Delete a user account through Settings

The fastest way to remove a user account from Windows 10 is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Other people from the left menu. Find the account you want to delete, click it, then click Delete. Windows will ask whether you want to delete the account's files as well — choose to keep them (they'll move to a folder on your desktop) or delete them permanently.

This method works for standard user accounts and guest accounts. You cannot delete the account you're currently logged into, so if you need to remove your own account, you'll need to switch to a different administrator account first. If you're the only administrator on the machine, you'll have to create a new administrator account before you can delete your current one.

The deletion happens when ready once you confirm. Windows doesn't require a restart, and the account no longer appears on the sign-in screen right away.

Key Takeaways

  • You can delete any user account except the one you're currently logged into by going to Settings > Accounts > Other people.
  • Windows asks whether to save or delete the account's files — saved files go to a folder on your desktop that you can access later.
  • If you're the only administrator, create a new administrator account first, then delete your original account.
  • Deleted accounts cannot be recovered, so make sure you've saved any files you need before confirming the deletion.

What happens to files when you delete an account

When you delete a user account, Windows gives you the choice to keep or remove the files stored in that account's folder. If you choose to keep the files, Windows creates a folder on your desktop named after the deleted account — for example, "OldUsername" — containing everything from the Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders.

Files stored in other locations (like OneDrive or external drives) are not affected by deleting the account. Only files in the user profile folder are moved or deleted. If you choose to delete the files during removal, they're permanently erased and cannot be recovered through Windows, so only select this option if you're certain you don't need anything from that account.

Removing an administrator account

Administrator accounts have more control over the system than standard user accounts, so Windows has an extra step to remove them. You cannot delete an administrator account unless there's at least one other administrator account on the machine. If you're trying to delete an administrator account and Windows won't let you, create a new administrator account first.

To create a new administrator account, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, click Add someone else to this PC, and follow the prompts. You can use a Microsoft account or a local account. Once the new administrator account exists, you can go back to Other people and delete the original administrator account.

Deleting a Microsoft account versus a local account

Windows 10 supports two types of user accounts: Microsoft accounts (which use an email address and password tied to Microsoft's servers) and local accounts (which exist only on your computer). Deleting either type works the same way through Settings — the process is identical.

The difference matters for what happens next. If you delete a Microsoft account from Windows 10, the account still exists on Microsoft's servers and can be used to sign into other devices or services like Outlook or OneDrive. Deleting the account from your computer doesn't delete the Microsoft account itself. If you want to permanently remove a Microsoft account, you'll need to visit the Microsoft account recovery page separately and close the account there.

Recovering a deleted account

Once you delete a user account in Windows 10, it cannot be recovered through Windows itself. The account is gone from your sign-in screen and Settings when ready. However, if you saved the account's files (which Windows offers to do), you can access them through the folder that appears on your desktop.

If you deleted the files along with the account and need to recover them, third-party data recovery software may be able to retrieve some files, but this is not may provide and becomes less likely the more you use your computer after the deletion. The safest approach is to always choose to keep the files when deleting an account, then delete them manually later if you're certain you don't need them.

Deleting accounts on a shared computer

If multiple people use the same Windows 10 computer, removing an account affects only that person's sign-in and files. Other user accounts remain unchanged, and their files stay in their own folders. Before you delete someone's account, make sure they've backed up anything they need — once the account is gone, retrieving files becomes much harder.

If the person whose account you're deleting still uses the computer, create a new account for them first so they can continue signing in. Deleting their old account and creating a new one means they'll start with a fresh profile, so any saved passwords, browser bookmarks, or program settings from the old account won't carry over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a user account without losing their files?

Yes. When you delete an account, Windows asks whether to keep or delete the files. Choose to keep them, and Windows moves everything from that account's Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders to a new folder on your desktop. You can then access those files whenever you need them.

What if I delete an account by mistake?

If you saved the files, they're still on your desktop in a folder with the account's name. If you deleted the files too, Windows cannot recover them through Settings. Third-party recovery software may work, but success is not may provide. Always save files before deleting an account.

Do I need to restart Windows after deleting an account?

No. The account disappears from your sign-in screen when ready, and you don't need to restart your computer. The deletion is complete as soon as you confirm it in Settings.

Will deleting a Windows account delete my Microsoft account?

No. Deleting the account from Windows 10 removes it only from your computer. Your Microsoft account still exists and can sign into other devices or services. To permanently delete a Microsoft account, you must close it through the Microsoft account website.

Can I delete the account I'm currently using?

No. You cannot delete the account you're logged into right now. Switch to a different administrator account first, then delete your original account from Settings.