Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Student Account Sign-in Issues on a Shared Computer

Nimra Malik Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to log into their Microsoft 365 Student account because the computer is incorrectly linking to a friend's Microsoft account credentials.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Student Account Sign-in Issues on a Shared Computer

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows 10 / 11
Scenario: Attempting to access a Microsoft 365 Student subscription on a computer that was previously used by a friend.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office apps prioritize the friend's saved account credentials, blocking the user from signing in and activating their own student subscription.

Before you start

Ensure you have your correct Microsoft 365 Student email address and password ready, and verify through your school portal that your student subscription is currently active.

Solution 1Recommended

Sign Out and Remove the Friend's Microsoft Account

Windows and Office often prioritize existing logged-in accounts. Removing the old account forces the system to prompt you for your student credentials.

By default, Windows saves Microsoft account credentials system-wide. Removing the conflicting account from Windows settings is usually required before Office will accept a new student login.

Sign out of Office applications

Open any Microsoft Office application like Word or Excel. Click on the profile icon or name at the top right corner, and select 'Sign out'.

Access Windows Account Settings

Click the Windows Start menu, select the gear icon to open Settings, and navigate to the 'Accounts' section.

Remove the conflicting account

Click on 'Email & accounts' in the left sidebar or main menu. Locate your friend's account in the list, click on it, and select 'Remove'.

Sign in with your Student account

Restart your computer, open a Microsoft Office application, and sign in using your Microsoft 365 Student email and password.

Sign Out and Remove the Friend's Microsoft Account

Check Work or School Accounts: If you don't see the account under 'Email & accounts', check the 'Access work or school' tab in the same settings menu and disconnect it from there.

Solution 2

Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

If manually removing the account doesn't work, Microsoft's official diagnostic tool can automatically clear stubborn credentials and fix sign-in glitches.

Solution 3

Reinstall Office from the Microsoft 365 Education Page

When local licensing files are corrupted or persistently linked to the wrong account, a clean installation resolves the problem.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Tired of Microsoft 365 Account Login Issues? Try WPS Office

If Microsoft 365 sign-in errors and subscription conflicts are slowing down your studies, switch to WPS Office. It's a completely free, lightweight alternative that lets you view, edit, and create documents without complex account requirements or subscription fees.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and immediately open your existing Microsoft Office files without worrying about subscription sign-in barriers.

Completely free to use without a mandatory student subscription or expiration dateFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight installation that doesn't conflict with Windows system accountsAll-in-one interface for managing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Office logging into the wrong account automatically?

Windows often saves Microsoft account credentials in its system-wide 'Email & accounts' settings. If a friend previously logged into their account on your PC, Office may automatically detect and default to those saved credentials.

Will I lose my files if I sign out of my friend's Microsoft account?

No, files saved locally on your computer's hard drive will remain safe. However, you will lose access to any files stored specifically on your friend's OneDrive cloud storage until they share them with your student account.

What if I don't see the 'Remove' button for the account in Windows Settings?

If the account is set as the primary administrator or is a connected organization profile, you may need to go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school to disconnect it, rather than the standard Email & accounts page.

Can I use both Microsoft accounts on the same computer?

Yes, you can add multiple accounts in Windows. However, to avoid licensing conflicts in Microsoft 365 apps, it's highly recommended to sign into the Office applications using only the account that holds the active student subscription.

Login & Account Issues