Sign Out From the Settings Menu

The fastest way to sign out of your Microsoft account on Windows is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then select Accounts from the left sidebar. Click Your info at the top, and you'll see your account name and email displayed. Below that, click the Sign out button. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Sign out again, and you'll be returned to the login screen.

This method keeps your user account on the PC but removes your active session. Your files and settings stay where they are; the next time you turn on your computer, you'll need to enter your password to log back in. This is the cleanest option if you share a computer or want to step away temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings menu (Windows key + I, then Accounts > Your info > Sign out) is the standard way to end your Microsoft session without removing your account from the PC.
  • Signing out from Settings keeps your files and user profile intact — only your active login session ends.
  • If you want to remove your Microsoft account from the PC entirely, use Settings > Accounts > Other people and select your account name, then choose Remove.
  • Restarting your PC or locking it (Windows key + L) does not sign you out; you must use the sign-out button or remove the account.
  • After signing out, the next person to use the PC will see the login screen and will need a password to access any account.

Remove Your Microsoft Account From the PC Entirely

If you want to delete your Microsoft account from the computer altogether — not just sign out of the current session — go to Settings > Accounts > Other people. You'll see a list of all user accounts on the PC. Find your Microsoft account name in that list and click it once to select it. A button labeled Remove will appear below. Click it.

Windows will warn you that removing the account will delete all files associated with it on this PC. If you have files you need, back them up to an external drive or cloud storage before you proceed. After you confirm the removal, your account and its local files are gone from the computer. You can still sign back in with the same Microsoft email and password later if you need to use the PC again.

Sign Out Without Using Settings

You can also sign out by clicking the user icon in the bottom-left corner of the lock screen or login screen. If you're already logged in, press Windows key + L to lock the PC and bring up the lock screen. Then click your user icon (usually a circle with your initials or profile picture) in the bottom-left corner. A menu will appear with the option Sign out. Click it to end your session when ready.

This method is faster if you're in a hurry, but it's less obvious than the Settings route. The lock screen method works the same way — you're signing out of your current session, not removing the account from the PC.

What Happens After You Sign Out

Once you sign out, your Microsoft account session ends, but Windows remembers that your account exists on this PC. The next time the computer starts, the login screen will show your account name and a password field. You'll need to enter your Microsoft password to log back in. If you forget your password, you can use another device to reset it through the Microsoft account recovery page, then use the new password on this PC.

Any files you created or downloaded while logged in remain on the PC in your user folder. They won't be deleted just because you signed out. If another person logs in with a different account, they won't see your files — Windows keeps each user's files separate by default.

Signing Out vs. Locking vs. Shutting Down

It's straightforward to confuse these three actions, but they do different things. Locking your PC (Windows key + L) hides your desktop and files behind a password screen, but you stay logged in — your email, apps, and cloud services are still active in the background. Signing out ends your session completely; the next login requires your password, and background services stop. Shutting down turns off the computer entirely.

If you're stepping away for a few minutes, locking is fine. If you're leaving the PC unattended for hours or sharing it with someone else, sign out. If you want to save power or end the day, shut down.

Troubleshooting: Can't Find the Sign Out Button

If the sign-out button doesn't appear in Settings > Accounts > Your info, your PC may be set up with a local account instead of a Microsoft account. A local account is tied only to this computer, not to your Microsoft email. To check which type you have, look at the account name in Settings > Accounts > Your info — if it shows an email address, it's a Microsoft account. If it shows just a name (like "John" or "Admin"), it's a local account.

For a local account, you can still sign out using the lock screen method: press Windows key + L, click your user icon in the bottom-left corner, and select Sign out. If you want to switch to a Microsoft account instead, you can add one in Settings > Accounts > Other people > Add account, then sign in with your Microsoft email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will signing out delete my files?

No. Signing out ends your session but leaves all your files on the PC. They stay in your user folder and won't be touched. Only if you choose to remove your account (not just sign out) will Windows ask if you want to delete the files associated with it.

What's the difference between signing out and removing my account?

Signing out ends your current login session — you can sign back in anytime with your password. Removing your account deletes it from the PC entirely, though you can add it again later. Removing also gives you the option to delete all files tied to that account on this computer.

Do I need to sign out before shutting down?

No. When you shut down your PC, all sessions end automatically. You don't have to sign out first. However, signing out before shutdown is a good habit if you share the computer, because it ensures the next person sees the login screen instead of your desktop.

Can I sign out of Microsoft services without signing out of Windows?

Yes. You can sign out of individual apps (like Outlook or OneDrive) without signing out of Windows itself. Open the app, go to its settings or account menu, and look for a sign-out option. Your Windows session will stay active, but that specific service will no longer be logged in.

What if I forgot my password and can't sign back in?

Visit the Microsoft account recovery page on another device and reset your password using your email or phone number. Once you've set a new password, use it to sign in on your PC. If you don't have access to another device, you can also use a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot the password.