AOMEI Partition Assistant
How to Sign out of Windows Account on PC
Discover the essential steps on how to log out of your Microsoft account on a PC. This comprehensive article explains different account types, sign-out procedures, and introduces a powerful tool for Windows local account password management.
By Lucas / Updated on June 10, 2025
Understanding the Types of Windows Accounts on Your PC
Before diving into the sign-out process, it’s beneficial to understand the kind of account you are using. This knowledge will help you better manage your PC's security and user access.
Windows primarily offers two main types of user accounts: the Microsoft account and the Local account. Each serves a different purpose and offers distinct advantages.
Microsoft Account: This is the modern, cloud-integrated account that Microsoft encourages users to create. It uses an email address and password and allows you to sync your settings, files from OneDrive, and preferences across all your Windows devices.
When you use a Microsoft account, you are also automatically signed into other Microsoft services like Office, Outlook, and the Microsoft Store. This interconnectedness is why many users specifically look for instructions on how to sign out of a Microsoft account on a PC.
Local Account: A local account is a traditional user account that is specific to a single Windows PC. It doesn't require an email address and its settings are not synchronized with other devices. This type of account is ideal for users who prioritize privacy and prefer to keep their computer's data isolated to that one machine.
✨ Beyond these two primary types, accounts on a Windows PC are also categorized by their privilege levels:
Administrator Account: This account type has complete control over the PC. An administrator can change system settings, install any software, access all files, and manage other user accounts.
Standard User Account: A standard user can run most applications and manage their own files and settings. However, they cannot perform actions that would affect other users or compromise the PC's security, such as installing certain software or changing system-wide settings, without an administrator's password.
How to Sign Out of a Windows Account on a PC
Signing out of your Windows account is a straightforward process, but the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your Windows version and whether you are using a Microsoft or local account. Here are the most common and effective methods.
This section provides several solutions to help you successfully log out of your Windows computer, covering both Microsoft accounts and local accounts.
Method 1: Using the Start Menu
The most common and easily accessible method to sign out is through the Start Menu.
Step 1. Click on the Start button, typically located in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Step 2. In the Start Menu, you will see your account's profile picture or icon. Click on it.
Step 3. A small menu will appear with several options. Select "Sign out".
Your computer will then close all your open applications and return you to the Windows login screen. It's crucial to save any unsaved work before signing out to prevent data loss.
Method 2: The Power User Menu (Windows Key + X)
For a slightly quicker approach, you can use the Power User Menu.
Step 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard simultaneously.
Step 2. A menu with various system options will appear. Hover your mouse over "Shut down or sign out".
Step 3. From the sub-menu that appears, click on "Sign out".
Method 3: The Ctrl+Alt+Delete Shortcut
This is a universally recognized command in Windows that provides access to several critical functions, including signing out.
Step 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard at the same time. A new screen will appear with a list of options.
Step 2. Click on "Sign out".
This method is particularly useful if your Start Menu is unresponsive or you are troubleshooting other issues.
How to Log Out of a Microsoft Account on a PC by Switching to a Local Account
If your goal is to completely disconnect your Microsoft account from your PC and use a local account instead, you can do so through the Settings app. This is a more permanent solution than simply signing out.
Step 1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2. Navigate to Accounts and then select "Your info".
Step 3. Under your Microsoft account details, you will see an option that says "Sign in with a local account instead". Click on it.
Windows will guide you through the process of creating a local account, which will involve setting a new username, password, and password hint.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be signed out of your Microsoft account, and you can then sign in with your newly created local account.
Further Tips: Windows Local Account Password Management
Forgetting a password is a common frustration, and being locked out of your own computer can be a significant problem. While Microsoft accounts offer online password recovery options, a forgotten local account password can be more challenging to resolve. In such situations, a reliable third-party tool can be a lifesaver.
This is where AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional comes in. This comprehensive disk and partition management software offers a suite of powerful tools, including a feature specifically designed to help you regain access to your Windows PC when you've forgotten your local account password.
The "Reset Windows Password" function of AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a professional and secure solution. It allows you to create a bootable USB drive on another computer, which you can then use to reset or remove the password of any local account on your locked PC. This process is non-destructive to your data, ensuring that your files and applications remain intact.
100% SecureStep 1. Connect a USB to a running Windows computer. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. At the top pane, select “Tools” > “Reset Windows Password”.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, click "Next" to begin to create a a WinPE bootable media.
Step 3. Here we tick "USB Boot Device", choose your prepared USB and click “Proceed” to move on.
Step 4. Note that the USB flash drive needs to be formatted, which will erase all data on it. If there is important data on it, please make a backup and redo; if not, click "OK" to continue.
Step 5. When the bootable USB is created successfully, unplug it and connect it to your laptop. Boot the PC from this USB, and you will see the interface AOMEI Partition Assistant appear automatically. Click "Reset Password", select the Windows system you would like to operate, and click "Next".
Step 6. Then, select the account you would like to operate and select the feature you want to use: "Remove Account Password" or "Reset Account Password". Here we choose "Reset Account Password" and click "Next".
Step 7. Type the new password and confirm it, then click "Yes". After that, you are able to log in to your computer with this new password.
Ending
In conclusion, knowing how to sign out of your Windows account on your PC is a simple yet essential skill for maintaining the security and privacy of your digital life. Whether you are using a Microsoft account or a local account, the methods outlined in this article provide quick and easy ways to log out. Furthermore, for those moments of panic when a local account password is forgotten, tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offer a reliable and effective solution to regain access to your computer without losing your valuable data.
