How to Uninstall Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools and services offered by Microsoft. It includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, designed for personal, educational, and business use. Over time, users may decide to uninstall Microsoft 365 for various reasons, including switching to alternative software or freeing up system resources. This guide will walk you through several methods to uninstall Microsoft 365 from your Windows system, with special attention to differences between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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Method 1: Uninstall via Settings (Windows 10/11)

Steps:

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps:

• On Windows 10, go to Apps > Apps & Features.
• On Windows 11, go to Apps > Installed apps.

1. Search for Microsoft 365: Use the search bar to locate it quickly.
2. Uninstall: Click on Microsoft 365 and select Uninstall, then follow the prompts.

Key Points:

• This method is user-friendly and built into the OS.
• On 64-bit systems, ensure you’re selecting the correct version (usually 64-bit).
• In Windows 11, the interface is more streamlined but functionally identical to Windows 10.

Limitations:

• Often leaves behind residual registry keys, cache files, and leftover components.
• Does not fully remove background processes or related services.

Success Rate: ~70%

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Method 2: Use Control Panel (All Windows Versions)

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Microsoft 365: Scroll through the list under Programs and Features.
3. Uninstall: Right-click on Microsoft 365 and select Uninstall, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Key Points:

• Works consistently across all Windows versions including both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Useful when the Settings app fails to show Microsoft 365 properly.

Limitations:

• Cannot remove deeply embedded components like Office Document Cache or OneDrive integration.
• Leaves behind log files, cookies, and possibly startup entries.

Success Rate: ~65%

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Method 3: Manual Removal of Microsoft 365 Components

Microsoft 365 installs additional components that do not get removed automatically. To ensure complete removal, these must be uninstalled manually.

Steps:

1. Open Programs and Features (via Control Panel or Settings).
2. Uninstall Related Microsoft 365 Components:

• Office Click-to-Run Extensibility Component
• Office Shared 32-bit or 64-bit
• OneDrive for Business

1. Delete Remaining Files:

• Go to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office (or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office on 32-bit systems) and delete the folder if it still exists.

1. Clear Registry Entries (Advanced Only):

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office
• Delete any folders related to Microsoft 365 or its components (backup the registry before making changes).

Key Points:

• This method allows for deeper cleanup than standard uninstallers.
• Essential for removing background services and device drivers tied to Office applications.

Limitations:

• Requires technical knowledge; improper registry editing may damage the system.
• Time-consuming and error-prone for average users.
• Risk of incomplete file deletion or accidental removal of unrelated Office apps.

Success Rate: ~80%

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Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Software)

If you’re facing incomplete uninstallation, leftover files, or persistent errors, Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful third-party solution that ensures total removal of Microsoft 365—including hidden remnants that may interfere with future installations or system stability.

Steps:

1. Download Perfect Uninstaller:

• Visit the official website or a trusted software repository.
• Verify the publisher and avoid unofficial mirrors to prevent malware infection.

1. Install the Program:

• Follow the setup wizard carefully; decline any optional bundled software.

1. Launch the Tool:

• Wait for it to scan and list all installed applications.

1. Select Microsoft 365:

• Find Microsoft 365 in the application list and click Uninstall.

1. Scan for Leftovers (Optional):

• After uninstalling, use the “Leftover Scanner” feature to detect and delete remaining files, folders, and registry entries.

Key Points:

• Highly effective for removing stubborn programs and hidden components.
• Fully compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Works seamlessly on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Impact of Residual Files and Registry Entries:

• Orphaned registry keys can cause system instability, slow boot times, or conflicts with other software.
• Background services left behind may consume memory or CPU resources unnecessarily.
• Accumulated cache and logs take up unnecessary disk space and can lead to confusion during reinstallation or troubleshooting.

Limitations:

• Some advanced features may require purchasing a license.
• Risk of downloading fake or malicious clones from unverified sources.

Success Rate: ~95%

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Conclusion and Professional Opinion

When it comes to uninstalling Microsoft 365, users have several options ranging from basic OS tools to advanced manual and third-party methods. While Windows Settings and Control Panel provide straightforward uninstallation capabilities, they often leave behind residual files, registry keys, and related components, which can degrade system performance over time.

The manual removal method offers greater control and cleaner results, especially for eliminating deeply embedded Microsoft 365 components such as Office Document Cache and OneDrive for Business. However, this approach requires technical expertise and carries risks, particularly when editing the Windows Registry.

For most users—especially those without technical experience—the Perfect Uninstaller is the most reliable and safest option. Its ability to perform deep scans, identify and remove orphaned files and registry entries, and ensure full program removal makes it invaluable for maintaining a clean and optimized system.

In professional environments, we recommend starting with built-in OS tools, followed by manual removal of related components if necessary. If system anomalies persist post-uninstallation or if a high level of cleanliness is required, Perfect Uninstaller should be employed to guarantee full removal and optimal system health.

Always ensure that any third-party software is downloaded from verified and secure sources to protect your system from potential threats. By selecting the appropriate method based on your specific needs and system configuration, you can safely and effectively remove Microsoft 365 from your computer.