Security Policy Errors

How to Remove School or Work Device Management in Windows 11

Olivia Miller Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove organizational device management and password policies from a personal Windows 11 computer after connecting a school or work account.

Product: Windows 11, Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: A user connected a work or school account to their personal device, inadvertently enabling organizational management and policies.
Observed behavior: The personal computer retains organizational password policies, PIN requirements, or Microsoft Office account settings, limiting user control over the device.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 computer before attempting to disconnect the account. Save any open documents, as you will need to restart your device during this process.

Solution 1Recommended

Disconnect the Account via Windows Settings

The primary and most direct method to remove organizational device management is to disconnect the work or school account through Windows Accounts settings.

Disconnecting the account removes the organization's ability to enforce security policies on your personal computer.

Open Windows Settings

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

Navigate to Access Work or School

In the left-hand sidebar of the Settings menu, click on 'Accounts'. Scroll down the right pane and select 'Access work or school'.

Disconnect the account

Locate the specific school or work account in the list, click on it to reveal the options, and then click the 'Disconnect' button.

Restart your computer

Restart your Windows 11 PC to apply the changes. Once rebooted, open any Microsoft 365 apps and verify that the organizational account has been signed out.

Handling Missing Verification Codes: If you are prompted to verify your identity during disconnection but do not receive the email code, you will need to use Microsoft's account recovery and identity verification options online.

Solution 2

Reset Microsoft Office Activation

If organizational policies or account settings continue to affect your Office applications after disconnecting the device, you may need to clear the Office license.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If organizational device management and complex Microsoft Office account policies are causing frustration on your personal computer, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a powerful, unrestrictive environment for all your document needs.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite on your PC.
3. Open existing files natively: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft documents with perfect formatting preservation.

No forced organizational security policies or complex account device management.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows 11 without altering system settings.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless migration with zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disconnecting my school or work account delete my personal files?

No, disconnecting a work or school account only removes the organization's management policies and access to organizational data. Your personal files, photos, and local computer settings will remain completely intact.

Why is Windows 11 still asking me to change my PIN after removing the account?

Sometimes organizational security policies linger in the Windows registry even after the account is removed. You may need to reset your Windows Hello PIN through the Sign-in options menu, or seek advanced registry troubleshooting in the Windows support community.

Can I still use Microsoft Word after disconnecting my school account?

If your Microsoft Office license was provided by your school or work, you will lose access to premium features once the account is disconnected. You will need to sign in with a personal Microsoft 365 subscription or use a free alternative like WPS Office.

What should I do if the sign-in window disappears when trying to verify my identity?

This is a known glitch. If you do not receive the verification code or the window closes abruptly, attempt to log into your Microsoft account via a web browser to update your security information, or select 'I don't have these any more' to trigger the account recovery process.

Microsoft Office Security Issues