Ongoing problems with Microsoft Account sign-in and implementation

Question

A request was received on a work computer through Teams to link a Microsoft Personal Account with a Microsoft Workplace account. The only causal link other than potentially email contacts is the installation of Microsoft Workplace Discount Software on a personal device using the workplace email address.

The current issue involves the inability to find any evidence of the two accounts being linked in the settings of either account. There is nothing in the organizations tab, and no information available in the Windows PC settings. The lack of evidence regarding the link complicates the process of removing it, as the only option seems to be leaving the employer.

Additionally, this linkage is preventing the closure of the personal Microsoft account. Following the steps to close the account results in a notification that requires 'Leaving the Workplace Account' first. However, logging into the workplace account shows no evidence of a link to remove. This situation leads to being unable to close the personal Microsoft account or verify any existing link.

There have been previous issues with consolidation of Microsoft Account/Live/Outlook etc sign-in prompting the choice between a personal account or a work/school account. The option for work/school was available then, but at that time, no such account was opened. Attempts to suppress or delete the prompt for the work/school account were unsuccessful.

There have been similar problems with MS Teams and Google Workspace. Early registration forms allowed non workplace domain sign in. That option was later removed and sign in blocked by the allegation that an administrator/organization account controlled the sign in when one had never been created. The account was effectively held in an open state with no way to access the settings or request closure

Answer 1

Hi @Alex Klotz, 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing difficulties with your Microsoft personal account being unexpectedly linked to your workplace account.  

Based on your description, your Microsoft personal account likely got tangled with your work account either by sharing the same email or via a guest association during the Workplace Discount Program or a Teams invitation. This led to a situation where Microsoft thinks your personal account is part of your employer’s organization, blocking closure of the account.  

Unfortunately, there is no single “unlink” button in either account’s settings for this scenario, which is why it’s been frustrating to find evidence or a solution. 
In this case, I would like to offer the following recommendations. 

1. Change the email alias of your personal MSA so it’s not using your work address (eliminating one point of conflict). Which account do you want to use? - Microsoft Support 
2. Remove the personal account from the organization:  
   • Self-service: via account.microsoft.com/organizations or Teams (if possible).  
   • Admin service: ask your IT admin to delete any guest user entries for your personal account in Azure AD. 
   • Microsoft support: if all else fails, have them manually remove the linkage on the backend.  
3. Confirm you can close the account (or keep it if you choose) without errors. 
4. No more mixed prompts: Going forward, use the accounts separately - your work account for work services (with your work email), and a distinct email for your personal account. This should stop Windows or Office from asking you to choose accounts, as the ambiguity is removed. 

This may require some coordination with IT or support, but it's a one-time fix. Afterward, you'll have the freedom to close your personal account if you wish, or continue using it independently from your employer. 

Please understand for us that as forum moderators, we don’t have access to the detailed billing system needed to troubleshoot this effectively due to privacy and security constraints. Therefore, I highly recommend contacting the Microsoft technical support team who can access backend details and deeper system-level insights. Once you reach out, a live agent will contact you through your preferred method and assist you step by step until your issue is fully resolved.  

You may need to reach out to Microsoft Support through: 

• Ticket Support: Visit Microsoft Support and sign in to submit a support request.   
• Phone Support: Microsoft provides customer service phone numbers based on your region. You can find the appropriate contact number here.   

That said, I’m here to support you in preparing the information needed for the support team or to assist with any other questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out anytime.  

Wishing you a great day. 

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Answer 2

If you stop using the personal account it will finally be closed by Microsoft, after about two years, I believe. Just leaving the account to disappear like this may be the simplest solution (though not a quick one). I take it you have some other personal account that you prefer to use.

The organization (business) account can only be closed by the admin at your work, as you noted.

Answer 3

Its possible the IT Admin may be able to navigate if I use the term Azure AD. I will try that.

I dont know the other solutions will work. Each account has a separate email address. There is no visible organization linkage. I will check your support links but I have previously tried to contact support. Its fairly difficult to get through, I explained the issue and got routed to the Surface team, curiously explained the issue there; was being transferred to a supervisor and got a call disconnect.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3911973/why-work-account-show-up-on-login-with-personal?page=1#answers

Someone else raised a similar point. This solution points to the Local App Data and Credential Manager. I will try that now.

The problem here has been going on too many years. This software is bogged down by legacy and this capitalism needs to be in receivership.

5-10 years for them to consolidate their various login credential and settings screens within their security and database architecture?

If this is intentional, it is no longer healthy or fair to be playing these control games. This policy is abusive.

Answer 4

Hi @Alex Klotz,   

Hope things are running smoothly on your end. 

Following up on the support thread we've been working on. I hope the information I shared in my previous answer resolve the issue you were facing. If you are still facing the same issue or need assistance with anything else, kindly respond to this email, and I will be happy to help. 

We want to make sure everything is working as expected and that your experience remains uninterrupted. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the troubleshooting process.  

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Answer 5

Hi @Alex Klotz,    

I hope you're having a good day so far. 

I'm reaching out again to follow up on your issue and check if everything has been resolved. My goal is to ensure your experience remains smooth and hassle-free. If you're still encountering any problems or have run into new challenges, please let me know which steps you're currently stuck on and happy to provide further help whenever you need it.  

If you have any further questions, feel free to tag me in your reply so I can assist you directly. 

Looking forward to your update.