Removing Microsoft Outlook from a Mac requires dragging the application from the Applications folder to the Trash. If you are searching for a complete guide on how to delete microsoft outlook from mac, you have come to the right place. Many users find that Outlook takes up too much space or they simply prefer another email client. This article walks you through every step, from basic removal to cleaning up leftover files.
Outlook for Mac can be a heavy app. It stores emails, attachments, and cache data in hidden folders. Simply moving it to the Trash does not erase everything. You need to follow a few extra steps to fully uninstall it. Let us show you the best way to do this.
How To Delete Microsoft Outlook From Mac
Before we dive into the detailed steps, know that the process is straightforward. You will use Finder, the Trash, and sometimes a few terminal commands. The exact keyword “How To Delete Microsoft Outlook From Mac” is what we will cover in full detail below.
Step 1: Quit Outlook Completely
First, make sure Outlook is not running. If it is open, you cannot delete it properly. Click on the Outlook menu in the top-left corner and select “Quit Outlook.” You can also press Command + Q on your keyboard.
- Check the Dock for any Outlook icons. Right-click and select Quit.
- Open Activity Monitor and search for “Outlook.” If you see it running, force quit it.
Step 2: Drag Outlook To The Trash
Open a new Finder window. Go to the Applications folder. Find Microsoft Outlook. Drag it to the Trash icon in your Dock. You can also right-click and select “Move to Trash.”
This step removes the main application file. But it leaves behind many support files. Do not empty the Trash yet. You will need to remove those leftovers first.
Step 3: Delete Support Files From Library Folders
Outlook stores data in several Library folders. These are hidden by default. To access them, click on “Go” in the Finder menu bar. Hold down the Option key. You will see the Library folder appear. Click it.
Inside the Library folder, look for these subfolders:
- ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook
- ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office
- ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office
- ~/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.Outlook
- ~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.Outlook.plist
Drag each of these folders or files to the Trash. Some may not exist if you never used certain features. That is fine.
Where To Find The Group Containers Folder
The Group Containers folder is inside the main Library. It is not inside your user Library. Go to /Library/Group Containers/ (note: no tilde). Look for the folder starting with “UBF8T346G9.” Delete it.
This folder stores shared Office data. Removing it also affects other Office apps like Word and Excel. If you still use those, consider keeping it. But for a full Outlook removal, delete it.
Step 4: Empty The Trash
Once you have moved all Outlook-related files to the Trash, empty it. Right-click the Trash icon and select “Empty Trash.” Confirm the action. This permanently deletes Outlook and its data.
If you get an error that a file is in use, restart your Mac and try again. Sometimes a background process holds onto a file.
Step 5: Restart Your Mac
After emptying the Trash, restart your computer. This clears any temporary caches and ensures no Outlook processes remain. Your Mac will feel a bit lighter if Outlook was taking up a lot of space.
Alternative Method: Using Third-Party Uninstallers
If you prefer a more automated approach, you can use a third-party uninstaller. Apps like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac X can find and delete leftover files for you. They are not necessary, but they save time.
To use AppCleaner:
- Download and open AppCleaner.
- Drag Microsoft Outlook from Applications into the AppCleaner window.
- It will list all related files. Click “Remove.”
- Empty the Trash afterward.
These tools are safe, but always check what they are deleting. Some files might be shared with other apps.
What About Outlook Data Files?
Outlook uses a database file called “Outlook for Mac Database” or “Outlook Database.” This file contains all your emails, contacts, and calendar items. It is usually stored in:
~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile/
If you want to keep your emails for future use, back up this folder before deleting. Otherwise, delete it along with the other files.
Backing Up Before Uninstalling
To back up your Outlook data:
- Open Outlook and go to File > Export.
- Choose “Outlook for Mac Data File (.olm).”
- Save it to an external drive or cloud storage.
This .olm file can be imported into another Mac or into Outlook for Windows later.
Common Issues When Deleting Outlook
Some users face problems during removal. Here are a few fixes:
Outlook Won’t Move To Trash
If Outlook is locked, you cannot delete it. Right-click the app in Applications and select “Get Info.” Uncheck the “Locked” box. Then try again.
Files In Use Error
This happens when a background process is still running. Open Activity Monitor and search for “Outlook,” “Microsoft,” or “Office.” Force quit any related processes. Then delete the files.
Leftover Files After Deletion
Sometimes files remain even after you empty the Trash. Use the search function in Finder. Type “Outlook” and look in your user Library. Delete any remaining items.
Why Delete Outlook Instead Of Just Uninstalling?
Many users think dragging an app to the Trash is enough. But Mac apps leave behind preferences, caches, and support files. Over time, these can accumulate and slow down your system. A full removal frees up space and prevents conflicts.
If you are switching to Apple Mail or another client, removing Outlook completely avoids confusion. You will not have two email apps trying to manage the same accounts.
How To Delete Microsoft Outlook From Mac Without Losing Data
If you are worried about losing emails, follow these steps:
- Export your data as an .olm file.
- Sync your accounts to iCloud or another service.
- Take a screenshot of your account settings.
- Then proceed with the deletion steps above.
This way, you can restore everything later if needed.
What If You Want To Reinstall Outlook Later?
You can always reinstall Outlook from the Mac App Store or Microsoft’s website. If you kept your .olm backup, you can import it back. Just note that you will need to re-enter your email account passwords.
Reinstalling is easy. Download the Office suite again or just the Outlook app. Sign in with your Microsoft account. Your settings will be fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Deleting Outlook Delete My Emails?
Yes, if you delete the database files. But if you export your data first, you can keep a copy. The emails are stored locally on your Mac, not in the cloud (unless you use Exchange or IMAP).
Can I Just Uninstall Outlook Without Deleting Data?
You can, but leftover files will remain. If you plan to reinstall later, you can leave the database folder intact. Just delete the app and cache files.
How Do I Remove Outlook From My Mac Completely?
Follow the steps in this guide: drag the app to Trash, delete support files from Library folders, and empty the Trash. Use a third-party uninstaller for extra thoroughness.
Is There A Built-in Uninstaller For Outlook On Mac?
No, Microsoft does not provide a dedicated uninstaller for Mac. You must manually remove the app and its files. Some Office versions include a “Remove Office” tool, but it is not always reliable.
Will Deleting Outlook Affect Other Microsoft Office Apps?
Only if you delete shared files in the Group Containers folder. Other apps like Word and Excel may lose some settings, but they will still work. You can reinstall them if needed.
Final Tips For A Clean Removal
After you delete Outlook, check your login items. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Remove any Outlook-related items. This prevents errors on startup.
Also, clear your Trash again after a few days. Sometimes files are held by the system temporarily. A second empty ensures nothing is left.
If you notice your Mac running slower after removal, it is likely unrelated. Outlook is a heavy app, so removing it usually speeds things up.
Remember, the key to a successful uninstall is patience. Do not rush. Check each folder carefully. A few extra minutes now save you from headaches later.
We hope this guide on how to delete microsoft outlook from mac was helpful. You now have all the steps to remove Outlook completely. Whether you are freeing up space or switching apps, you can do it with confidence.
If you run into any issues, revisit the steps above. The process is the same for all recent versions of macOS. Good luck with your clean Mac!