How to Remove a Connected OneDrive Account from Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to completely disconnect and remove a personal OneDrive account from Microsoft Word, particularly on a shared computer, to prevent unauthorized access to private files.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using Microsoft Word on a shared or borrowed computer where a personal OneDrive account was previously linked for saving or opening files.
- Observed behavior
- The OneDrive account remains visible and accessible in the Save, Open, or Share dialogs within Word, even after signing out of the web account.
Ensure you have saved all your current work locally or to an external drive, as removing the OneDrive connection will prevent you from syncing further changes to that cloud storage account.
Remove the Connected Service Directly in Microsoft Word
The most direct way to unlink your cloud storage is by removing the connected service from your Microsoft Office Account settings.
Signing out of Word alone might leave your OneDrive account visible. You must manually remove the connected service to severe the link.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' (or 'Office Account') from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
Look for the 'Connected Services' section under your user information. You will see your linked OneDrive account listed here.
Click 'Remove' next to the OneDrive account you wish to disconnect. Confirm the action if prompted, then close and reopen Word.
Clear Saved Credentials from the Operating System
If removing the service in Word fails, the operating system may still be caching your login tokens. You must clear these credentials manually.
Sign Out and Clear Browser Credentials for Word Online
If you used Word Online on a shared computer, signing out is not enough if the browser saved your password.
Try WPS Office for Secure Document Management
Dealing with stubborn account credentials in Microsoft Word can be frustrating, especially on shared devices. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative that gives you full control over your local and cloud files without complex credential conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive account still appear after I signed out of Word?
Word often caches your login tokens, or the credentials might be stored at the system level in the Windows Credential Manager. You must manually delete these saved credentials to fully remove the account from the application.
Will deleting my OneDrive credentials from Word delete my files?
No, removing the connected account or clearing credentials only severs the link between Word and your cloud storage. Your files remain safe and untouched in your OneDrive account online.
How do I ensure my private files aren't accessed on a shared computer?
Never save your personal documents locally on a shared computer. Always save directly to your removable drive or cloud storage, and remember to sign out, remove connected services, and clear browser credentials before leaving.
