Cant sign out of Windows 11.

Question

Cant sign out of Windows 11.

David 0

Hi

No mater what I try, I'm unable to log out of my HP laptop / Microsoft Account.

I click on my name, then when the window opens, click on 'sign out'. It seems to go through the sign out process, but when I enter my pin again, the account is still signed in. Does anyone have suggestions please?

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Answer 1

EmilyS726 255.9K Independent Advisor

Hello,

I think there may be a misunderstanding about what "signing out" means in Windows.

Based on the behavior you described, it is actually working as expected and matches Microsoft's definition of signing out. Signing out ends the current Windows session for that user account. When you enter your PIN again, you sign back in to the same Windows user account, but it starts a new session.

Can you clarify what you're trying to accomplish? Are you looking to remove or disconnect your Microsoft account from this Windows user account instead?

David 0 Reputation points

2026-07-23T12:30:25.89+00:00

Hi Emily

Thanks so much for your reply.

I think for what I’d like to accomplish, they way you’ve described it is perfect-

‘To remove or disconnect your Microsoft account from this Windows user account instead?’

It’s basically so that when you switch on the computer, no name or Microsoft account shows up at all.

The ultimate aim, if it’s possible, would be to just be able use the laptop without having to be signed in to the Microsoft account.
EmilyS726 255.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-23T13:40:35.3233333+00:00

Got it. That can be done. You will want to use local user basically.

To remove the association of your Microsoft account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info

Click on Sign in with local user instead. follow the steps and finish the rest.

(If you don't see the "sign in with a local account instead option, click on "Stop signing into Microsoft apps automatically" first, then relaunch this page. )

Restart the computer (don't skip).

If you want to change your display name to something else, hold down Windows key and R keys, type in netplwiz and press enter. When it is launched, double click on your user, then on the pop up, put in a different name in the "Full name" field.
David 0 Reputation points

2026-07-27T02:30:20.05+00:00

I followed your advice and it worked perfectly.

Thank you so much for all your help, I really appreciate it.

David
David 0 Reputation points

2026-07-27T02:34:02.8866667+00:00

Hi Emily

I followed your advice and it worked perfectly.

Thank you so much for all your help, I really appreciate it.

David
EmilyS726 255.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-27T02:36:15.25+00:00

You are welcome David. I am glad it worked.

If all is good, feel free to mark the answer for this thread, or let me know if you need anything else from me.