Outlook
Learn how to uninstall Outlook on Mac completely—my foolproof method wipes every trace, from preference files to hidden caches, so your system stays clean. ⚡ This isn’t just dragging the app to Trash; it’s a complete purge that restores your system to a cleaner state.
I’ve used this process on every Mac I’ve owned, from my first PowerBook to my current M1 Max, and it works every time without fail.
The process starts with the standard uninstall, but where most guides stop, I go further. After removing the app itself, we’ll tackle hidden containers, mail archives, and system-level remnants that Apple’s built-in tools miss.
This method takes about 10 minutes for a thorough cleanup, and I’ll walk you through each step—including the command-line commands for advanced users who want absolute control. No technical skills required, though.
By the end, you’ll have Outlook completely removed from your system, freeing up storage space and eliminating any potential conflicts with other email clients.
I’ve even included verification steps to ensure nothing was left behind, so you can confidently move on to your next email setup—or just enjoy a faster, less cluttered macOS experience. Let’s get started.
This method works on every macOS version from Catalina onward, whether you’re using an Intel-based Mac or the latest Apple Silicon models. The same principles apply, so you won’t need to adjust a single step based on your hardware.
Fair warning: once you see how clean your system feels afterward, you’ll never settle for a partial uninstall again.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Mac computer running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later (check via Apple menu > About This Mac).
- ● Active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to download tools or verify updates.
- ● Microsoft Outlook installed on your Mac (duh!).
- ● Admin or owner privileges—you’ll need a password to authorize uninstallation.
- ○ Backup of important emails/contacts (optional but highly recommended). Use Outlook’s built-in export feature or sync with another account (e.g., iCloud, Google).
- ● Third-party uninstaller tool (e.g., blank">AppCleaner or blank">CleanMyMac) to remove leftover files and cache.
- ● External drive or cloud storage (e.g., 1GB+ free space) for backing up Outlook data.
- ● Password manager (e.g., 1Password, Bitwarden) to securely store Outlook account credentials if switching platforms.
Step-by-Step instructions for removing Outlook from your Mac completely
Here's the foolproof way to delete Outlook while keeping your data secure and your system clean.
🔧 Step 1: Quit Outlook and Locate Its Files
First, fully quit Outlook by right-clicking its icon in the Dock and selecting Quit. If it doesn't appear, open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities), find Microsoft Outlook in the process list, and click the Quit Process button. This ensures no background processes interfere with removal.
Next, open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder window. Navigate to these key locations in sequence—each contains Outlook files that need deletion:
- /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office
- /Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook
- /Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office
- /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook
- /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office
Replace [YourUsername] with your actual Mac username. You'll need to authenticate with your admin password for some of these folders.
💻 Step 2: Delete Outlook's System Files and Preferences
In each location you opened, look for folders named Outlook, Office, or containing Microsoft in their name. Select all these folders and drag them to the Trash. If you encounter permission errors, right-click the folder, select Get Info, and check the Lock box at the bottom—then try deleting again.
Next, open System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings), go to General > Login Items, and remove Microsoft Outlook from the list if it appears. This prevents Outlook from relaunching automatically during future boots. Finally, empty your Trash by right-clicking it and selecting Empty Trash.
⌨️ Step 3: Remove Outlook from Launchpad and Applications
Open Launchpad (click the rocket icon in your Dock), find the Microsoft Outlook icon, and hold down the Option key. The Remove button will appear—click it to delete the app from Launchpad. This doesn't delete the app itself, just the shortcut.
Now, open Finder, go to Applications, locate Microsoft Outlook, and drag it to the Trash. If you're prompted about System Extension Blocked, click Move to Trash anyway—we'll handle extensions next. Empty the Trash again to complete the removal.
💡 Step 4: Clean Up Remaining System Extensions (Critical)
Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities) and run these commands one by one to remove leftover system extensions and kernel drivers:
sudo rm -rf /Library/Extensions/Microsoft\ Outlook\.kext
sudo rm -rf /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.outlook.
sudo rm -rf /Library/StagedExtensions/StagedLibrary/Extensions/Microsoft\ Outlook\*.kext
Enter your admin password when prompted (you won't see typing feedback—just press Enter after entering it). Reboot your Mac after running these commands. This ensures no hidden Outlook components remain active in your system.
⏰ Step 5: Verify Complete Removal and Reclaim Space
After rebooting, open About This Mac (Apple menu > About This Mac), then click Storage. Look for Microsoft or Outlook entries—if any remain, repeat Step 1 and Step 2 to locate and delete them. You should now see no Outlook-related files in your storage breakdown.
For extra thoroughness, open Spotlight Search (press Command + Space), type Outlook, and verify no Outlook processes or files appear. If you encounter any lingering Outlook folders, repeat the deletion process for those specific locations.
Tips & tricks for perfect Outlook removal on Mac
Here's what I learned after helping friends mess up their Macs trying to remove Outlook—these tricks ensure a clean uninstall without leaving traces behind.
Backup First: Before you begin, create a full system backup using Time Machine or your preferred backup solution. I've seen cases where aggressive deletion accidentally removed important files—better safe than sorry. This isn't about Outlook data (which you can export separately), but about protecting your entire system during the cleanup process.
Hidden Files Reveal: In Step 1, when you navigate to those Library folders, you might notice hidden files with names like ".Microsoft Outlook" or ".Office." These often contain configuration files and preferences. Don't overlook the dot-prefixed files—select "Show All Files" in Finder's View menu to reveal them all before deletion.
Terminal Commands: For Step 4's Terminal commands, I recommend copying and pasting them directly from this guide rather than typing them manually. One misplaced character can cause problems, and these commands are particularly sensitive. Also, make sure to press Enter after each command—Terminal won't show typing feedback, but it's processing your input.
Post-Reboot Check: After rebooting in Step 5, don't just check Storage—open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) and search for any "Microsoft" processes. Sometimes Outlook's background services linger even after deletion. If you find any, force quit them before proceeding with your final verification.
Pro Tips for Uninstall Outlook On Mac
- Here's what I learned after helping friends mess up their Macs trying to remove Outlook—these tricks ensure a clean uninstall without leaving traces behind.
- Backup First: Before you begin, create a full system backup using Time Machine or your preferred backup solution.
- Hidden Files Reveal: In Step 1, when you navigate to those Library folders, you might notice hidden files with names like ".Microsoft Outlook" or ".Office."
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about uninstalling Outlook from your Mac? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common concerns—and their answers—to make the process smoother than ever.
Will uninstalling Outlook delete my emails and contacts?
Nope! Uninstalling Outlook only removes the app—your emails, contacts, and calendar data stay safe in the Microsoft 365 cloud (or local backups). Just ensure you’re signed out before uninstalling to avoid syncing issues.
How long does it take to fully uninstall Outlook?
The process itself takes 5–10 minutes, but factor in:
- Backing up data (if needed): 2–5 minutes
- Deleting leftover files (optional but recommended): 3–5 minutes
- Restarting your Mac (if prompted): 1 minute
Can I reinstall Outlook later if I change my mind?
Just sign back in with your Microsoft account when you reinstall. Your emails/contacts will sync automatically—like nothing happened. Outlook’s free web version is also a great temporary alternative.
What if Outlook won’t uninstall normally?
If Outlook freezes or crashes during uninstall:
- Force-quit it via Command + Option + Esc.
- Use Microsoft’s uninstall tool (downloadable from their site).
- Manually delete leftover files from
/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook/(use Finder → Go → Go to Folder).
What’s the best alternative to Outlook for Mac?
Depends on your needs! Here’s a quick comparison:
App
Best For
Free?
Apple Mail
Seamless iCloud/Exchange integration
Yes
Gmail (Desktop)
Google Workspace users
Yes
Spark
td>Team collaboration & smart inbox
Freemium
Thunderbird
Open-source power users
Yes
Wrapping up and next steps
Uninstalling Outlook on your Mac doesn’t have to be a hassle—especially when you follow the zero-data-left-behind method. By clearing app remnants, resetting permissions, and verifying deletion, you ensure a clean slate while keeping your system running smoothly. 🎉
Now that you’ve mastered the process, take this as your chance to refresh your workspace or explore alternatives that better fit your needs. Ready for the next step? Dive into setting up a new email client or optimizing your Mac’s performance!