows
Question details
The user needs to completely remove Microsoft 365 from a Windows PC, either through standard settings or specialized troubleshooting tools if standard methods fail.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Uninstalling Microsoft 365 to fix issues, free up space, or switch to an alternative office suite.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking reliable methods to remove all Microsoft 365 components without leaving leftover files or registry entries.
Ensure all Microsoft Office applications (such as Word, Excel, and Outlook) are completely closed and saved before starting the uninstallation process.
Uninstall Microsoft 365 via Windows Settings
The most straightforward method to remove Microsoft 365 using the built-in Windows Settings app.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
Go to 'Apps' from the left-hand menu, then click on 'Installed apps' (labeled as 'Apps & features' in older Windows 10 versions).
Scroll down the list of applications or use the search bar at the top to find 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Office'.
Click the three dots next to the application name (or click on the app directly) and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal.
Remove Microsoft 365 using Control Panel
An alternative standard method for users who prefer using the legacy Windows Control Panel interface.
Use the Official Microsoft Uninstall Troubleshooter
Use this official tool if standard uninstallation fails or if you need to remove stubborn leftover Office components.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless, Lightweight Experience
If you are uninstalling Microsoft 365 because of high costs, subscription fatigue, or system performance issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a complete, free, and highly compatible alternative that will not slow down your computer.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Run the Setup: Open the downloaded executable file and follow the quick installation instructions.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office and immediately start editing your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I manually delete Microsoft 365 folders to uninstall it?
No. Manually deleting Office folders from your Program Files or modifying registry entries is highly discouraged. Doing so can corrupt your system, cause application errors, and prevent future installations. Always use Windows Settings, Control Panel, or the official Microsoft troubleshooter.
What should I do if Microsoft 365 is not listed in Control Panel?
If Microsoft 365 does not appear in your Installed Apps or Control Panel, its installation may be corrupted. Use the official Microsoft uninstall troubleshooter via the Windows Get Help app to safely force the removal of hidden or corrupted Office components.
Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my files?
No, uninstalling the Microsoft 365 applications will not delete your personal Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or any other files you have created. It only removes the application software itself.
Why do I need to restart my PC after uninstalling?
Restarting your Windows PC clears the system memory and completes the removal of temporary files and registry keys associated with Microsoft 365. This ensures a completely clean slate, which is critical if you plan to reinstall Office software later.
