How to Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 10 (Complete Guide)

Windows 10 integrates deeply with Microsoft accounts for cloud features like OneDrive and settings sync. However, many users prefer using a local account for privacy, offline use, or simplicity. This guide shows you how to completely remove or disconnect your Microsoft account from Windows 10.

Method 1: Switch to a Local Account

The primary method to "remove" your Microsoft account is to convert your Windows login to a local account. This disconnects cloud services while keeping all your files intact.

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I
2. Navigate to Accounts:
   • Go to Accounts > Your info
3. Click "Sign in with a local account instead"
4. Confirm on the warning screen:
   • Click Next
5. Verify your identity:
   • Enter your current Microsoft account password or PIN
6. Create local account credentials:
   • User name: Enter your preferred username
   • Password: Create a password (or leave blank for no password)
   • Password hint: Required if you set a password
7. Click "Sign out and finish"

You'll be signed out. Log back in with your new local credentials.

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Method 2: Remove Secondary Microsoft Accounts

If your Microsoft account isn't your primary login but appears under "Email & accounts" (used for Mail, Calendar, or apps):

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts
2. Under Accounts used by other apps, click the Microsoft account
3. Click Remove
4. Confirm by clicking Yes

Note: If the Remove button is missing, this account is your primary Windows login. Use Method 1 first.

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Method 3: Unlink Device from Microsoft Account Online

To fully disconnect on Microsoft's server side:

1. Visit account.microsoft.com/devices
2. Sign in to your Microsoft account
3. Find your Windows 10 device in the list
4. Click See details or Info & support
5. Select Remove this device
6. Confirm the removal

This removes the device from your Microsoft account dashboard and stops trusted device features.

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Method 4: Registry Cleanup (Advanced)

Even after switching to a local account, traces may remain in the Registry. This can cause "Fix your account" popups.

Warning: Back up your registry before making changes.

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter
2. Navigate to stored identities:

   HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\StoredIdentities

   Copy
3. Delete account entries:
   • Look for folders named with your email address
   • Right-click and select Delete
4. Check extended properties:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\UserExtendedProperties

   Copy
   • Delete keys associated with the account
5. Restart your computer

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What Happens to Your Data

Data Type	Status After Removal
User files (Documents, Pictures)	✅ Preserved - remains in your user folder
Installed programs	✅ Preserved - continue working normally
OneDrive local files	✅ Preserved - if downloaded to device
OneDrive cloud-only files	⚠️ Inaccessible - until you sign in to OneDrive
Settings sync	❌ Stops - themes, preferences won't sync
Windows Store apps	✅ Preserved - may need sign-in for updates

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Important: BitLocker Users

If your drive is encrypted with BitLocker:

• Back up your Recovery Key before removing your Microsoft account
• The key is often stored in your Microsoft account
• After removal, you won't be able to retrieve it automatically
• Find your key at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

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Re-adding Your Microsoft Account

If you want to switch back to a Microsoft account later:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info
2. Click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead
3. Enter your Microsoft account credentials
4. Your local files remain intact

Alternatively, add it as a secondary account (for Store access only):

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts
2. Click Add a Microsoft account

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