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“Sign out of your Microsoft account” can mean several different things on a Windows PC. You might want to end your Windows session, sign out of Word and Excel, stop OneDrive syncing, disconnect Edge, or remove the account from the computer entirely.
These actions are separate. Signing out of Windows does not automatically sign you out of Office, OneDrive, Edge, or Microsoft websites. Use the section below that matches what you want to do.
Quick guide: choose the type of sign-out you need
| What you want to do | Use this method |
|---|---|
| End your current Windows session | Start > account picture > Sign out |
| Temporarily secure the PC while leaving apps open | Press Windows key + L to lock it |
| Sign out of Word, Excel, Outlook, or Microsoft 365 | Open an Office app and use File > Account > Sign out |
| Stop OneDrive synchronization | OneDrive cloud icon > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC |
| Stop Microsoft Edge account sync | Edge Settings > Profiles > Sign out |
| Remove the account connection from Windows apps | Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts |
| Stop using the Microsoft account as the Windows login | Switch Windows to a local account |
| Sign out on a lost or inaccessible PC | Use Microsoft account security settings and choose Sign out everywhere |
Sign out of your Windows account
Use this method when you want to end your current Windows session. It works in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
- Select Start.
- Select your user picture or the Accounts icon.
- Select Sign out.
Windows closes the current session and its open applications. Save documents first because unsaved work may be lost when applications close.
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Sign out from Command Prompt or Terminal
You can also open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal and run:
logoffThis signs out the current Windows session. Another option is:
shutdown /lThe /l switch signs out the current user immediately. Do not add /f unless you deliberately want to force applications to close; forced closure can discard unsaved data.
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If you are stepping away briefly and want your programs to remain open, lock the computer instead of signing out:
Windows key + LYou can also select Start > account picture or Accounts icon > Lock. Locking protects the screen but leaves the Windows session, applications, and files open in the background.
Switch to another Windows user
To let another person use the PC without ending your session, select Start > account picture or Accounts icon > Switch user, where that option is available.
Switching users does not completely sign out the first user. Their applications may continue running, using memory and possibly keeping files or network connections open.
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If you no longer want the Microsoft account to be the Windows login, signing out is not enough. Change the login to a local account instead.
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- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts > Your info.
- Select Sign in with a local account instead.
- Enter the requested local-account information.
- Select Next.
- Select Sign out and finish.
- Sign back in with the new local account.
This changes how you sign in to that PC. It does not close, delete, or cancel the Microsoft account itself. A local account is specific to that computer, while a Microsoft account can be used across Windows and Microsoft services.
Remove a Windows user profile from the PC
Use this option when you want to remove another person’s Windows account and its local profile from the computer. Make sure important files have been backed up first.
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts > Other users.
- Open the account’s menu.
- Next to Account and data, select Remove.
This removes the user’s Windows sign-in information and data from the device. It does not delete that person’s online Microsoft account.
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Remove a Microsoft account used by Windows apps
If the Microsoft account is connected to apps but is not the main Windows login, remove its device connection through Windows Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts > Email & accounts.
- Select the account you want to remove.
- Select Remove account and confirm if prompted.
This removes the account from the PC’s app connections. It does not delete the Microsoft account online.
Sign out of Microsoft 365 or Office
Windows sign-out and Office sign-out are separate. To sign out of Word, Excel, Outlook, or another Microsoft 365 application:
- Open an Office application.
- Select File > Account. In Outlook, the page may be called Office Account.
- Select Sign out.
- Close all Microsoft 365 or Office applications.
Office removes the license from the application. You may still be able to view and print documents, but creating or editing files can be unavailable until an account with an applicable license signs in again.
Signing out of Office does not sign OneDrive out or stop the OneDrive sync application.
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Sign out of Office remotely
If you no longer have access to the PC, sign in to your Microsoft account’s Installs page. Under Devices, find the computer and choose Sign out of Microsoft 365 or Office.
Remote Office sign-out is not immediate. Microsoft says it can take up to 72 hours for the sign-out to be detected.
Sign out of OneDrive
To stop OneDrive syncing the account on this computer:
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- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
- Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon.
- Select Settings.
- Open the Account tab.
- Select Unlink this PC.
- Select Unlink account.
Unlinking the PC does not delete files from OneDrive. Files marked Available on this device remain in the local OneDrive folder. Files marked Available when online remain available through OneDrive on the web, but may not be stored locally.
Sign out of Microsoft Edge
To stop Edge from syncing favorites, passwords, browsing data, and other profile information with the Microsoft account:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Select Settings and more (…).
- Select Settings.
- Select Profiles > Sign out.
You can also open Bing.com in Edge, select the account name in the upper-right corner, and choose Sign out.
Edge or Bing can retain account status in a browser cookie. If the account appears again after cookies are deleted, use the account menu’s Sign out command rather than relying on cookie deletion alone.
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Sign out of Microsoft websites
For Outlook.com, Microsoft 365 on the web, and similar Microsoft sites:
- Select your profile picture or initials in the upper-right corner.
- Select Sign out.
- Close all browser windows, particularly on a shared or public computer.
If multiple Microsoft accounts are signed in, check that you are signing out of the intended account. Some Microsoft services ask you to choose which account to sign out.
Sign out of the Microsoft account everywhere
Use the account-wide option if the PC is lost, inaccessible, or possibly compromised:
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- Open Advanced security options.
- Scroll to Sign out everywhere.
- Select Sign out.
Microsoft says this signs the account out of browsers, apps, and other locations within 24 hours, except Xbox consoles. It affects other devices and services using the account, so use it only when you want a broad sign-out rather than a change limited to one PC.
Disconnect a work or school account
For an organizational Microsoft account connected to Windows:
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts > Access work or school.
- Select the account’s drop-down menu.
- Select Disconnect.
- Select Yes to confirm.
Organization-managed accounts may require an administrator to complete the removal. For a Teams-specific account, Microsoft also documents Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Manage, followed by Sign out everywhere under Overview.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows sign-out, locking, removal, and deletion are different
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Sign out | Ends the current Windows session. |
| Lock | Secures the screen but keeps the session and applications open. |
| Switch user | Starts another user’s session while the first session may remain active. |
| Remove account/profile | Removes the account’s connection and/or local data from that PC. |
| Delete Microsoft account | Closes the online Microsoft account; none of the Windows removal steps does this. |
In particular, signing out of Windows does not remove the Microsoft account, signing out of Office does not unlink OneDrive, and deleting browser cookies does not always produce a permanent Microsoft website sign-out.
Windows 10 note: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. As of August 7, 2026, it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.
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- ✅【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- ✅【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- ✅【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
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FAQ
Does signing out of Windows sign me out of OneDrive?
No. Windows sign-out ends the Windows session, but OneDrive can remain linked. Open the OneDrive cloud menu and select Help and Settings > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC.
Does signing out of Office sign me out of my Microsoft account?
It signs the account out of Office applications, but not necessarily from Windows, OneDrive, Edge, or Microsoft websites. Each service has its own sign-out control.
What is the fastest way to sign out of a Windows PC?
Save your work, then press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Sign out, or open a terminal and run logoff. The Start menu path is Start > account picture or Accounts icon > Sign out.
Does locking a PC sign out the Microsoft account?
No. Windows key + L locks the screen while keeping the current Windows session and applications open.
Will removing the account from Windows delete the Microsoft account?
No. Removing a Windows user, or removing an account under Email & accounts, removes its connection and possibly local data from that PC. It does not close the online Microsoft account.
How long does Microsoft account sign-out everywhere take?
Microsoft says account-wide sign-out can take up to 24 hours, except on Xbox consoles. Remote sign-out of Microsoft 365 or Office can take up to 72 hours.
The Bottom Line
For a normal Windows sign-out, use Start > account picture or Accounts icon > Sign out. If you want the Microsoft account removed from the PC, use the appropriate removal or account-conversion option instead. Office, OneDrive, Edge, and Microsoft websites must be signed out separately, while Sign out everywhere is the right choice for a lost or compromised device.
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