How to Remove Cached Microsoft 365 Credentials from Shared Windows PCs
Question details
Users need to completely remove cached Microsoft 365 and Office sign-in credentials from shared Windows computers to prevent unauthorized account access.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Managing shared conference-room or public computers where multiple users log into Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- Sign-in credentials automatically reappear or remain stored even after manually clearing the Windows Credential Manager and Edge autofill data.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on the shared Windows computer and that all active Office applications are completely closed before attempting to clear cached identity keys.
Disconnect Work or School Accounts in Windows Settings
Windows often stores Microsoft 365 identities at the system level. Disconnecting them here prevents automatic sign-ins in Office apps.
On Windows 10, logging into Microsoft 365 can automatically register the device with Azure AD or store the account system-wide. Removing it from the Settings app is the first essential step.
Click the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, then navigate to the 'Accounts' section.
In the left-hand pane, click on 'Access work or school' to view all connected enterprise and educational identities.
Select the Microsoft 365 account you wish to remove and click the 'Disconnect' button. Confirm any prompts to remove the credentials.
Clear Office Identity Cache via Command Line and Registry
Use this method to deep-clean lingering Microsoft 365 credentials that persist after basic clearing methods fail.
Request a Scripted Cleanup via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
If credentials continue to reappear on shared conference-room PCs, an IT administrator can deploy a scheduled cleanup script.
Avoid Complex Account Issues with WPS Office
Tired of managing persistent sign-ins and identity caches on shared computers? WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that works seamlessly offline without forcing persistent cloud credentials on shared Windows PCs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the lightweight installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
- 3. Edit Files Locally: Open and edit your documents safely on shared PCs without worrying about lingering cloud account credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Microsoft 365 credentials keep coming back after deleting them?
Windows 10 integrates Microsoft 365 accounts deeply into the OS via the 'Access work or school' feature and the Office Identity registry key. If the account isn't disconnected at the system settings level, background sync services will force the credentials to regenerate.
Can I automate the removal of credentials on shared PCs?
Yes. IT administrators can create PowerShell scripts or utilize Group Policy Objects (GPO) to clear credential manager caches upon user logoff. You can also configure 'Shared PC Mode' in Windows, which automatically deletes user profiles upon sign-out.
Does clearing browser autofill remove Office app credentials?
No. Clearing Microsoft Edge or Chrome password and autofill data only affects web-based browser sessions. Desktop Office applications utilize the Windows Credential Manager and local registry keys, which must be cleared separately.
How do I prevent users from staying signed in on a public computer?
You can configure Windows 10/11 with a dedicated Guest account that resets upon logout, or use Intune to apply a Shared PC provisioning package. This ensures all local data, including Office cached identities, is wiped automatically between sessions.
