If you're already using Windows 11, this means you're probably using a Microsoft account to set it up, unless you've already checked out our guide on how to use a local account when setting up Windows 11. If you've already set up a Microsoft account, don't despair: you're still not restricted from using a cloud-based account on your PC. Instead, you can actually disconnect your Microsoft account from the cloud and convert it to a local account.
If you follow this method, you won't lose any information or data, allowing you to cut ties with Microsoft's various cloud services while still getting the most out of your Windows 11 PC.
How to delete your Microsoft account from Windows
First, open the Windows 11 Settings menu. This can be found by pressing Windows Key + I or opening the Start menu and selecting the Settings cog.
Click Account > Your Information > Sign in with a local account . Then, enter the new password for the local account and confirm the change. Windows will save your changes and switch your Microsoft account to a local account stored directly on your computer. You can still access your Microsoft account online using the same information you used before, but your Windows 11 PC will no longer be directly tied to that account.
How to remove a work or school account from Windows 11
If you are using a school or work account, deleting them is somewhat similar.
Press Windows key + I to open Windows Settings. Navigate to Account > Visit work or school and click Disconnect . This will remove your work or school account from Windows 11. Keep in mind that it will also lock out any features you can access through these accounts, such as Microsoft Teams.
Why you might want to delete your Microsoft account from Windows
When you link your Microsoft account to your Windows 11 account, you can access a host of additional features, such as Copilot and OneDrive. But if you want to take a more private approach to your computer, disconnecting your account will cut off Microsoft's access to your data. This does mean you'll lose features like cloud storage, but on the other hand, you'll have more control over the data Microsoft is able to capture and share with advertisers.
