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Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Use Two Microsoft Accounts and Access Office Apps

Guest WriterGuest Writer Oct 7, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to manage two Microsoft accounts on a single computer without the browser signing into the wrong subscription, and wants to access specific Office applications like Access and Publisher.

Microsoft Office Create account or Sign In
Product
Microsoft Office
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Using multiple Microsoft accounts on one device and trying to install or access specific Office applications tied to different subscriptions.
Observed behavior
The browser automatically signs into the wrong Microsoft account, preventing the user from accessing applications like Access and Publisher linked to their other Office license.
Before you start

Ensure you have the correct login credentials (email and password) for both of your Microsoft accounts ready before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Private or InPrivate Browser Window

Prevent your browser from automatically signing into the wrong Microsoft account by using a private browsing session.

Web browsers often save your login credentials and automatically sign you into the last used Microsoft account. This can cause conflicts if you own different Office subscriptions across multiple accounts. Using a private window ensures a fresh session without cached credentials.

1
Open a Private Window

Launch your web browser and open a new Private or InPrivate window. You can usually do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N (Chrome/Edge) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Firefox).

2
Navigate to Microsoft Sign-in

Go to the official Microsoft account sign-in page or the Office portal.

3
Enter the Correct Credentials

Sign in with the specific Microsoft account that owns the Office subscription (such as Office 2016) containing Access and Publisher.

4
Download and Install

Once logged in, navigate to your Services & subscriptions page to download and install the correct Office package to your computer.

Microsoft Office Create account or Sign In
Tip: If you are switching completely to the new account, you can also clear your browser's cache and cookies to reset the auto sign-in behavior.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

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  1. 1. Visit the WPS Office Website: Go to the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
  2. 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
  3. 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files without needing to sign into a Microsoft account.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two different Microsoft accounts on the same computer?

Yes, you can use multiple Microsoft accounts on the same computer. However, web browsers often automatically sign you into the most recently used account. To manage subscriptions or downloads separately, it is best to use a private or incognito browser window to sign in.

Why are Access and Publisher missing from my new PC?

Your new computer might be pre-installed with a different subscription plan (such as a trial of Microsoft 365 Family/Personal) that differs from your previously purchased license (like Office 2016). To get Access and Publisher back, you must uninstall the pre-installed version and download Office from the Microsoft account tied to your original purchase.

How do I stop my browser from automatically signing into Microsoft?

You can prevent this by clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Additionally, when signing in, ensure that you uncheck the 'Keep me signed in' box. For a temporary bypass, simply open a Private or InPrivate browsing window.