How to Use Two Microsoft Accounts and Access Office Apps
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.

- 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.
Ensure you have the correct login credentials (email and password) for both of your Microsoft accounts ready before proceeding.
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.
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).
Go to the official Microsoft account sign-in page or the Office portal.
Sign in with the specific Microsoft account that owns the Office subscription (such as Office 2016) containing Access and Publisher.
Once logged in, navigate to your Services & subscriptions page to download and install the correct Office package to your computer.

Verify App Availability by Subscription
Ensure that the Microsoft account you are using actually includes the Access and Publisher applications.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
Avoid the confusion of managing multiple Microsoft subscriptions and account conflicts. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to view and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files seamlessly on any device without complex account restrictions.
- 1. Visit the WPS Office Website: Go to the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files without needing to sign into a Microsoft account.

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.




