Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Sign Out and Remove a Microsoft 365 Account from Windows

Nimra Malik Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to disconnect and remove a Microsoft 365 account that is linked to Windows or Office applications.

How to Sign Out and Remove a Microsoft 365 Account from Windows

Product: Microsoft 365, Windows
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: A user wants to remove an old, unwanted, or organizational Microsoft 365 account that remained connected to the system after opening a document.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft 365 account stays persistently connected to Windows, Office, or Outlook, requiring different removal methods depending on whether it is a personal or organizational account.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure you have saved any open documents and verify your login credentials for the primary account you intend to keep using on your device.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove a Personal Microsoft 365 Account via Windows Settings

Use this method if the account you wish to remove is a standard personal Microsoft account connected to other apps on your PC.

This solution works best for standard accounts that were added simply by signing into an app like Mail, Outlook, or Office.

Open Windows Settings

Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.

Navigate to Email & accounts

Click on 'Accounts' in the settings menu, then select 'Email & accounts' from the left-hand navigation pane.

Remove the account

Scroll down to the 'Accounts used by other apps' section. Click on the Microsoft 365 account you want to delete, then click the 'Remove' button and confirm your choice.

Remove a Personal Microsoft 365 Account via Windows Settings

Account Removed: The personal account is now disconnected from your Windows apps and will no longer sign you in automatically.

Solution 2

Disconnect a Work or School Account

Organizational accounts require a different removal process through the 'Access work or school' settings panel.

Solution 3

Sign Out Directly from Office Applications

If you only want to remove the account from Microsoft Word or Excel without altering Windows settings, you can sign out directly within the app.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Remove' button missing for my Microsoft 365 account?

If the 'Remove' button is missing in the 'Email & accounts' section, the account might be your primary Windows login account, or it is a work/school account. For work or school accounts, you must go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school to disconnect it.

Will removing my Microsoft 365 account from Windows delete my files?

No. Removing the account simply disconnects it from Windows and stops automatic syncing. Your locally saved files remain safely on your hard drive, and any cloud documents will still be accessible via OneDrive on the web.

How do I remove an account if it is managed by my organization?

If your device or account is managed by a company or school IT policy, you might not have the administrative rights to remove it. You will need to contact your organization's IT administrator to revoke the device's access or assist with the removal.

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