DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

How to Use a Different Microsoft Account in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Switch the account used in Word, Excel or PowerPoint from the profile menu—without signing out—and learn when to add a separate OneDrive service instead.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To switch Microsoft accounts in Word, Excel or PowerPoint without signing out, select your name or profile picture at the top-right of the app and choose Sign in with a different account. Microsoft says you do not need to sign out for its normal multiple-account use case. Save open work first, then confirm the profile shown after signing in.

Switch accounts in Word, Excel or PowerPoint

  1. Save any open work.

  2. In Word, Excel or PowerPoint, select the signed-in user’s name or picture at the top-right of the app window.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  3. Choose Sign in with a different account, then complete the sign-in prompt for the account you want to use.

    What’s actually slowing this PC down?

    Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

    Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  4. Check the profile shown in the app to confirm which account is active.

    #1 Best Overall
    Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac
    • Compact design saves desktop space and allows for close, comfortable mouse position.
    • Optimized key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing.
    • Sleek, low-profile design complements any workspace.
    • Expressive input key[2] for quick access to emojis, symbols, and more.
    • Connect up to 3 devices and switch seamlessly between them[1].

Microsoft describes this route for Microsoft 365 and Office versions including Office 2024, 2021, 2019 and 2016. Menu labels can vary by platform, release or organization policy, so use the visible profile menu in your installed app if its wording differs. Microsoft Support explains that signing out is not required to use a different account.

Is the goal a different OneDrive rather than a different Office account?

The account selected in Office, the account used to activate Office and the location used to open or save a file are related but distinct. To work with files in another OneDrive, add it as a connected service; that does not mean you must replace the Office account context.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech MK345 Full Size Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black | Full size keyboard with integrated palm rest, compact right handed mouse, connect via single included USB-A Nano Receiver
  • Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
  • Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
  • Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
  • Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
  • Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.

Add OneDrive in Office for Windows

  1. Open an Office app and select File > Account > Add a service > Storage > OneDrive.

    Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  2. Complete the sign-in prompts. The added service can then be used to open and save files from that OneDrive.

    Rank #3
    Sale
    Incase Wired Keyboard 600 – Designed by Microsoft – Spill Resistant, Quiet Touch Keys, Plug and Play, 4 Hotkeys, Windows Start Key – Black
    • Efficient Media Controls: The Wired Keyboard 600, designed by Microsoft, features a Media Center with four hot keys for easy control of play/pause, volume up, volume down, and mute functions.
    • Quiet and Responsive Keys: Enjoy a comfortable typing experience with quiet, thin-profile keys that are both responsive and efficient.
    • Convenient Shortcuts: Quickly access common tasks with dedicated shortcut keys, including a calculator hot key and a Windows start screen key.
    • Spill-Resistant Design: Work confidently with a spill-resistant design that protects your keyboard from accidental messes.
    • Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No software needed—just connect the keyboard to your PC and start using it right away, with a full number pad for efficient data entry.

Add OneDrive in Office for Mac

  1. Open an Office app and select Home > Connected Services > OneDrive.

  2. Sign in to connect the storage account.

These are Microsoft’s documented connected-service paths for Microsoft 365 desktop apps; labels or availability may vary in other versions. Microsoft’s OneDrive connected-service instructions cover opening and saving from the added service.

Rank #4
Sale
Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard - Black (Renewed)
  • Choose your keyboard color: Poppy Red, Ice Blue, Platinum, and Black. (1)
  • Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and large trackpad for precise navigation and control.
  • Typing and writing in one without the bulk, Surface Pro Signature Keyboard delivers fast and accurate typing like a traditional, full-size keyboard, plus natural on-screen writing with Surface Slim Pen 2 (sold separately).
  • Work your way anywhere. Surface Pro Signature Keyboard clicks into place instantly and stays securely attached so you always have your pen and keyboard with you. Use with Surface Pro 8 or Pro X Kickstand for a full laptop experience.
  • Close to protect screen and conserve battery, or fold back completely for a tablet.

Add an account to the OneDrive sync app

If you mean the OneDrive desktop sync client rather than Office, open its settings or preferences, choose the Account tab, then select Add an account. Microsoft says Windows and Mac can have multiple work or school accounts in OneDrive, but only one personal OneDrive account. Office sign-out does not itself sign you out of the OneDrive sync app. See Microsoft’s OneDrive account instructions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When should you sign out instead?

Sign out when you need to remove your account from the Office app experience, such as before handing the installation to another person. Microsoft says signing out removes that account’s Office license from the app experience, hides recent files and removes custom settings. Depending on the license, you may be unable to create or edit files until you sign back in. To finish signing out, close all Office apps afterward. Use OneDrive’s own account controls if your aim is to remove a sync account.

Best Value
Sale
Microsoft Surface Keyboard (2nd Edition)
  • Sleek and simple design that complements your Surface device.
  • Dedicated Copilot[l] key for instant access to new experiences available on Windows 11.
  • Convenient shortcut keys including Call mute, Snip & Sketch, Expressive input and Widget[2] for quick and easy access.
  • Comfortable and responsive typing experience.
  • Seamlessly pair to your device through wireless Bluetooth 4.0 connection with a range of up to 16 feet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Limits when using personal and work or school accounts

Microsoft accounts may be personal accounts or accounts assigned by an employer or school. They can be used for different purposes, including license activation, account management and access to cloud services such as OneDrive, Teams or SharePoint. Microsoft describes the accounts used with Office.

There is a specific simultaneous-sign-in restriction: Microsoft 365 apps do not support signing in with multiple user accounts from the same Microsoft 365 organization or tenant at the same time. You must log off one of those accounts to sign in with the other. This limitation is about multiple accounts from the same tenant; it does not establish that personal and work accounts can never both be used.

Why AutoSave may still be unavailable

Switching the Office account does not determine every file’s location. A document may be local, in personal or work/school OneDrive, or in SharePoint. AutoSave is for Microsoft 365 files saved to OneDrive or SharePoint and requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft recommends opening or saving the file from inside Word, Excel or PowerPoint; CSV files and local files do not support AutoSave. Older file formats and other cases can also make it unavailable. For local files, AutoRecover is a separate feature. Microsoft’s AutoSave guidance lists its eligibility and limitations.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.