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Over the years, Microsoft has been increasingly pushing its users to sign into its OS with their Microsoft accounts. It started by forcing Windows 11 Home users to sign in on install, and then expanded to Windows 11 Pro. Fortunately, while you do have to use an account on setup, you can sign out of it immediately after. Today we’re going to show you how to remove a Microsoft Account from Windows 11 and use a local account instead.
How to disconnect Windows 11 / Windows 10 from Microsoft account
Before we start, however, it’s worth noting that while there are some negatives associated with Microsoft accounts (namely the concern that Microsoft is tracking you across its services), there are benefits, too. Using a Microsoft account on Windows 11 lets you download apps from the store with no extra setup and sync your Windows settings and browser history across PCs.
If you’re okay to lose that functionality, then feel free to follow along below. If you aren’t, then one option to consider is creating a fresh Microsoft account that you only use for Windows. Whatever the case, let’s get into how to unlink your Microsoft account from Windows 11.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as it is in Windows 10. However, bear in mind that we’ll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different. We’ll point out any changes you need to be aware of as they come up.
How to Remove a Microsoft Account from Windows 11
Though it’s very insistent about account sign-in on setup, Microsoft at least lets you remove a Microsoft account easily through the Settings UI. It’s a little tucked away, but we’ll show you exactly where to find the option:
- Press the Start button and then “Settings”
If you don’t have settings pinned to your Start menu, you can press “Windows + I” on your keyboard instead.
- Click accounts on the sidebar and “Your info” on the main pane
- Scroll down to the “Account settings” section and press “Sign in with a local account instead”
- Read the “Are you sure” disclaimer and press “Next”
Microsoft will warn you about what you’re losing and generally try to convince you to stick around.
- Enter your Windows PIN
- Type the info for your new or existing local account and press “Next”
- Click “Sign out and finish”
Extra: How to Delete a Microsoft Account Entirely
If you’d like to go one step further and nuke your Microsoft account entirely or remove other Microsoft accounts from your OS, you can follow our how to completely delete a Microsoft account guide.
Extra: How to Change a Normal User to Administrator
Since you’re already managing your Microsoft accounts, this guide on how to change a normal user to an administrator may be of use. We show many ways to achieve the goal that will work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
