But if you have privacy or other concerns, you can remove your Microsoft Account from Windows 11. The instructions in this tutorial show what you must do to switch to a local user account, including how to avoid signing into a Microsoft Account the next time you set up Windows 11 from scratch.
Should You Remove Your Microsoft Account from Windows 11?
Should You Remove Your Microsoft Account from Windows 11?
Using a Microsoft Account with Windows 11 allows you to sync (or back up) your PC settings, download age-restricted games and movies from the Microsoft Store, upload photos and documents to OneDrive, and so on. Most importantly, it’s free. However, if you rarely use Microsoft’s services, value your privacy, or prefer the simplicity of an offline account, you can sign out of your Microsoft Account whenever you want. You can also opt for a local account while setting up the operating system. Note: If your Windows 11 license is digitally linked to your Microsoft Account, signing out will not deactivate your PC. Despite switching to or creating a local account, you can continue to use your Microsoft Account separate from the operating system. For example, you shouldn’t have any problem backing up stuff to OneDrive even if you aren’t signed into Windows 11.
Remove Microsoft Account After Signing In
Remove Microsoft Account After Signing In
Removing your Microsoft Account from your Windows 11 PC requires a brief visit to the Settings app in Windows 11. The following steps apply to the Professional and Home editions of Microsoft Windows.
Create a New Local Account in Windows 11
Create a New Local Account in Windows 11
It’s also possible to stay signed in to your Microsoft Account in Windows 11 and create a separate local standard or administrator account in Windows 11 (for yourself or someone else).
Avoid Signing In at Windows Setup
Avoid Signing In at Windows Setup
You can avoid signing into a Microsoft Account while installing Windows 11. In Windows 11 Professional, that’s pretty easy—you just need to specify you want to create an offline account. However, Windows Setup forces you to add a Microsoft Account in Windows 11 Home (similar to Windows 10 Home). You can avoid that by disconnecting from the internet. Alternatively, you can sign in with a Microsoft Account (a good idea if it contains your digital license) and remove it via the above instructions later.
Windows 11 Professional
Windows 11 Home
Stay Off the Grid
Stay Off the Grid
As you just saw, it’s easy to remove your Microsoft Account from Windows 11. You can always sign in with your Microsoft Account if you change your mind later. Also, don’t forget that you can sign in (or stay signed in) to various Microsoft Store apps and services even while using a local account. It’s also possible to delete your Microsoft Account entirely if that’s what you want.
