How to Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 10 can be hassle-free if you follow the right steps. First, make sure you have an alternate administrator account to switch to. Then, access the ‘Settings’ and navigate to the ‘Accounts’ section. From there, you can locate and remove the Microsoft account. Follow this guide for a detailed, step-by-step process.

How to Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 10

Removing a Microsoft account from your Windows 10 system will ensure your device no longer syncs data like emails, OneDrive files, and settings tied to that account. Make sure you have another admin account set up before proceeding.

Step 1: Open Settings

First, open the ‘Settings’ application.

You can do this by clicking the Start button at the bottom-left corner of your screen and then selecting the gear icon, which represents ‘Settings.’ Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open it directly.

Step 2: Go to Accounts

Next, navigate to the ‘Accounts’ section within Settings.

Click on the ‘Accounts’ option. This section manages all accounts on your device, including your Microsoft and local accounts.

Step 3: Access Family & Other Users

Now, click on the ‘Family & other users’ tab.

This option lets you see all the users on your computer. Here, you can manage both family members and other users who have access to your device.

Step 4: Select the Microsoft Account

Choose the Microsoft account you want to remove.

Click on the account you wish to delete. A drop-down menu should appear, offering options related to that account.

Step 5: Remove the Account

Finally, click the ‘Remove’ button.

A confirmation dialogue box will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to remove the account. Click ‘Delete account and data’ to confirm your choice.

After completing these steps, the Microsoft account will be removed from your Windows 10 computer. This action will delete the account’s data from your device but won’t affect the account itself, which you can still use on other devices.

Tips for Removing Microsoft Account from Windows 10

• Backup Important Data: Make sure to back up any crucial files linked to the Microsoft account before removing it.
• Create Another Admin Account: Ensure you have another administrator account to log into after removing the Microsoft account.
• Disable Sync Settings: Turn off sync settings if you don’t want any data shared to the Microsoft account.
• Log Out First: It’s a good idea to log out from the Microsoft account before removing it.
• Double-Check Account Type: Confirm that the account you are removing is indeed a Microsoft account and not a local account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make another account the administrator?

Go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘Accounts,’ and click on ‘Family & other users.’ Select the account you want to make admin, click ‘Change account type,’ and set it to ‘Administrator.’

What happens to my files when I remove the Microsoft account?

Removing the Microsoft account will delete its data from your device. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.

Can I remove a Microsoft account if it’s the only admin account?

No, you need at least one administrator account on your device. Create another admin account first.

Will removing the Microsoft account delete my OneDrive files?

The local copies will be deleted, but your files will remain in OneDrive cloud storage.

Can I still use the Microsoft account on other devices?

Yes, removing the account from one device won’t affect its usability on other devices.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts.
3. Access Family & Other Users.
4. Select the Microsoft Account.
5. Remove the Account.

Conclusion

Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 10 is a straightforward process if you follow these steps. By navigating through ‘Settings,’ ‘Accounts,’ and ‘Family & other users,’ you can quickly remove the account you no longer need. Just remember to back up any important data and ensure you have another administrator account ready. This process will help keep your device organized and secure, freeing up space and potentially improving performance.

For further reading, consider exploring the official Microsoft support page or other tech forums for more tips and tricks. Whether you’re cleaning up your user accounts or troubleshooting, understanding how to manage accounts on Windows 10 is a valuable skill. Happy computing!