Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Remove an Extra Windows Sign-In Option After Deleting an Account

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove a duplicate sign-in option that continues to appear on the Windows startup screen after an old Microsoft student account was deleted.

Product: Windows
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Starting up Windows after removing a secondary Microsoft account.
Observed behavior: Windows continues to display two sign-in options at startup, retaining a ghost option for a Microsoft account that has already been deleted.

Before you start

Before modifying your system's sign-in settings, make sure you know the correct password or PIN for your active Windows account so you do not accidentally lock yourself out.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable the Password Requirement at Sign-in

Enabling the requirement for all users to enter a password forces Windows to refresh the login screen, which typically removes ghost or deleted accounts.

Windows sometimes caches account profiles on the login screen. By enforcing a strict password prompt via the User Accounts control panel, you can clear this visual glitch and remove the extra sign-in option.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run command window.

Access User Accounts

Type 'netplwiz' into the text box and press Enter to open the User Accounts settings.

Enable password requirement

Check the box that says 'Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer'.

Apply and restart

Click Apply, then click OK. Restart your computer to verify that the duplicate sign-in option has disappeared from the startup screen.

Solution 2

Clear Cached Credentials and Account Settings

If the extra sign-in option persists, manually remove any residual account data from Windows Settings and the Credential Manager.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If you are tired of dealing with complex Microsoft account management and leftover subscription glitches, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, user-friendly alternative that doesn't rely on complicated account syncing for basic offline use.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office documents without any formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).No complex account synchronization required to use core offline features.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on older and newer Windows devices alike.Free to use with a familiar, intuitive user interface that makes transitioning seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a deleted Microsoft account still show up on my Windows sign-in screen?

Windows locally caches account profiles to speed up the login process. If an account is deleted online or removed improperly, the cached data remains, creating a 'ghost' sign-in option until the login screen is forced to refresh.

Will enabling the password requirement affect my current PIN login?

No. Checking 'Users must enter a user name and password' simply ensures that Windows does not automatically bypass the login screen. You can still use your established PIN or biometric sign-in method to log in.

How do I completely remove a school or work account from my PC?

To fully remove a school or work account, go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Click on the account you wish to remove, select 'Disconnect', and follow the prompts. Restart your PC afterward.

Login & Account Issues