Deleting a Windows user account can be useful to free up space or remove old accounts. Whether you’re dealing with a local account or a Microsoft account, this guide will walk you through the process. It’s important to understand the difference: a local account is stored only on your PC, while a Microsoft account is linked to your online Microsoft profile.
- Sign in with an Administrator Account. To delete another user, you need to be logged in as an administrator. If you are not, switch to an account with admin rights or ask the account owner to do this.
- Open the Settings app. Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) and select the gear-shaped Settings icon. Alternatively, press Windows key + I to open Settings directly.
- Navigate to Accounts. In the Settings window, click on “Accounts” to access user management options.
- Select Family & Other Users. On the left sidebar, click “Family & other users” or just “Other users” depending on your Windows version. Scroll down to see the list of accounts on your PC.
- Choose the account to delete. Find the account you want to remove. Click on it to reveal options.
- Click Remove. After selecting the account, click the “Remove” button. A prompt will appear warning you that this action will delete the account and its data.
- Confirm the deletion. Confirm your choice by clicking “Delete account and data.” Be aware that all files, settings, and app data associated with this user will be permanently erased.
Additional Tips
- If the account is a Microsoft account, removing it will disconnect it from your PC but not delete it from your Microsoft profile online. To fully delete the account, do so through your Microsoft account online.
- For local accounts, the deletion process is straightforward. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
- If you encounter issues deleting an account, ensure you are logged in as an administrator or restart your PC in Safe Mode to gain the necessary permissions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| You get an error saying you do not have the permission to delete | Make sure you’re logged in with an administrator account. Restart in Safe Mode if needed. |
| The account does not appear in the list | Check if it’s a hidden system account or a Microsoft account linked online. Use Microsoft account settings to remove it online if necessary. |
| Files are not deleting or they are locked | Close all applications using the files. Use file unlocking tools if needed or delete files manually after account removal. |
By following these steps, you can easily delete unwanted user accounts on your Windows PC. Always back up important data before making changes, and double-check which account you are removing to avoid accidental data loss.
