By: Waseem Patwegar

If you no longer want to use Microsoft Account to login to your computer, you can remove Microsoft Account from Windows 10 PC by using two different methods as provided below.

How to completely delete your microsoft account

Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 10 PC

You can Login to Windows computer using either Microsoft Account (Email ID) or a Local User Account.

Logging-in to computer using Microsoft Account provides certain benefits that are not available to Local User Accounts.

For example, using Microsoft Account allows you to remotely Logout of PC, remotely lock computer, sync settings across multiple devices and setup Find My Device to locate your computer if it gets lost or stolen.

However, if you prefer using a Local User Account, you can either delete the Microsoft Account from your PC or switch from Microsoft to Local User Account.

Difference Between Switching & Deleting Microsoft Account

Switching from Microsoft to Local User Account removes Microsoft Account from your PC and allows you to Login using a New Local User Account.

You will have access to all your All your Files, Photos and Data, only the Apps linked to your Microsoft Account will require you to sign-in using your Microsoft Account.

While the Microsoft Account will be removed from computer, your data, files, settings and search history will still remain linked to your Microsoft.

In comparison, deleting Microsoft Account will remove all the data associated with your Microsoft User Account, including all Files on Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, Pictures and the Downloads Folder.

Hence, if you have any important data, you can either transfer the data to an external storage drive or copy the data to another location on your computer.

1. Switch from Microsoft to Local User Account in Windows 10

Follow the steps below to switch from Microsoft to Local User Account in Windows 10

1. Open Settings > click on Accounts .

How to completely delete your microsoft account

2. On the Accounts screen, click on Your Info in the left pane and then click on Sign in with a local account instead .

How to completely delete your microsoft account

3. On the next screen, enter the Password for your Microsoft Account and click on Next .

How to completely delete your microsoft account

4. On the next screen, enter User Name and Password for your New Local User Account and click on Next .

How to completely delete your microsoft account

5. Finally, click on Sign out and finish to sign out of Microsoft Account and switch to Local User Account.

How to completely delete your microsoft account

After these steps, you will be able to Login to your computer using Local User Account and Microsoft Account will be removed from your computer.

2. Delete Microsoft Account from Windows 10 PC

This method requires you to Logout of Microsoft Account (if you are signed-in) and Login to a Local User Account with Admin privileges.

If you do not have a Local User Account, you can refer to this guide: How to Create A Local User Account in Windows 10.

1. Open the Settings > click on Accounts .

How to completely delete your microsoft account

2. On the Accounts screen, click on Family & other people > Microsoft Account > Remove button.

How to completely delete your microsoft account

Note: The User Account that you are currently signed in does not appear under list of Accounts.

3. On the next screen, click on Delete account and data button.

How to completely delete your microsoft account

As mentioned earlier, all the data present in that account will be deleted and Microsoft account will be removed from your computer.

How to unlink or delete Microsoft account from Windows 10? If you want to share less data with Microsoft, deleting your Microsoft account can be a great way to ensure that none of your data is uploaded to Microsoft's servers without your consent. In this tutorial we'll show you how to completely delete Microsoft account on Windows 10.

Part 1: Delete Microsoft Account Locally

    Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, click Accounts.

How to completely delete your microsoft account
Once you've selected the Your info tab, click the option labeled "Sign in with a local account instead" on the right side.

How to completely delete your microsoft account

  • Enter your Microsoft account password and it will let you create a new local account. When you're done, Windows 10 will log you out and you need to log back in with the local account.
  • Open the Settings app again and navigate to Accounts ->Email & app accounts. Your deleted Microsoft account is still listed under "Accounts used by other apps". Click on it and then select the Remove option.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Part 2: Permanently Close Your Online Microsoft Account

    1. Visit the Close your account page at Microsoft website. Sign in with the Microsoft account you want to close permanently.
    2. You'll be taken to the following page, which will verify your identity with a security code. In this case, we used a secondary email address to receive security code.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account
    After verifying your identity, Microsoft will inform you about all the things you must first do before closing your account. Click Next.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account
    Tick all check boxes acknowledging that you understand the consequences of canceling the account and select a reason for leaving, then click the Mark account for closure button.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    It will take 60 days to permanently close the account. If you change your mind later, you can reopen your Microsoft account within 60 days.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    If you only pay attention to the headlines that Microsoft wants you to keep your eye on, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Windows 10 has been a universal success. So far, Redmond's latest OS has been installed on around 72 million systems around the globe, and for the most part, has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from both the press and the public. But what if Windows 10's many privacy violations, annoying Start menu, and bogus apps are too much for you to bear?

    Deleting your Microsoft account can be a great way to ensure that none of your data is used by the company without your consent, while also removing yourself from the Windows database so no information can be collected by an unapproved third-party source while you aren't looking.

    Delete the Account Locally

    The first step in this process is to remove the Microsoft account from your local machine.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    To do this, start by entering your Settings, and clicking into the "Accounts" section.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Once here, you can find the option to remove the Microsoft account at the bottom of the "Your account" tab, highlighted here.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Note that if you're currently signed in on the Microsoft account you want to delete, you won't be able to remove it while you're still signed in on that same account. You'll need to either create a separate local account and re-log in from there, or simply wipe your Windows 10 installation altogether if that's the route you're opting to take instead.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    After you're logged in on a separate account, select the one you plan on deleting, and choose the "Remove" option once it pops up.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Don't get too hasty though, there's still one more step left to wipe the account clean from the face of the Internet.

    Scrub the Account From Microsoft's Website

    Even after you delete your Microsoft account from the local computer, all its data and the personal information stored inside will still be held on Microsoft's own servers. To get rid of it entirely, you'll need to use the tool on the Microsoft website itself.

    Note, before you completely delete the account, be sure you've emptied out your digital wallet from the Windows Store, canceled any subscriptions that might be tied to the account, and backed up any documents, pictures, or personal data you want saved on a separate hard drive from the one your OS is installed on. This way, you can be sure that even after the account is closed, you'll still have access to all your files in case you need them again at a later date.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Once all these precautions have been taken, go to the Microsoft website, and find the "Close your account" page via this link. After this loads, the page will ask you to log in.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    After you've done this, you'll be taken to the following page, which will attempt to verify you are who you say you are through either your backup email address, or linked phone number.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    You'll be sent a code either through a text message or email that looks something like this:

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Enter the code in the verification bar, and once this page is passed, Microsoft is going to make you click a lot of boxes to make sure you 100% understand the implications of closing your account.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    They'll pester you with reminders of obvious facts like how you won't be able to log in on the account anymore, that your Xbox "may not work the way you expect it to", and that your email access will be shut down in either Outlook or Hotmail. Anyone who's ever tried to discontinue their Xbox Live subscription will recognize this familiar scent of desperation as Microsoft tries every means necessary to prevent you from leaving the nest.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    After you've clicked through all of these, Microsoft will ask why you're choosing to remove the account. Give the reason, and click "Mark account for closure".

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    But, just in case you aren't totally, 100% sure you really wanted to close your account for good, Microsoft will do you the favor of keeping the account open for another 60 days; just in case you muster up the courage to come back.

    Ever since the launch of Windows 10, more and more users are beginning to realize that simply owning a Microsoft account online could open you up to all sorts of privacy woes you never could have expected.

    If you value keeping your information out of the hands of the Big-M, deleting your account with the company completely is the only way to be sure your data won't be used for anything else but your own personal records.

    Microsoft Account is an email address and password which could be used to sign in your Windows 10 PC. If you no longer want to use a Microsoft account with Windows, you can either switch back to a local account or remove it from Windows sign-in option. In this tutorial we'll show you 3 simple way to remove Microsoft account login from Windows 10.

    Note: You cannot delete an account from your machine while you are signed into it – you'll need to create an alternative login with a local account first. These methods just remove the Microsoft account locally from your Windows 10 computer. If you want to close / delete your online Microsoft account, please visit the Microsoft's account closing webpage.

    Method 1: Remove Microsoft Account Login from Control Panel

      Press Windows key + X on your keyboard to display WinX menu and select Control Panel.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    From the Control Panel, click the View by drop-down arrow and select Large icons. Click User Accounts.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Click the "Manage another account" link.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    This screen shows all the accounts currently on your computer. Click on the Microsoft account you want to delete.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    From the list of options, Click on the Delete the account option.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

  • The next window asks if you want to keep the files relating to this account. If you click on Keep Files, all your personal files are kept intact and you can decide to delete the profile folder at any time.
  • Method 2: Remove Microsoft Account Login from Netplwiz

      Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box. Type netplwiz and press Enter.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

  • This will open the User Accounts window. if you have auto-login enabled, you have to check the "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer" box.
  • Select your Microsoft account from the list and click on Remove.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    You'll be prompted to confirm, and if you really want to continue, click Yes and the Microsoft account login will be removed in no time.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Method 3: Remove Microsoft Account Login from Settings App

      First of all, open Settings app by clicking the Start button and selecting Settings option. You can also use the "Windows + I" hotkey.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    On the Settings page, click the Accounts option.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

  • After that, select Family & other users option available on the left side of Accounts menu.
  • Click on the Microsoft account that you wish to delete, and then from the available options that open below, click on Remove button.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    When the confirmation dialog box appears, click on "Delete account and data" button for deleting the currently selected Microsoft account.

    I have WINDOWS 10 OS on a laptop and want to sell it, how do I delete my user (administrative) account?

    Replies (8) 

    Try the steps below to delete the account and content from the computer you are willing to sell:

    1. Press Windows + X keys and select the Control Panel.
    2. Click on the User Accounts and click on the Manage another account link.
    3. If prompted by UAC, click on Yes.
    4. Click on a user account which you want to delete.
    5. Click on the Delete the account link.
    6. Click on Delete Files or Keep Files for what you want to do with the user account's personal files.
    7. Click on Delete Account to confirm.
    8. When finished, you can close the Control Panel if you like.

    Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to delete a user account. You will not be able to delete a user account that is currently signed in. You will need to sign out the user first. Be sure to always have at least one enabled administrator account on the PC to avoid not being able to perform actions that require administrator rights.

    Hope it helps. Get back to us with an updated status of deleting the user account for further assistance.

    66 people found this reply helpful

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    Okay, I already tried this, but it will not work as I am the only user on the PC and I am the administrator.

    I already tried to add another user (i.e. guest) but Microsoft is requiring an already existing account or create a new account.

    So how do I add another user "guest" without a Microsoft account.

    21 people found this reply helpful

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    Make sure the new user is set as administrator and then login to the new user and delete your account, selecting to delete all files.

    20 people found this reply helpful

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    Sorry this didn't help.

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    This worked – but they leave out important steps!

    After you click "add someone else to this computer" you get a window asking for e-mail – you have to go to the bottom and click "I don't have this information"

    Then you get "Let's create an account" SKIP THIS and go to the bottom and choose "Add a user without a Microsoft Account"

    Thanks and hope this helps another user!!

    51 people found this reply helpful

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    Hello, I am sending my laptop back because it did not contain all the specs as advertised. I also need to delete my Microsoft account from the pc I am sending back but don't want to permanently delete my Microsoft because I use it on another pc.

    Will these steps permanently delete my Microsoft account.

    14 people found this reply helpful

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    Thanks for your feedback.

    Try the steps below to delete the account and content from the computer you are willing to sell:

    1. Press Windows + X keys and select the Control Panel.
    2. Click on the User Accounts and click on the Manage another account link.
    3. If prompted by UAC, click on Yes.
    4. Click on a user account which you want to delete.
    5. Click on the Delete the account link.
    6. Click on Delete Files or Keep Files for what you want to do with the user account's personal files.
    7. Click on Delete Account to confirm.
    8. When finished, you can close the Control Panel if you like.

    Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to delete a user account. You will not be able to delete a user account that is currently signed in. You will need to sign out the user first. Be sure to always have at least one enabled administrator account on the PC to avoid not being able to perform actions that require administrator rights.

    Hope it helps. Get back to us with an updated status of deleting the user account for further assistance.

    Per your instructions:

    There is not an option to delete the account. I am the administrator and the only person who ever uses my pc.

    Updated on June 5, 2020 by Vipin HP

    Microsoft account is the key to every product that Microsoft provides. Whether it is for your Xbox application or Skype, one Microsoft account works for them all. It also handles your OneDrive files, NuGet.org account Outlook.com, Hotmail, and MSN email accounts.

    If you want to switch your Microsoft account to a new one or are moving to a completely different operating system, you can trust our guide for a detailed tutorial. Unlike other companies, Microsoft provides few simple steps to delete a Microsoft account. Follow the steps given below and delete your account permanently.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Step 1: Preparation Steps

    Deleting your Microsoft account means you harm the other accounts associated with it, and you can't enjoy their services like before. So, you have to do some preparations before proceeding to delete your Microsoft account permanently.

    • Remember that if you close your Microsoft account, then you can't further sign in to the Microsoft products and services. The first step is to cancel those subscriptions with your Microsoft ID.
    • If you are using hotmail.com, outlook.com, live.com, or msn.com as your email address, they will get deactivated. So, you can manually send messages to important clients that this email address will no longer be available, or you can set up an automated email forward.
    • Before deleting your account, use your Skype credits, money from gift cards, because you will lose them once your account is officially removed.
    • Make sure that you transfer the vital data that was in the OneDrive. You can also save your emails. Prepare a backup for all the essential files.
    • You have to create another parent account to handle other child sub-accounts.
    • Turn the reset protection off before you delete your account. Otherwise, the device will no longer be usable.

    Step 2: How to delete your Microsoft account

    You only need to follow some easy steps in order to delete your Microsoft account. In case you forgot your password, then you have to go through some identification tests and choose a new password. But the rest of the procedure is a cakewalk.

    • First, open Microsoft's webpage.
    • Click on the Close your account page.
    • You have to type correctly the email address associated with the account that you want to delete.
    • Then, click "Next."
    • Now, input your password.
    • Sign in to your account.
    • Again, click "Next."
    • Then, you have to tick all the checkboxes in the closer page.
    • Choose the drop-down arrow, and select the reason you are deleting your account for option.
    • You have to click on one of the reasons.
    • Choose the Mark account for the closure option.
    • Then, press "Done."
    • You have successfully deleted your account.

    Keep in mind that, to permanently delete your Microsoft account, you have to control yourself from signing in again with the information of your previous Microsoft account. After 60 days of grace, Microsoft deletes your account permanently.

    How to retrieve your Microsoft account

    Before permanently deleting your account, Microsoft gives you 60 days. You can retrieve your account within these 60 days if you want to save any important information or if you suddenly changed your mind and want to keep this account. Follow these steps to reclaim your account.

    • Go to the Microsoft webpage.
    • You have to input your email address or username.
    • Choose "Next."
    • Input your password correctly and then click on the Sign-in option.
    • Select the Continue — I want to reopen this account option.
    • Microsoft will ask you to verify yourself with some security questions.
    • You have to put the backup email address to get a verification code.
    • Input the code correctly.
    • Select "Next," then choose "Done."
    • Now, you can continue to use your Microsoft account.

    Microsoft account is a savior for all the services that Microsoft provides. It has access to your Microsoft applications along with your Outlook, and it also stores valuable data. So, you should proceed carefully while going through the account deletion procedures.

    Deleting your Microsoft account can be a little difficult, especially when you have no idea how to do it properly. That's why for you, we have provided a detailed tutorial. Follow the steps given above and delete your Microsoft account permanently. We hope this article was helpful. After reading this article, if you have any queries or feedback, please write down the comment in the below comment box.

    How to Completely Delete Microsoft Account on Windows 10

    How to unlink or delete Microsoft account from Windows 10? If you want to share less data with Microsoft, deleting your Microsoft account can be a great way to ensure that none of your data is uploaded to Microsoft's servers without your consent. In this tutorial we'll show you how to completely delete Microsoft account on Windows 10.

    Part 1: Delete Microsoft Account Locally

      Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, click Accounts.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account
    Once you've selected the Your info tab, click the option labeled "Sign in with a local account instead" on the right side.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

  • Enter your Microsoft account password and it will let you create a new local account. When you're done, Windows 10 will log you out and you need to log back in with the local account.
  • Open the Settings app again and navigate to Accounts ->Email & app accounts. Your deleted Microsoft account is still listed under "Accounts used by other apps". Click on it and then select the Remove option.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Part 2: Permanently Close Your Online Microsoft Account

    1. Visit the Close your account page at Microsoft website. Sign in with the Microsoft account you want to close permanently.
    2. You'll be taken to the following page, which will verify your identity with a security code. In this case, we used a secondary email address to receive security code.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account
    After verifying your identity, Microsoft will inform you about all the things you must first do before closing your account. Click Next.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account
    Tick all check boxes acknowledging that you understand the consequences of canceling the account and select a reason for leaving, then click the Mark account for closure button.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    It will take 60 days to permanently close the account. If you change your mind later, you can reopen your Microsoft account within 60 days.

    Comments Off on How to Completely Delete Microsoft Account on Windows 10 »

    I'm giving my old laptop to my child. .Since I now have a new laptop I do not want or need to have my Microsoft account tied to two different laptops. By going to Settings> Accounts> Your Account, I see there is an option: Sign in with a local account instead.

    From what I understand, by selecting using this option, it removes the Microsoft account entirely off the computer so the laptop is no longer tied to a Microsoft account. Once I remove my Microsoft account off the laptop, I need to give my child a password to get onto the computer and that is all. Is this correct?

    Since this old laptop is now going to by used a child this is my preference. IF this is correct and there will be no ties to a Microsoft account, can you still purchase apps from the Windows store on a computer with no ties to a Microsoft account?

    Replies (42) 

    * Please try a lower page number.

    * Please enter only numbers.

    * Please try a lower page number.

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    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

    If you create a Local Account it won't delete or removes the Microsoft Account. Unless you have a Microsoft account, you cannot install the apps from the Microsoft store.

    Try the following steps to delete a user account from the Control Panel.

    1. Right click on the Stat button and select the Control Panel.
    2. Click on the User Accounts and Click on the Manage another account link.
    3. If prompted by UAC, click on Yes.
    4. Click on a user account which you want to delete.
    5. Click on the Delete the account link.
    6. Click on Delete Files or Keep Files for what you want to do with the user account's personal files.
    7. Click on Delete Account to confirm.
    8. When finished, you can close the Control Panel if you like.

    Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to delete a user account. You will not be able to delete a user account that is currently signed in. You will need to sign out the user first. Be sure to always have at least one enabled administrator account on the PC to avoid not being able to perform actions that require administrator rights.

    Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are glad to assist you.

    You can delete a Microsoft account that you no longer need by following the steps to stop it from your Microsoft account page. If you delete your Microsoft account, you will not be able to access the services and data provided by Microsoft associated with your account, such as emails received on Outlook.com, data stored on OneDrive, Skype IDs, and contacts. Please move the data as needed before deleting the account.

    Your Microsoft account will be permanently deleted 60 days after the suspension procedure. You can also cancel your account deletion by logging in again within 60 days.

    STEP1 Close your Microsoft account

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Sign in to your Microsoft account.

    When the Microsoft account page opens, click "Your Information" at the top left of the page.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Click "Your info"

    When the page changes, click "How to close your account" at the lower left of the page.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Clik "how to close your account"

    When the page changes, click the "Next" button at the bottom right of the page.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Click the "Next" button

    After reading the note, select all the check boxes.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Select all the check boxes.

    Select the reason for Close your account from the "pull-down menu" at the bottom of the page.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Select the reason for Close your accoun.

    Click "Mark account Closure" at the lower left of the page.

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Click "Mark account Closure"

    When the page changes, click the "Done" button. This completes the account close.

    The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) just recently went into effect and a number of major companies have made major changes to their privacy policies to make them more transparent for the end users. A number of companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, are allowing users to see all the data that has been collected over the years and delete it from their servers if they want to.

    Microsoft's services are used by a significant chunk of the global population and the company has collected vast quantities of data from each of its services. However, you can now easily see all the data that the company has collected through Microsoft's privacy dashboard and delete whatever you might not want to share anymore. Here's a quick run down of all the data collected by Microsoft and how you can delete it:

    Browsing History

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    If you've turned on browsing history in Cortana, all of your Microsoft Edge browsing history is sent to the company to help it improve its products and services. You can view all your browsing history stored by Microsoft by following this link, and delete whatever you wish to remove. It's worth noting that if you've used private sessions to browse the internet, Microsoft doesn't collect any of your browsing data.

    Search History

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    Microsoft stores all Bing search history in order to provide better results when you search next time. This includes personalizations and suggestions, as well as auto-complete. If you don't want Microsoft to have access to this data, you can view and clear your search history by following this link.

    Location Activity

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    If you've been using a Windows device with location sharing turned on, Microsoft also collects relevant data about your location to provide better directions and information about your surroundings. You can view your location activity by following this link and in case you don't want Microsoft to have access to that data you can also delete it from within the same webpage.

    Voice Activity

    How to completely delete your microsoft account

    In order to enhance its speech recognition and other personalized speech experiences, Microsoft stores audio recordings of your interactions with Cortana or any other cloud-based, voice-enabled products the company offers. You can view and delete all the recordings stored by the company by following this link.

    The company also collects data for a variety of other services, including media activity, product and service activity, product and service performance, health activity, and Cortana's notebook. You can view all the data the company has stored by logging in to your Microsoft Privacy dashboard and delete whatever you may feel uncomfortable sharing with the company.