How to Remove Connected Services from Microsoft 365 in Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to remove unwanted connected accounts from Microsoft 365 and reset the activation state so that services like old OneDrive accounts stop appearing in Word.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Unwanted connected services such as OneDrive continue to persist in Microsoft Word and other Office applications despite attempts to remove them.
- Observed behavior
- Connected accounts remain visible and active within the Office applications due to cached activation states and Windows 11 account settings.
Ensure you have backed up any unsaved work in your Office applications and have the login credentials for your primary Microsoft account ready before resetting the activation state.
Sign Out, Reset Activation State, and Disconnect in Windows 11
This comprehensive method ensures that old account credentials are removed from both the Office application cache and the Windows 11 system settings.
Microsoft 365 frequently caches account credentials to maintain seamless connections to services like OneDrive and SharePoint. To completely remove an unwanted connected service, you must sign out of the applications, reset the Office activation state, and remove the account from your Windows 11 system settings.
Open Microsoft Word or any other Office app. Click on 'File' > 'Account'. Under the User Information section, click 'Sign out' for all listed accounts, then close all Office applications.
Click the Start button and open 'Settings'. Navigate to 'Accounts' > 'Access work or school'. Locate the account you want to remove, click on it, and select 'Disconnect'.
Follow Microsoft's official troubleshooting guide to clear cached credentials. You can use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) tool or run the OLicenseCleanup script provided by Microsoft to completely wipe the previous activation state.
Relaunch Microsoft Word. When prompted to activate or sign in, enter the credentials for the correct Microsoft 365 account you wish to use going forward.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If managing complex Microsoft 365 connected services and activation states is causing frustration, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, powerful office suite without forcing unwanted cloud connections, allowing you to focus on your work offline or online.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button to get the lightweight installation file.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite on your Windows 11 device.
- 3. Open and Edit Immediately: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without worrying about complicated account sign-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do old OneDrive accounts keep appearing in Microsoft Word?
Microsoft 365 applications cache your account credentials to keep you connected to cloud services. If the account isn't completely disconnected from Windows 11 Settings and the Office activation state isn't reset, the old OneDrive services will continue to appear in your app.
Can I disable all connected services in Microsoft 365?
No, some connected experiences are strictly necessary for Microsoft 365 to function, such as verifying your subscription license and essential Outlook features. However, you can turn off optional connected experiences by going to File > Account > Manage Settings in the Account Privacy section.
What should I do if the Disconnect button is missing in Windows 11?
If you are trying to remove a work or school account and the 'Disconnect' button is not available, it usually means your organization's IT department manages your device policies. You will need to contact your IT administrator to have the account removed.
