You can delete a Microsoft account from Windows 10 in two ways, depending on whether you want to remove it from just this computer or erase it entirely
Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 10 means one of two things, and which one you need matters. Removing the account from your computer keeps your Microsoft account alive but takes it off this specific device — you can still use it on other computers, phones, or the web. Deleting the account entirely erases it from Microsoft's servers, which also removes it from every device where you signed in. Most people want the first option. The second is permanent and affects everything tied to that account: Outlook email, OneDrive files, Xbox, Microsoft 365 subscriptions, and any app purchases.
If you just want the account off this computer, you can do it in Settings in about two minutes. If you want to delete the account completely, you'll go to Microsoft's account recovery page and confirm your identity — that process takes longer and Microsoft may ask you to wait a few days before the deletion is final.
Key Takeaways
- Removing an account from Windows 10 is different from deleting it entirely — removing it keeps the account active elsewhere, deletion erases it from all devices and services.
- To remove an account from just this computer, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, select the account, and click Remove.
- To delete a Microsoft account completely, visit account.microsoft.com/profile, go to Account settings, and select Delete account or profile.
- Before removing the account that Windows uses to sign in, create a local account or another admin account first, or you'll lock yourself out of the computer.
- Deleted accounts cannot be recovered after a waiting period, so download or back up any files, emails, or photos you need before you proceed.
How to remove a Microsoft account from this Windows 10 computer
This is the safest option if you want to stop using the account on this device but keep it active elsewhere. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then click the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left sidebar, then select Other people.
You'll see a list of all accounts on the computer. Find the Microsoft account you want to remove, click it once to select it, then click the Remove button. Windows will ask you to confirm — it will tell you that the account and its data will be removed from this PC. Click Delete account and data to finish. The account is now gone from this computer but still exists on Microsoft's servers and any other device where you signed in.
If you see a message saying you can't remove the account, it's because that account is the one you're currently signed into Windows with. You'll need to create a different account first — either a local account (one that only works on this computer) or another Microsoft account with admin rights. Then sign out, sign into the new account, and try removing the original one again.
How to create a local account before removing your Microsoft account
If the account you want to remove is the one you use to sign into Windows, you need a backup account first. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Other people and click Add account. Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account. Give it a username and password you'll remember.
Once that account is created, sign out of your Microsoft account (click the Start menu, click your name, then Sign out), then sign into the local account you just made. Now you can go back to Settings > Accounts > Other people, select your Microsoft account, and remove it. After removal, you can stay on the local account or create a new Microsoft account to use instead.
How to completely delete your Microsoft account
If you want to erase the account from Microsoft entirely, go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser and sign in with the account you want to delete. Click your name or profile picture in the top right, then select View account or Account settings depending on which version of the page you see.
Look for an option labeled Delete account or profile, Close your account, or Delete your account — the exact wording varies. Click it. Microsoft will ask you to confirm your identity by sending a code to your recovery email or phone number. Enter that code, then review the warning about what will be deleted: your email, OneDrive files, Outlook calendar, Xbox account, Microsoft 365 subscription, and any app or game purchases.
If you're certain, click the checkbox to confirm and then click Delete. Microsoft typically waits 30 to 60 days before the deletion becomes permanent, in case you change your mind. During that waiting period, you can still sign in and cancel the deletion. After the waiting period ends, the account and all its data are gone for good.
What to do before deleting your account
Before you delete, download anything you need. Sign into your account one last time and go to onedrive.com to download files, outlook.com to export emails, and photos.microsoft.com to save pictures. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription (Office, Word, Excel), download or print any documents you created with it. Check xbox.com if you have an Xbox account tied to this Microsoft account — you may lose access to games you purchased.
If you have a recovery email or phone number on file, write it down before deletion. You won't be able to use it to recover the account after the waiting period, but you might need it for other services that used the same email. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, disable it before deletion so you don't get locked out during the waiting period if you change your mind.
What happens to your files and email after deletion
Once the waiting period ends, you lose access to everything tied to that account. Your OneDrive files are deleted. Your Outlook inbox is gone. Any games or apps you bought through the Microsoft Store cannot be reinstalled on that account. If you had a OneDrive folder syncing to your computer, those files stay on your hard drive but stop syncing.
If you were using that email address for other services — banking, social media, work accounts — you won't be able to sign into those services with your Microsoft account anymore. You'll need to update them to use a different email or password method. Some services may lock you out if they can't verify your identity, so change your password on important accounts before you delete the Microsoft account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a deleted Microsoft account?
Yes, but only during the waiting period, which is usually 30 to 60 days. Sign into account.microsoft.com with the account credentials and look for an option to cancel the deletion. After that period ends, the account is permanently gone and cannot be recovered.
What if I forgot the password to the account I want to delete?
Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account." Follow the steps to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Once you regain access, you can proceed with deletion. If you can't verify your identity, Microsoft may not let you delete the account.
Will removing the account from Windows 10 delete my OneDrive files?
No. Removing the account from your computer only takes it off that device. Your OneDrive files stay on Microsoft's servers and you can access them by signing into the account on another device. Only deleting the account entirely erases OneDrive files.
Can I remove a Microsoft account if it's the only admin account on the computer?
No, you need at least one admin account to remain on the computer. Create a local account or another Microsoft account with admin rights first, then remove the original one. If you don't, you'll be locked out of making changes to the computer.
What if I want to keep my email but stop using the account for Windows?
Remove the account from Windows 10 using Settings > Accounts > Other people, but don't delete it entirely. The account stays active and you can still check your email at outlook.com or on your phone. You just won't use it to sign into this computer anymore.