How to Sign Out of Your Microsoft Account on Windows 11

Windows 11 integrates your Microsoft account deeply into the system, allowing seamless access to services like OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and synced settings across devices. While this integration is useful, there are situations where you may want to sign out—such as switching accounts, troubleshooting issues, or improving privacy.

Signing out of your Microsoft account on Windows 11 doesn’t always mean removing it entirely from your system. Depending on your needs, you can either sign out of apps, disconnect the account, or switch to a local account for a more independent setup.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to sign out of your Microsoft account on Windows 11, depending on what level of separation you want.

How to Sign Out of Your Microsoft Account on Windows 11

Before you proceed, it’s important to understand that signing out can affect synced settings, access to Microsoft services, and app functionality. The methods below are arranged based on different scenarios, allowing you to choose the approach that best fits your needs.

1. Sign Out and Switch to a Local Account

This is the most complete way to sign out of your Microsoft account from Windows.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Your info.
3. Click Sign in with a local account instead.
4. Enter your current Microsoft account password for verification.
5. Create a local username and password.
6. Click Sign out and finish.

This removes your Microsoft account from Windows and switches you to a local account.

2. Sign Out of Microsoft Account from Individual Apps

If you only want to sign out from apps like Store or OneDrive:

1. Open the app (e.g., Microsoft Store or OneDrive).
2. Click on your profile icon.
3. Select Sign out.

This keeps your account on Windows but removes access from specific apps.

3. Remove Microsoft Account from Windows Settings

You can disconnect your Microsoft account from your device.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Go to Accounts > Email & accounts.
3. Under Accounts used by other apps, select your Microsoft account.
4. Click Remove and confirm.

This removes the account from apps and services without affecting your main sign-in (unless it’s the primary account).

4. Sign Out from Microsoft Account via Web

You can sign out of your account from all devices using the web.

1. Open your browser and go to the Microsoft account page.
2. Sign in with your account.
3. Navigate to Security > Advanced security options.
4. Select Sign me out or revoke sessions.

This logs you out from connected sessions across devices.

5. Disconnect Work or School Account

If your Microsoft account is linked as a work or school account:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Access work or school.
3. Select the account.
4. Click Disconnect and confirm.

This removes organizational access from your device.

6. Sign Out from Lock Screen or User Menu

You can sign out of your current session without removing the account.

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Select your profile icon.
3. Click Sign out.

This signs you out of the current session but keeps the account on the system.

Conclusion

Signing out of your Microsoft account on Windows 11 can be done in multiple ways depending on your goal—whether it’s switching to a local account, removing access from apps, or completely disconnecting the account. Each method serves a different purpose and gives you flexibility in managing your account.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily control how your Microsoft account is used on your device, helping you maintain privacy, troubleshoot issues, or customize your Windows experience.