How to sign out of your Microsoft account everywhere

How to Sign Out Everywhere: Step by Step

Preparation requires a web-enabled device alongside your Microsoft account login credentials.

Step 1Go to Your Microsoft Account Security Page

Open a web browser and search for ‘Microsoft account security’ to reach the correct landing page.

• Open your web browser.
• Go to the Microsoft account security page. You can often find this by searching for “Microsoft account security” or by going to a Microsoft support page that guides you there. The Microsoft account dashboard is a good starting point.
• You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account email and password. Make sure you use the right login details for the account you want to secure.

Step 2Find the “Sign out everywhere” Option

Sign in and locate the ‘Sign out everywhere’ button, which typically sits under ‘Advanced security options’ or ‘Device activity.’

• After signing in, look for a section that might say “Advanced security options,” “Security settings,” or “Device activity.”
• Scroll through the options. You are looking for a clear link or button that says something like “Sign out everywhere” or “Sign out on all devices.” Microsoft often puts this feature near the bottom of the security settings page.

Step 3Start the Sign-Out Process

Clicking the ‘Sign out everywhere’ button starts the process of ending all active Microsoft account sessions. A confirmation prompt appears, explaining the scope of the sign-out and detailing the expected delay before proceeding.

• Click on the "Sign out everywhere" link or button.
• You might see a confirmation message. This message will explain what signing out everywhere means and warn you about how long it might take to complete.
• Confirm that you want to continue. This usually means clicking another button like "Sign out" or "Confirm."

Step 4Understand What Happens Next

Allow up to 24 hours for Microsoft's backend systems to fully terminate active sessions across every connected app and browser. This delay remains completely normal while backend servers propagate the revocation status.

• The 24-Hour Window: Microsoft says it can take up to 24 hours for you to be signed out of all browsers, apps, and other services where your account is used. This is because the system needs time to update the status for every active session.
• What Gets Signed Out: This action usually signs you out from web browsers (like Chrome, Edge, Firefox) on computers and phones. It also signs you out from apps that use your Microsoft account to log in, such as Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, Outlook) and OneDrive.
• What Might Not Get Signed Out (Immediately): An important exception is often an Xbox console. Signing out from an Xbox usually needs to be done directly on the console itself. The "Sign out everywhere" feature might not cover it.

Modifying your Microsoft account password adds an extra layer of protection. Resetting credentials immediately after triggering the "sign out everywhere" routine blocks unauthorized intruders who might know your old password from regaining entry.

Summary

Securing a Microsoft account thoroughly involves visiting the security dashboard, triggering the global sign-out, and ensuring every lingering session shuts down properly.