Managing accounts linked to applications in Windows 11 is crucial for maintaining privacy and security. If you’ve accumulated accounts that are no longer in use, it’s time to clean up your settings. This article outlines the steps to efficiently remove accounts used by other apps in Windows 11, ensuring that your system remains organized and your personal data stays secure.
Start with Settings
Step 1: Access the Settings Menu.
To begin, click on the Start button located on your taskbar. From there, select the Settings gear icon. This opens the Settings window, which serves as the control center for managing various aspects of your Windows experience.
Navigate to Account Settings
Step 2: Go to the Accounts Section.
In the Settings menu, find and click on the Accounts option. This section provides you with access to manage user accounts, sign-in options, and linked accounts for various applications.
Step 3: Access Email & Accounts.
Within the Accounts section, look for the Email & accounts tab on the left sidebar. This area displays all accounts that are connected to your device, including those used by apps like email clients and calendar applications.
Identify and Remove Accounts
Step 4: Locate the Account to Remove.
Scroll through the list of accounts displayed under the Accounts used by other apps section. Here, you’ll find accounts associated with different applications. Identify the account you wish to remove.
Step 5: Remove the Account.
Click on the account you want to delete, which will reveal options related to that account. Select the Remove button. You may be prompted to confirm your action. Acknowledge this prompt, and the account will be completely removed from your system, preventing any associated apps from accessing it.
Dealing with Work or School Accounts
If you have a work or school account that you want to disconnect:
Step 1: In the Accounts section, click on Access work or school.
Step 2: Find the account you wish to remove and click on it.
Step 3: Select the Disconnect button. Confirm the action, and this account will be removed from your device.
Advanced Options: Registry Editor
For users comfortable with more advanced settings, accounts can also be removed via the Registry Editor. Caution: Modifying the registry can lead to system issues if not done correctly.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Stored Identities.
Go to the path: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\StoredIdentities. Here, you will find subkeys for each account stored on your device.
Step 3: Delete the Account Key.
Right-click on the subkey corresponding to the account you want to remove and select Delete. Confirm your action and close the Registry Editor. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Important Considerations
- Backup Data: Before removing any accounts, ensure that you have backed up any important data associated with those accounts, as removal will delete access to that data on your device.
- Administrator Rights: You typically need to be logged in as an administrator to make these changes.
- Re-adding Accounts: If you need to add an account back later, you can do so via the
Email & accountsorAccess work or schoolsections in Settings.
Maintaining a streamlined account list in Windows 11 not only improves your device’s performance but also enhances your overall security. Regularly review your accounts and remove any that are no longer needed to keep your system running smoothly and safely.