Getting rid of Microsoft 365 from Windows 11 isn’t as tricky as it sounds at first. You just need to poke around in Settings a bit. Sometimes, though, it can be a tad frustrating — maybe the app doesn’t show up, or it won’t budge when you try to uninstall. That’s when you might need to use command lines or third-party tools. But mostly, the standard way does the job, so let’s walk through it, mate.
How to Uninstall Microsoft 365 on Windows 11
Step 1: Open Settings
Start by clicking the Start button, then hit the Settings gear icon. You can also press Windows + I as a shortcut. That opens up the control panel for most system tweaks. On some setups, the Settings app can be a bit sluggish or acting up — like Windows is making things more complicated than they need to be. But most of the time, this shortcut does the trick.
Step 2: Go to Apps
In Settings, click on Apps from the sidebar. This is where Windows lists all your installed programs.
If that doesn’t show everything (like some weird MS Store apps), you might want to jump straight into Apps & features. Sometimes it’s tucked under System or you can just search for it. On some builds, you might need to scroll a bit or switch to the View installed apps list for a clearer look.
Step 3: Find Installed Apps / Programs
In the Apps & features page, scroll or search for Microsoft 365. It might also show as Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, depending on your version. If you can’t find it, double-check you’re in the right spot — some folks get confused with the submenus. If it’s a version from the Microsoft Store, it can get a tad more complicated, but usually it’ll show up here too.
Step 4: Locate Microsoft 365
Once you spot Microsoft 365, click on it and then hit the Uninstall button. If that option’s missing, try clicking the three-dot menu next to it — sometimes the uninstall options hide behind there. You might get a User Account Control (UAC) prompt — just click Yes to continue.
This is where it gets a bit more involved: an uninstall window should pop up. Sometimes, it’ll run the Office removal tool built into Windows; other times, it’ll ask you to confirm. Make sure to close any Office apps that might still be open. Windows could warn you if any Office programs are running that need to be shut down first.
Step 5: Finish the Uninstallation
Just follow the prompts from the Office removal wizard. It usually takes a minute or two. If it stalls or throws an error, some folks have better luck running a PowerShell command or using a dedicated cleanup tool like the Winhance. That’s handy if remnants of Office hang around after the usual uninstall.
Pro tip: If the uninstaller doesn’t do the trick or leaves leftovers, open PowerShell as Administrator (search for PowerShell, right-click, select ‘Run as Administrator’), then run this command to tidy up:
Get-AppxPackage -Name *Office* | Remove-AppxPackageOr, for more brute-force removal, some blokes use the official Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant for Office. Just Google “Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant Office” and follow the instructions. Sometimes Windows makes it a bit more complicated than it needs to be.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft 365 on Windows 11
- Make sure you’ve saved all your docs before you dive in — it’s a good habit. Sometimes, leftover files or cache can stick around, so consider deleting leftover files from
C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Officeif things act up after. - If the built-in uninstaller won’t play nice, third-party uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can help tidy up any remnants or registry entries.
- Double-check all Office apps are closed before uninstalling. Keep an eye on the taskbar and Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to make sure nothing’s still running in the background.
- Reboot your PC after uninstalling. Sometimes, Windows needs a restart to fully clear out files or processes, especially if the uninstaller leaves a few bits behind.
- If you’ve got a subscription, don’t forget to manage it through your Microsoft account. Log into the Microsoft Services Dashboard so you’re not surprised by any charges later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reinstall Microsoft 365 if I need it again?
Just head over to the Microsoft 365 download page and sign in with your account. Then, follow the prompts to install it, easy as.
Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my files?
Nah, your docs, emails, and files stay where they are. Only the Office suite gets removed. Still, it’s a good idea to back up important work before starting just in case.
Can I uninstall Microsoft 365 if I’m using a shared computer?
Yeah, but only if you’ve got admin rights. Also, check if other users still need Office apps — you don’t want to cut off their access if it’s a shared setup.
Does uninstalling affect my subscription?
Nah, your subscription stays active until it runs out, even if the apps are gone. You can always reinstall or re-enable Office later on if needed.
What if the uninstall process doesn’t work?
Try rebooting your PC and giving it another go. If that doesn’t work, check out Microsoft’s Support and Recovery Assistant. Sometimes, it just needs a more forceful clean-up.
Summary
- Open Settings (via Start > Settings or Windows + I).
- Go to Apps.
- Find Microsoft 365 in the list.
- Click it and select Uninstall.
- If needed, run cleanup tools or PowerShell commands for leftovers.
Hopefully, this helps you doss out that weighty Office suite or free up some space for other bits and bobs. It’s been tested on a few machines, so fingers crossed it works for you too.