How to remove Microsoft Account from Windows 11 — All situations

Explore step-by-step methods to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11, whether you're signed in, locked out, or have forgotten your password.

While Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account for setup, there are times when you may want to remove it. Maybe you're preparing to sell or give away your PC and want to delete your personal information, switch to a private local account without cloud syncing, or unlink a work or school account that's no longer in use. Whatever the reason, removing the Microsoft account from your Windows 11 becomes necessary.

Remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11, whether with or without password, or even if you're locked out.

The Microsoft account removal on Windows 11 is quick and straightforward if you can still sign in and remember your password. However, it can be challenging and sometimes urgent — if you're locked out, forgot your Microsoft account password, or your Windows 11 PC is tied to an unknown or inaccessible account.

In this guide, we'll walk you step-by-step through every method to remove Microsoft account from a Windows 11 PC or laptop. From the direct removal process in Windows Settings to recovery and password-reset options for locked-out situations, you'll find the appropriate approach to delete your Microsoft account completely.

Quick password reset for a locked Microsoft account on Windows 11/10 PC or laptop — Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery helps you regain instant login without having to remove the Microsoft account completely.

What happens if you remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11

A Microsoft account is an online profile that allows you to sign in to your Windows 11 PC or laptop and sync personal data, settings, and services.

Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 11 does not delete the account itself from Microsoft's servers. Instead, it simply removes the sign-in credentials and all account-linked data stored locally on your computer, such as personalized Windows settings, OneDrive content, Microsoft Store access, and any other synced services or digital licenses.

How to remove Microsoft account from Windows 11

In common cases, you can remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11 by switching to a local account and then deleting the Microsoft user account — as long as you still have login access and remember the password.

However, if you're locked out or can't verify your identity while removing the Microsoft account, you'll need to work around that barrier by enabling another administrator account, resetting the password, or using recovery tools.

• Remove Microsoft account from Windows 11 when still logged in
• Remove Microsoft account from Windows 11 when locked out
• Microsoft account removal on Windows 11 when you forgot password
• Remove a locked Microsoft account from Windows 11 via another Admin account
• Reinstall Windows 11 to remove all Microsoft accounts

Remove Microsoft account from Windows 11 when still logged in

Situation: You can access Windows 11 and remember your Microsoft account password or PIN.

The easiest way for Windows 11 to remove a Microsoft account is that you're already logged in with that account and have the associated password at hand.

Step 1. Switch from the Microsoft account to a local account

You cannot remove your own Microsoft account from Windows 11 when you're actively using it. To make it, the process requires switching to a local account first:

• Press Win + I buttons to open Settings app. You can also click the gear icon in Windows Start menu.
• Select Accounts from the left-side pane and select Your info at the top.
• Under Account settings, click the Sign in with a local account instead option next to your current Microsoft account.

• For security, Windows will prompt you to verify your identity with the MS account password or using the current PIN.

TIP: If you forgot your login password or PIN, check the Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery method for instant reset. If you forgot your Microsoft account password, reset your password online or directly from the Windows 11 lock screen.

• After verification, you'll be required to enter necessary information for a local account, including the user name, password, and password hint.
• Once set, click Next to continue.
• Hit Sign out and finish, and you'll be logged out of Windows 11.
• Restart your computer and sign in with the local account you just created.

After switching to a local account, your Windows 11 is ready for the Microsoft account removal.

Step 2. Remove Microsoft account from Windows 11 Settings

Once you are logged in with a local user account, you can remove the Microsoft account through Windows 11 Account settings.

• Press the Win button and open Settings app from the Start menu.
• Navigate to the Accounts and choose Email & accounts under Account settings.
• Locate the Microsoft account you want to remove. It may appear under Accounts used by email, calendar, contacts or under Other users.
• Click the downward arrow next to the Microsoft account and select Remove from the expanded options.
• Confirm with Yes. Windows 11 will remove that Microsoft account and all associated credentials and data from this computer.

If you're removing a secondary Microsoft account from Windows 11:

• Access Settings > Accounts > Family and other users, or go to Accounts > Other users / Access work or school.
• Check Disconnect button to delete the Microsoft account and user data.

After removal, the Microsoft account will be removed from your Windows 11 completely and no longer be used for login.

Remove Microsoft account from Windows 11 when locked out

Situation: When you forgot Windows 11 password and can't reach the Account settings for Microsoft account removal.

If you're looking to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11 but can't log in due to a forgotten password or PIN, Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery offers a powerful password reset feature, letting you remove or reset the login credentials and regain access to your locked Windows PC or laptop within minutes — no expertise skills required.

It's very easy to use. Simply create a password reset disk using another computer, and then reboot the locked Windows 11 from the disk. The on-screen instructions will guide you step by step to reset Windows 11 password and regain immediate access. Once logged in, you can switch to a local account, verify your identity, and delete Microsoft account from your Windows 11 effortlessly.

To complete the process, you'll need a spare Windows computer and a blank USB drive or CD/DVD. Here's how to remove a Microsoft account when you forgot Windows 11 password:

Step 1. Create a password reset disk for Windows 11.

• Install and open Windows Password Recovery on an accessible PC, and click Start button.

• Insert a USB drive or CD/DVD and select the media type accordingly.
• Click Next to burn the USB/CD/DVD into a Windows password reset disk.
• When prompted, click Yes to begin the burning process.

TIP: The USB/CD/DVD will be formatted during the burning process. Be sure to back up your important data if there's any.

Step 2. Boot the locked Windows 11 from the password reset disk.

• Unplug the password reset disk and insert it to your locked Windows 11 PC.
• Boot your computer while repeatedly pressing the corresponding key at the same time. The often key will be F12, ESC, F10, etc. See as below.

This will let your Windows enter BIOS Setup Utility menu for password removal. If you have no idea on how to change the boot order, check the links below carefully.

• Universal - How to boot from a USB drive in Windows
• Universal - How to boot from CD/DVD-ROM in Windows

When you enter the Boot menu successfully:

• Use arrows keys to select the Boot tab and choose your USB or CD/DVD as the boot device.
• Press F10 to save it and exit.

Step 3. Reset or remove Windows 11 password to regain access.

• Once the computer restarts, the Windows Password Recovery interface displays.
• Select your Windows 11 system and go Next.

• From the next screen, select the local or Microsoft account that you want to unlock.
• Choose Reset Account Password.

• In the pop-up box, enter a new password for your account and hit the Reset button.

Step 4. Remove the Microsoft account from Windows 11.

• After reset, unlock your Windows 11 with the new password.
• If you're using a Microsoft account login, switch to a local user account first through Settings > Your info > Account settings > Sign in with a local account instead.
• Then, follow the prompts to verify your identity via the newly reset Windows 11 password. Afterward, fulfill the information for a local account and switch to it.
• Once you switch to a local account, open Windows Settings and go to Accounts > Email & accounts > select the Microsoft account you'd like to get rid of.
• Check the drop-down menu next to it and select Remove to delete Microsoft account from your Windows 11 computer.

Microsoft account removal on Windows 11 when you forgot password

Situation: You've forgotten your Microsoft account password and can't log into your Windows 11 PC or laptop to remove the account.

If you don't use a PIN and can't verify your password when attempting to remove your Microsoft account, you can reset it either directly from the Windows 11 login screen or via the Microsoft Account Recovery page on another device. Follow the steps below to reset your Microsoft account password and proceed with removing the account:

Step 1. Reset Microsoft account password from Windows 11 login screen

Reach the Microsoft account on Windows 11 login screen.

• Turn on or restart your computer and ensure it's connected to an active Wi-Fi network.
• Switch to your Microsoft account from the bottom-left corner if you see a different user account.

Click I forgot my password and get a verification code.

• When your Microsoft account name displays, click the link that says I forgot my password.
• Windows 11 will open the Microsoft Account Recovery wizard.
• You can choose how you want to receive a verification code: Send code to your alternat email address, or text code to your linked phone number.
• Click Get code and check your recovery email or messages for the code.

Alternatively, if you've set up security questions previously, type the correct answers for password reset. If none of these are accessible, click I don't have any of these to start the Account Recovery process instead.

Verify your identity and reset Microsoft account password.

• Enter the code in the provided field on your Windows 11 screen, and click Next.
• After verification, you'll be prompted to create a new password for your Microsoft account.
• Type a strong new password that meets Microsoft's requirements.
• Enter the password again to confirm it and click Next when finished.

After successful reset, you'll see a message saying your password has been changed.

Alternative option: Recover Microsoft account online

Go to the Microsoft Password Reset Page.

On another computer, smartphone, or tablet, open a browser and go to Microsoft Password Reset page. Enter your email address correctly and select Forgot password? under the blank.

Get a verification code and verify your identity.

For protection, Microsoft will verify your identity before allowing for password reset. Depending on what recovery options you've set up, you'll be given several methods to receive a security code:

• Email: Microsoft will send a verification code to your recovery email if you've set one.
• Text: You'll receive a verification code via text message to the phone number associated with your account.

Choose your preferred method and select Get code; then check your recovery phone or email for the code and enter it. Once done, select Next.

Reset Microsoft account password.

Once verified, follow Microsoft's prompts to create to a strong password, and type the new password again to confirm the reset with Next.

Step 2. Sign in to Windows 11 and switch to a local account

After password reset, sign in to Window 11 using your Microsoft account and the new password. Once in, switch to a local user account:

• Press Win + I to open Settings app, then access Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a local account instead.
• When prompted, verify your Microsoft account password and the complete the necessary details for a local account.
• Confirm Next > Sign out and finish.

Step 3. Remove Microsoft account completely from Windows 11

With a local account login, access Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts. Then, select the Microsoft account you want to unlink, and click Remove to delete it from your PC.

Remove a locked Microsoft account from Windows 11 via another Admin account

Situation: You have another administrator account that you can access.

If your primary Microsoft account is locked and you can't sign in, but another administrator account exists on the same Windows 11 machine, you can use that account to remove the locked Microsoft account. This is one of the simplest and safest ways to delete a Microsoft account from your PC without needing to reset passwords or use recovery tools.

1. Log in to Windows 11 using another local account or Microsoft account that has administrator privileges.

2. Press Windows + I on your keyboard, or click the Start menu > Settings to open it.

3. In the left sidebar, select Accounts and click Other users (or Family & other users in some versions of Windows 11.

4. From the list of user accounts, select the locked Microsoft account you no longer want.

5. Click the arrow or three-dot menu next to the locked account and check Remove. Note that this will delete all associated data (including files, apps, and settings) from the computer.

6. Click Delete account and data to confirm. The Microsoft account will be completely removed from your Windows 11 system.

Reinstall Windows 11 to remove all Microsoft accounts

Situation: Completely remove all Microsoft accounts, personal data, and settings from your Windows 11 PC — for example, before selling, giving it away, or starting fresh.

If all else failed or if you want to completely remove all personal accounts to start fresh, reinstalling Windows 11 is the most comprehensive solution. The process resets your PC to factory settings, erases all Microsoft and local accounts, and returns Windows to its original default state.

• Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC.
• Select System > Recovery.
• Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
• Choose Remove everything to delete all personal files, apps, and accounts from your PC. This ensures that all Microsoft accounts are fully removed.

• Choose a reinstallation method you desire: Cloud download for a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft servers, or Local reinstall using existing Windows files on this PC.
• When you're ready, confirm Reset to start.

Explore how to factory reset Windows 11 without password if you're locked out and lost all access.

Once done, your PC will reboot into Windows 11 setup screen. You can create a new local account or set it up again with a different Microsoft account.

Conclusion

Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 11 can be straightforward or complex, depending on your situation. Whether you can sign in normally, need to reset a forgotten password, use another administrator account, or perform a full system reinstall, there's always a method to disconnect or delete the Microsoft account you no longer need and regain control of your PC.