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How to Remove Local Microsoft 365 Apps Without Deleting Hotmail
Question details
The user wants to uninstall locally installed Microsoft 365 or Office desktop applications without affecting their Outlook.com account, Hotmail, or 5 GB free OneDrive storage.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Freeing up local computer space or removing unused Office desktop apps while retaining access to Microsoft's web-based email and cloud storage services.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a safe uninstallation method that guarantees their cloud-based Hotmail account and OneDrive storage remain completely intact.
Ensure you have closed any open Microsoft Office applications, such as Word or Excel, and have your Microsoft account credentials handy just in case you need to log into the web services later.
Uninstall Office Applications Using the Control Panel
The standard and safest way to remove local Office applications without affecting your web accounts.
The Microsoft 365 web applications shown at Microsoft365.com are cloud services and are entirely separate from locally installed Office applications. Uninstalling the local software will not delete your Microsoft account.
Type 'Control Panel' in the Windows search bar and click to open the application.
Click on 'Programs', and then select 'Programs and Features'.
Locate 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Office' in the list of installed programs, right-click it, and select 'Uninstall'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process, and then restart your computer to apply the changes.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
If Office does not appear in the Control Panel or fails to uninstall properly, use Microsoft's official removal tool.
Try WPS Office: A Free and Lightweight Alternative to Microsoft 365
If you uninstalled Microsoft 365 to free up space or avoid subscription fees, WPS Office is an excellent replacement. It offers a completely free, lightweight suite that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives with a familiar interface and seamless file compatibility.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button for the free version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the quick setup wizard.
- 3. Set as Default: Open WPS Office and choose to set it as your default program for opening Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my emails if I uninstall Microsoft 365?
No, your emails are securely stored on Microsoft's cloud servers. You can still access them by logging into Outlook.com or Hotmail via any web browser.
Does uninstalling Office delete my OneDrive files?
No. Your 5 GB free OneDrive storage and the files within it are tied to your Microsoft account, not the local Office installation. Your files remain safe in the cloud.
Why do I still see Microsoft 365 links in the new Outlook app after uninstalling?
The Microsoft 365 links present in the new Outlook interface are integrated into the application's design by default and act as shortcuts to web services, even if local desktop apps have been removed.
Can I just disable the Office Click-to-Run service instead of uninstalling?
It is highly recommended not to manually disable the Click-to-Run service, as doing so can interfere with future Office updates, licensing checks, and Windows system stability.
