Work or school account problem keeps popping up Windows 11

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

The “Work or school account problem” error message that keeps popping up in Windows 11 is a common issue faced by users who are attempting to access specific features, services, or applications that require a Microsoft account. The error pop-up may also appear randomly or as soon as you sign into your Windows. The full error message typically reads, “We need to fix your work or school account (most likely your password changed). Select here to fix it in Shared experiences settings.” This problem arises due to a conflict or inconsistency with the work or school account settings.

Linked issue: “Microsoft Account Problem” Notification in Windows 10/11

Work or school account problem keeps popping up Windows 11

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into two primary solutions to tackle this issue: removing the work or school account from Windows 11 if it is no longer needed, and correcting account settings if you still require the account.

What is a work or school account in Windows?

A Microsoft account is a personal account that can be used across various Microsoft services, including OneDrive, Office 365, Xbox, and more. Work or school accounts, conversely, are created and managed by organizations and educational institutions. These accounts offer access to resources and applications tailored to the organization or school and may come with distinct permissions and limitations compared to a personal Microsoft account.

Also see: How to Remove Microsoft Account From Windows 11/10

Work or school account problem

Removing the work or school account from Windows 11

If you have graduated from school, left the organization associated with your work or school account, or simply no longer need access to the account’s resources, removing the account from your Windows 11 device is a viable solution. This will not only prevent the error message from appearing but also ensure a seamless user experience.

To remove a work or school account from Windows 11, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Press Win + i to open the Settings app. This keyboard shortcut will quickly launch the app, allowing you to make the necessary changes.
  2. In the Settings app, click on “Accounts,” and then select “Access work or school.” This will display a list of connected accounts.Windows 11 accounts settings
  3. Find the account you wish to remove, click on it, and then select the “Disconnect” button. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking you to verify your decision.Remove work or school account from Windows 11
  4. Confirm your choice by clicking “Yes” or “Disconnect.”Disconnect work or school account

By completing these steps, you will remove the account from your device, stop the error messages from appearing, and eliminate access to any organization-specific resources and applications linked to that account.

Useful tip: How to Login Windows 11 Without Microsoft Account

Using Credential Manager to remove the work or school account

Another approach to removing your work or school account from Windows 11 is by using the Credential Manager. The Credential Manager is a built-in Windows utility that stores and manages your usernames and passwords for various services and applications, including work or school accounts.

To remove a work or school account using Credential Manager, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + S to open the Windows Search bar.
  2. Type “Credential Manager” and select the app from the search results to open it. Alternatively, you can open the Credential Manager through the Control Panel window.Credential Manager Windows 11
  3. In the Credential Manager, click on “Windows Credentials.”
  4. Locate the entry associated with the work or school account you want to remove. The entry will typically have a prefix like “MicrosoftAccount” or “ADAL” followed by your account email address.
  5. Click on the entry, and then select “Remove” or “Delete.” Confirm the action when prompted.Delete work or school account in Windows 11 using credential manager

After removing the account using Credential Manager, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This should help prevent the work or school account pop-up error message from appearing and ensure a smoother user experience.

Additional resource: How to Auto Login Windows 11 Without Password or PIN

Correcting account settings

If you still need access to the work or school account, you can take the following actions to correct your account settings and resolve the issue.

Switch to the correct account

First, verify that you are signed in with the appropriate account. This will ensure you are using the correct account credentials, which may solve the problem. To switch accounts:

  1. Press Win + i to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to “Accounts,” and then select “Your info.”
  3. If you are currently using a personal Microsoft account, click “Sign in with a work or school account” and follow the on-screen prompts to switch accounts.

By switching to the correct account, you might resolve the issue and regain access to the desired features and services.

Check account permissions

If the problem persists, your account may lack the necessary permissions to access the features or services causing the issue. In this case, contact your organization’s IT administrator, who can review your account’s configuration and make any necessary adjustments.

The IT administrator may perform the following tasks:

  1. Verify that your account has the appropriate licenses and permissions to access the required resources and applications.
  2. Check for any inconsistencies in the account settings or authentication methods.
  3. Update your account permissions or licenses as needed to ensure you can access the features and services.

By working with your IT administrator, you can ensure that your account has the correct permissions and settings, which should resolve the problem.

Related guide: Give Admin Permission/Rights to a User in Windows 11/10

Final thoughts

The “Work or school account problem” keeps popping up issue in Windows 11 usually occurs because there is an active work or school account associated with your Microsoft account, or there is an issue with your work or school account that needs to be fixed. This guide has provided steps to remove your work or school account if you no longer need it, or to contact your organization’s IT administrator to ensure that there is no problem with your work or school account.

It is important to remember that work or school accounts are managed by your organization or educational institution, and sometimes, the issue may be caused by factors beyond your control. In such cases, it is advisable to reach out to your organization’s IT administrator for assistance. They have the tools and expertise needed to diagnose and resolve account-related issues, ensuring that you have access to the resources and services you require.


Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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