Mac users must clear out both the main application and the hidden support files in the Library folder to fully uninstall Outlook. This guide on how to uninstall Outlook on Mac covers the complete removal process, including leftover data that can cause conflicts if reinstalled.
Outlook for Mac stores emails, calendars, and settings in separate files that don’t delete when you drag the app to Trash. You need a methodical approach to remove everything cleanly.
Why Uninstalling Outlook On Mac Is Different
Unlike simple apps, Outlook integrates deeply with macOS. It creates database files, caches, and preference files across multiple system locations.
Leaving these files behind can slow down your Mac or cause errors if you reinstall Outlook later. A thorough uninstall prevents these issues.
Common Reasons To Remove Outlook
- Switching to Apple Mail or another email client
- Fixing persistent sync or crash problems
- Freeing up disk space from large database files
- Preparing your Mac for a fresh system install
Whatever your reason, follow the steps below to remove Outlook and its associated data completely.
How To Uninstall Outlook On Mac: Step-By-Step Guide
This section walks you through the entire removal process. You’ll need about 15 minutes and administrator access to your Mac.
Step 1: Quit Outlook Completely
First, make sure Outlook is not running. Click the Outlook menu and choose “Quit Outlook.”
Check the Dock to confirm the app icon has no dot beneath it. If it’s still running, force quit using Command+Option+Esc.
Step 2: Move Outlook To Trash
Open the Applications folder in Finder. Find Microsoft Outlook and drag it to the Trash.
Alternatively, right-click Outlook and select “Move to Trash.” You’ll be prompted for your admin password.
This step removes the main application file but leaves behind all your data.
Step 3: Delete Hidden Support Files
Now you need to find and remove the support files. These are stored in your user Library folder, which is hidden by default.
To access it, open Finder and click “Go” in the menu bar. Hold the Option key and select “Library” from the dropdown.
Inside the Library folder, look for these subfolders and delete the Outlook-related items:
- Containers – Look for “com.microsoft.Outlook” and move it to Trash
- Group Containers – Find “UBF8T346G9.Office” and “UBF8T346G9.OfficeOsfWebHost” and delete them
- Caches – Remove any folder starting with “com.microsoft.Outlook”
- Preferences – Delete “com.microsoft.Outlook.plist”
- Application Support – Remove the “Microsoft” folder inside it
Be careful not to delete unrelated files. Only remove items clearly linked to Outlook.
Step 4: Empty The Trash
Once you’ve moved all files to Trash, empty it. Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.”
Confirm the action. This permanently deletes Outlook and its data from your Mac.
Restart your Mac to ensure all system caches are cleared.
Alternative Method: Using A Third-Party Uninstaller
If manual removal seems complex, you can use a dedicated uninstaller app. These tools scan for leftover files and delete them automatically.
Popular options include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, and Hazel. They simplify the process but require a download.
Using an uninstaller is faster but less precise. Always review what the tool plans to delete before confirming.
How To Use AppCleaner For Outlook
- Download and install AppCleaner from its official website
- Open AppCleaner and drag Outlook from Applications into its window
- AppCleaner shows all associated files. Review the list
- Click “Remove” to delete everything
This method catches most leftover files but may miss some deeply hidden items. Manual verification is still recommended.
What Happens After Uninstalling Outlook
Your email accounts, calendars, and contacts stored in Outlook are deleted from your Mac. They remain on the server if you use Exchange, iCloud, or IMAP.
To access them again, you can set up the same accounts in another email client like Apple Mail or Thunderbird.
Local data like archived PST files or exported .olm files are not automatically removed. You can delete them separately if needed.
Recovering Data Before Uninstalling
If you want to keep your Outlook data, export it first. Use the File menu in Outlook and choose “Export.”
Select what to export: emails, contacts, calendars, or all. Save the .olm file to an external drive or cloud storage.
After reinstalling Outlook later, you can import this file to restore your data.
Troubleshooting Common Uninstall Issues
Sometimes the removal process doesn’t go smoothly. Here are fixes for typical problems.
Outlook Won’t Move To Trash
If you get a message that Outlook is in use, force quit it. Open Activity Monitor, search for “Outlook,” and force stop the process.
Then try moving the app to Trash again. If it still fails, restart your Mac and retry.
Can’t Find Library Folder
The Library folder is hidden by default. Use the Go menu in Finder and type “~/Library” (without quotes) to open it directly.
Alternatively, press Command+Shift+. (period) to show hidden files in Finder.
Leftover Files After Uninstall
If you suspect some files remain, search for “Outlook” in Finder. Check these locations again:
- ~/Library/Containers/
- ~/Library/Group Containers/
- ~/Library/Caches/
- ~/Library/Preferences/
Delete any remaining items you find. This ensures a clean slate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uninstalling Outlook Delete My Emails?
Yes, local copies of emails are deleted. But if you use a server-based account (Exchange, IMAP), your emails remain on the server and can be accessed from other devices or after reinstallation.
Can I Reinstall Outlook After Uninstalling?
Absolutely. You can download Outlook again from the Mac App Store or Microsoft’s website. Your data will sync from the server if you set up the same accounts.
How Do I Remove Outlook Completely Without Leaving Traces?
Follow the manual steps in this guide to delete both the app and all support files. Using a third-party uninstaller can help, but manual removal is most thorough.
Will Uninstalling Outlook Affect Other Office Apps?
No. Outlook is separate from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Removing it does not impact other Microsoft Office applications.
How Long Does It Take To Uninstall Outlook On Mac?
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you do it manually. Using an uninstaller can reduce this to 5 minutes.
Final Tips For A Clean Uninstall
Always restart your Mac after uninstalling Outlook. This clears system caches and ensures no background processes remain.
If you plan to reinstall Outlook later, consider keeping a backup of your exported .olm file. This saves you from reconfiguring everything from scratch.
For users switching to Apple Mail, you can import your Outlook data directly. Apple Mail supports importing .olm files through the File menu.
Remember that uninstalling Outlook frees up significant disk space. Database files can be several gigabytes, so check your storage after removal.
If you encounter errors during reinstallation, the leftover files from a previous install are often the cause. A clean uninstall prevents these problems.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to uninstall Outlook on Mac thoroughly. Your system is now free of unnecessary files and ready for whatever email client you choose next.