How to Unlink a Microsoft Account from Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows allows multiple user accounts on the same computer, making it easy to share a device or separate work and personal use. By default, Windows encourages you to sign in with a Microsoft account to sync settings, apps, and services across devices.

However, not everyone wants this integration. Many users prefer a local account for privacy, simplicity, or offline use.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlink a Microsoft account from Windows 10 and Windows 11, step by step.

Why Unlink a Microsoft Account?

Unlinking your Microsoft account can help you:

• Use Windows without syncing data to Microsoft services
• Improve privacy and reduce cloud dependency
• Create independent user profiles on a shared PC
• Switch from an online account to a local login

Important: Before removing a Microsoft account, you should create a local administrator account. Otherwise, you may lose access to administrative controls on your PC.

1. Create a Local Account (Required)

Before unlinking your Microsoft account, create a local account-especially if your Microsoft account is the administrator.

For Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Open the Start Menu and click Settings
   (Shortcut: press Windows + I)
2. Go to Accounts
3. Select Your info
4. Click Sign in with a local account instead
5. Enter your Microsoft account password to confirm
6. Create a username, password, and password hint
7. Click Next, then Sign out and finish

2. Unlink (Remove) a Microsoft Account

Once a local account is active, you can safely remove the Microsoft account from your device. Only an administrator account can perform this action.

How to Unlink a Microsoft Account in Windows 10

1. Open Settings → Accounts
2. Click Family & other users
3. Under Other users, select the Microsoft account you want to remove
4. Click Remove
5. Confirm by selecting Delete account and data

Warning: This will permanently delete all files, settings, and data associated with that account on the PC.

How to Unlink a Microsoft Account in Windows 11

1. Open Settings → Accounts
2. Select Other users
3. Find the Microsoft account you want to unlink
4. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the account
5. Choose Remove
6. Click Delete account and data to confirm

The Microsoft account is now unlinked from your Windows 11 device.

• You can repeat this process for any additional Microsoft accounts on the same PC.
• If you want to continue using Microsoft services (like OneDrive or Microsoft Store), you can still sign in to individual apps without linking the entire Windows profile.
• Always back up important data before deleting any account.

You’ve successfully learned how to unlink a Microsoft account from Windows 10 and Windows 11 and switch to a local account without losing control of your system.

• Enable Live Captions in Windows 11
• Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account
• Activate Windows Via PowerShell