Trashing the Outlook application from your Mac’s Applications folder is only the first step toward a complete removal. If you’re searching for how to uninstall outlook mac properly, you’ve come to the right place. Many users think dragging Outlook to the Trash is enough, but leftover files can cause issues later. This guide walks you through every method, from manual deletion to using third-party tools.
Outlook for Mac stores data in multiple locations. Removing the app alone leaves behind caches, preferences, and database files. These leftovers can take up space and interfere if you reinstall. Let’s clean everything out.
Why Uninstall Outlook On Mac Completely?
You might want to remove Outlook for several reasons. Maybe you’re switching to Apple Mail or another email client. Perhaps Outlook is crashing frequently, and a fresh install is needed. Or you’re just freeing up storage space.
Partial removal often leads to problems. Leftover files can cause configuration conflicts. They can also slow down your Mac over time. A full uninstall ensures no traces remain.
Before starting, back up any important emails or calendar data. Export your Outlook data as an .olm file if you need it later. This step prevents accidental data loss.
How To Uninstall Outlook Mac Manually
Manual removal gives you full control. You’ll delete the app and its associated files step by step. This method works for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 versions.
Step 1: Quit Outlook Completely
Make sure Outlook is not running. Check the menu bar for the Outlook icon. If it’s open, click Outlook in the top menu and select Quit Outlook. You can also press Command + Q.
Double-check Activity Monitor. Open it from Applications > Utilities. Look for any Outlook processes and force quit if needed.
Step 2: Move Outlook To The Trash
Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Find Microsoft Outlook. Drag it to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
You may be prompted for your administrator password. Enter it to confirm. The app is now removed from your Applications folder.
Step 3: Delete Support Files
This is the crucial part. Outlook stores data in several hidden folders. You need to remove them manually.
Open Finder and click Go in the menu bar. Select Go to Folder. Type ~/Library and press Enter. This opens your user Library folder.
Look for these folders and delete them:
- ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook – Main data container
- ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office – Shared Office data
- ~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.Outlook.plist – Preferences file
- ~/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.Outlook – Cache files
- ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office – Additional support files
Drag each folder to the Trash. You may need to enter your password again. Empty the Trash afterward.
Step 4: Remove Outlook Data Files
Your emails and calendar data are stored separately. If you want a clean slate, delete these too.
Go to ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles (or similar). Delete the entire Profiles folder.
Also check ~/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2011 Identities if you used an older version. Remove any Outlook-related folders there.
How To Uninstall Outlook Mac Using Terminal
Advanced users can use Terminal for a faster removal. This method deletes the app and its files with commands. Be careful – Terminal commands are permanent.
Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Microsoft\ Outlook.apprm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlookrm -rf ~/Library/Group\ Containers/UBF8T346G9.Officerm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.Outlook.plistrm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.Outlook
You’ll be asked for your password. Type it and press Enter. The commands will delete everything instantly. Empty the Trash to free up space.
This method is quick but risky. Double-check the paths before running. A typo could delete wrong files.
How To Uninstall Outlook Mac With Third-Party Tools
If manual methods seem complicated, use a dedicated uninstaller. Apps like AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, or Hazel can remove Outlook and its leftovers automatically.
These tools scan for related files and delete them in one click. They’re user-friendly and save time. Here’s how to use AppCleaner as an example:
- Download and install AppCleaner (free).
- Open AppCleaner and drag Outlook from Applications into its window.
- The tool will list all associated files. Review the list.
- Click Remove to delete everything.
Third-party tools are great for beginners. They reduce the risk of missing hidden files. However, some tools require a paid license for full features.
What To Do After Uninstalling Outlook
Once you’ve removed Outlook, your Mac is clean. But you might need to set up a new email client. Here are common next steps:
- Switch to Apple Mail – It’s pre-installed and works with most email providers.
- Install a different client – Try Spark, Thunderbird, or eM Client.
- Reinstall Outlook – If you removed it for troubleshooting, download a fresh copy from Microsoft.
If you exported your data earlier, import it into your new client. Apple Mail can import .olm files using a converter tool. Other clients may support direct import.
Check your email settings. You’ll need your server details (IMAP/POP, SMTP) to reconfigure accounts. Most providers offer setup guides online.
Common Mistakes When Uninstalling Outlook
Many users make errors during removal. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Not quitting Outlook first – Running processes can lock files, preventing deletion.
- Skipping Library files – Leftover caches and preferences can cause conflicts later.
- Forgetting to empty Trash – Files remain on your drive until Trash is emptied.
- Deleting wrong folders – Removing unrelated Office files might affect Word or Excel.
Take your time and follow each step carefully. Rushing leads to incomplete removal.
How To Uninstall Outlook Mac On Different Versions
The process varies slightly depending on your Outlook version. Here’s what to watch for:
Outlook 2016 And Later
These versions store data in the Containers folder. The steps above work perfectly. Look for com.microsoft.Outlook in Containers.
Outlook 2011
Older versions use different paths. Check ~/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2011 Identities. Delete the entire Identities folder. Also remove ~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.Outlook.plist.
Outlook For Microsoft 365
Same as Outlook 2016 and later. The data container is identical. Follow the manual steps for a clean removal.
If you’re unsure which version you have, open Outlook and click Outlook > About Outlook. The version number appears in the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just drag Outlook to the Trash?
Dragging to Trash removes the app but leaves behind support files. For a full uninstall, you must delete Library folders too. Otherwise, leftovers remain.
Will uninstalling Outlook delete my emails?
Yes, if you delete the data files in the Containers folder. To keep emails, export them as an .olm file before uninstalling. You can then import them later.
How do I reinstall Outlook after uninstalling?
Download the installer from Microsoft’s website or the Mac App Store. Sign in with your Microsoft account and follow the setup prompts. Your license key may be needed.
Is there a free tool to uninstall Outlook?
AppCleaner is free and effective. It scans for related files and removes them. Other free options include CleanMyMac X (trial) and Hazel (paid).
What if I can’t find the Library folder?
The Library folder is hidden by default. Use Go > Go to Folder in Finder and type ~/Library. It will appear. Alternatively, hold the Option key and click Go to see Library.
Final Thoughts On Removing Outlook
Knowing how to uninstall outlook mac properly saves you from future headaches. Whether you choose manual deletion, Terminal, or a third-party tool, the key is removing all associated files. Don’t settle for a partial removal.
Take a few minutes to back up your data first. Then follow the steps that match your comfort level. Your Mac will thank you with more free space and fewer errors.
If you run into issues, check Microsoft’s support page or community forums. Most problems stem from missed files or permissions. A clean uninstall is always possible with patience.
Now you’re ready to remove Outlook completely. Enjoy a clutter-free Mac and a fresh start with your email setup.