Uninstalling Microsoft Outlook from your PC or Mac might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward process. Whether you’re switching to a different email client, troubleshooting Outlook issues, or simply decluttering your system, this comprehensive guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions for both Windows and macOS environments.
## Understanding the Reasons for Uninstalling Outlook
Before diving into the uninstallation process, it’s helpful to understand why you might want to remove Outlook in the first place. Common reasons include:
* **Switching to a Different Email Client:** Perhaps you’ve found an email client that better suits your needs, such as Gmail, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail.
* **Troubleshooting Outlook Issues:** Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling Outlook can resolve persistent problems like crashing, freezing, or synchronization errors.
* **Freeing Up Disk Space:** Outlook, along with its associated data files, can consume significant storage space, especially if you have numerous emails and attachments.
* **Decluttering Your System:** You might want to remove unused applications to keep your computer organized and running smoothly.
* **Downgrading or Upgrading:** If you’re planning to change your Microsoft Office suite version, uninstalling the current Outlook version may be necessary.
## Preparing for Uninstallation
Before you begin the uninstallation process, it’s crucial to take a few preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition:
1. **Back Up Your Outlook Data:** This is the most important step. Uninstalling Outlook will remove your email accounts, contacts, calendar events, and other data. To prevent data loss, back up your Outlook data files (.pst files for POP accounts or .ost files for Exchange, IMAP, and Outlook.com accounts). You can do this by:
* **Manually Copying the Data Files:** Locate your Outlook data files (usually in the `Documents\Outlook Files` folder or `C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook`) and copy them to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage.
* **Using Outlook’s Export Feature:** In Outlook, go to `File > Open & Export > Import/Export`. Choose `Export to a file` and follow the prompts to create a .pst file containing your data. Be sure to select all the folders you want to back up, including your inbox, sent items, contacts, and calendar.
2. **Close Outlook and All Related Processes:** Ensure that Outlook and all associated processes are completely closed before proceeding. Check the system tray (the area near the clock) for the Outlook icon and right-click it to exit. Also, open the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS) and check for any Outlook-related processes (such as `outlook.exe` or `Microsoft Outlook Helper`). If you find any, select them and click `End Task` (Windows) or `Quit Process` (macOS).
3. **Deactivate Your Outlook Account (Optional):** If you plan to use Outlook again in the future, you don’t need to deactivate your account. However, if you’re permanently switching to a different email client, you might want to remove your Outlook account from your computer. This can be done within Outlook’s settings.
## Uninstalling Outlook on Windows
There are several methods to uninstall Outlook on a Windows PC. Here are the most common and reliable approaches:
### Method 1: Using the Control Panel
The Control Panel is a classic method for uninstalling programs on Windows. Here’s how to uninstall Outlook using this method:
1. **Open the Control Panel:**
* **Windows 10/11:** Click the Start button, type `Control Panel`, and select it from the search results.
* **Windows 7/8:** Click the Start button and select `Control Panel` from the menu.
2. **Navigate to Programs and Features:**
* If the Control Panel is in `Category` view, click `Uninstall a program` under the `Programs` section.
* If the Control Panel is in `Large icons` or `Small icons` view, click `Programs and Features`.
3. **Locate Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365:** In the list of installed programs, find `Microsoft Office` (followed by the version number, e.g., Microsoft Office 2016) or `Microsoft 365`. If you have a standalone version of Outlook, it might appear as `Microsoft Outlook`.
4. **Uninstall Outlook:**
* **For Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365:** Right-click on `Microsoft Office` or `Microsoft 365` and select `Change`. In the resulting window, choose `Add or Remove Features` and click `Continue`. In the list of Office applications, find `Microsoft Outlook` and click the dropdown menu next to it. Select `Not Available` to remove Outlook. Click `Continue` to start the uninstallation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. This will only uninstall Outlook and leave the rest of the Office suite intact. If you want to uninstall the entire office suite, choose uninstall after clicking on change in step 4. Follow any prompts that appear during the uninstallation.
* **For Standalone Outlook:** Right-click on `Microsoft Outlook` and select `Uninstall`. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
5. **Restart Your Computer:** After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all changes are applied.
### Method 2: Using the Settings App (Windows 10/11)
Windows 10 and 11 offer a modern interface for managing installed applications. Here’s how to uninstall Outlook using the Settings app:
1. **Open the Settings App:**
* **Windows 10:** Click the Start button and select the `Settings` icon (the gear icon).
* **Windows 11:** Press `Windows key + I`.
2. **Navigate to Apps:** In the Settings app, click `Apps`.
3. **Find Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 (or standalone Outlook):** In the list of installed apps, find `Microsoft Office` (followed by the version number, e.g., Microsoft Office 2019) or `Microsoft 365`. If you have a standalone version of Outlook, it might appear as `Microsoft Outlook`.
4. **Uninstall Outlook:**
* **For Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365:** Click on `Microsoft Office` or `Microsoft 365` and select `Modify`. In the resulting window, choose `Add or Remove Features` and click `Continue`. In the list of Office applications, find `Microsoft Outlook` and click the dropdown menu next to it. Select `Not Available` to remove Outlook. Click `Continue` to start the uninstallation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. If you want to uninstall the entire Office suite, click the `Uninstall` button that is shown without clicking on modify in step 4.
* **For Standalone Outlook:** Click on `Microsoft Outlook` and select `Uninstall`. Confirm your choice by clicking `Uninstall` again. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
5. **Restart Your Computer:** After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all changes are applied.
### Method 3: Using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) is a tool designed to diagnose and fix various Microsoft Office issues, including uninstallation problems. Here’s how to use SaRA to uninstall Outlook:
1. **Download and Install SaRA:** Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant. Run the downloaded file to install the tool.
2. **Run SaRA:** Launch the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.
3. **Select the Issue:** In the SaRA window, select `I want to uninstall Office` and click `Next`.
4. **Follow the Prompts:** SaRA will guide you through the uninstallation process. It will detect installed Office applications and allow you to select which ones to remove, including Outlook.
5. **Restart Your Computer:** After SaRA completes the uninstallation, restart your computer.
## Uninstalling Outlook on macOS
Uninstalling Outlook on a Mac involves a slightly different process than on Windows. Here’s how to do it:
### Method 1: Moving Outlook to the Trash
The simplest way to uninstall Outlook on a Mac is to move the application to the Trash.
1. **Quit Outlook:** Make sure Outlook is completely closed. Check the Dock for the Outlook icon and right-click it (or Ctrl+click) to select `Quit`. Also, check the menu bar at the top of the screen for an Outlook menu. If you see one, click on it and select `Quit Outlook`.
2. **Open Finder:** Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
3. **Navigate to the Applications Folder:** In the Finder window, click on `Applications` in the sidebar.
4. **Locate Microsoft Outlook:** Find the `Microsoft Outlook` application icon in the Applications folder.
5. **Move Outlook to the Trash:** Drag the `Microsoft Outlook` icon to the Trash icon in the Dock, or right-click (or Ctrl+click) on the icon and select `Move to Trash`.
6. **Empty the Trash:** Right-click (or Ctrl+click) on the Trash icon in the Dock and select `Empty Trash`. This will permanently delete Outlook from your Mac.
### Method 2: Using the Microsoft AutoUpdate Tool
The Microsoft AutoUpdate tool, which is part of the Microsoft Office suite on macOS, can also be used to uninstall Outlook.
1. **Open Finder:** Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
2. **Navigate to the Applications Folder:** In the Finder window, click on `Applications` in the sidebar.
3. **Open Microsoft Outlook:** Double-click the `Microsoft Outlook` icon to open the application. (If Outlook is not installed properly, this step might not work.)
4. **Open Help Menu:** In the Outlook menu bar at the top of the screen, click on `Help`.
5. **Select Check for Updates:** In the Help menu, select `Check for Updates`.
6. **Open Microsoft AutoUpdate:** The Microsoft AutoUpdate tool will open. If it doesn’t open, you might need to manually locate and open it. It’s usually located in `/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app`.
7. **Uninstall Office Applications:** In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, click on the `Tools` menu and select `Uninstall Office Applications`.
8. **Select Outlook:** In the list of Office applications, select `Microsoft Outlook` and click `Uninstall`.
9. **Follow the Prompts:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
10. **Empty the Trash:** After the uninstallation is complete, empty the Trash to permanently delete Outlook from your Mac.
### Method 3: Using a Dedicated Uninstaller (if available)
Some versions of Microsoft Office for Mac come with a dedicated uninstaller application. If you have one, you can use it to uninstall Outlook and other Office applications.
1. **Locate the Uninstaller:** Look for an uninstaller application in the Microsoft Office folder in the Applications folder. It might be named something like `Uninstall Office` or `Remove Office`.
2. **Run the Uninstaller:** Double-click the uninstaller application to run it.
3. **Follow the Prompts:** The uninstaller will guide you through the uninstallation process. Select `Microsoft Outlook` from the list of applications to uninstall (or choose to uninstall the entire Office suite if desired).
4. **Empty the Trash:** After the uninstallation is complete, empty the Trash to permanently delete Outlook from your Mac.
## Removing Associated Files and Folders (Optional but Recommended)
After uninstalling Outlook, some residual files and folders might remain on your computer. Removing these can help to free up additional disk space and ensure a clean uninstall. However, be cautious when deleting files and folders, as deleting the wrong ones can cause problems.
**On Windows:**
* **Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost):** These files contain your email data, contacts, calendar events, and other information. They are usually located in the `Documents\Outlook Files` folder or `C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook`. If you have backed up your data, you can safely delete these files. However, make sure you have a valid backup before deleting them.
* **Outlook Registry Keys:** Removing Outlook registry keys is an advanced step and should only be performed by experienced users. Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious problems with your computer. If you’re comfortable editing the registry, you can use the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) to remove Outlook-related keys. Be sure to back up the registry before making any changes.
* **Outlook Add-ins:** Some Outlook add-ins might leave behind residual files and folders. Check the `Program Files` and `Program Files (x86)` folders for any add-in-related directories and delete them if necessary.
* **Temporary Files:** Clear your temporary files by pressing `Windows key + R`, typing `%temp%`, and pressing Enter. Delete all the files and folders in the Temp folder.
**On macOS:**
* **Outlook Data Files:** Outlook data files on macOS are typically located in the `~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile` folder (the `UBF8T346G9` part may vary). If you have backed up your data, you can safely delete this folder. As with Windows, verify your backup before deleting any files.
* **Preference Files:** Outlook preference files are located in the `~/Library/Preferences` folder. Look for files with names starting with `com.microsoft.Outlook` and delete them.
* **Cached Files:** Cached files are located in the `~/Library/Caches` folder. Look for folders with names related to Microsoft Office or Outlook and delete them.
* **Application Support Files:** Application support files are located in the `~/Library/Application Support` folder. Look for folders with names related to Microsoft Office or Outlook and delete them.
To access the `~/Library` folder on macOS, open Finder, click on the `Go` menu at the top of the screen, and select `Go to Folder…`. Type `~/Library` and press Enter.
## Reinstalling Outlook (If Needed)
If you uninstalled Outlook to troubleshoot issues and plan to reinstall it, here’s how:
* **From Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365:** If you have a Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 subscription, you can reinstall Outlook from the Microsoft website. Sign in to your Microsoft account, go to the Office apps section, and download and install the latest version of Office. During the installation process, you can choose to install only Outlook or the entire Office suite.
* **From a Standalone Installer:** If you have a standalone Outlook installer, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Outlook.
* **From the Mac App Store:** If you purchased Outlook from the Mac App Store, you can reinstall it from the App Store. Open the App Store, search for `Microsoft Outlook`, and click the `Install` button.
After reinstalling Outlook, you can restore your backed-up data files by:
* **Importing the .pst File (Windows):** In Outlook, go to `File > Open & Export > Import/Export`. Choose `Import from another program or file` and select `Outlook Data File (.pst)`. Browse to the location of your .pst file and follow the prompts to import your data.
* **Copying the Data Files (macOS):** Locate your backed-up Outlook data files (usually in the `~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile` folder) and copy them to the corresponding location in your current Outlook profile. Be sure to close Outlook before copying the files.
## Conclusion
Uninstalling Outlook on PC or Mac is a manageable task with the proper guidance. By following these comprehensive steps, you can successfully remove Outlook from your system, back up your important data, and ensure a clean uninstallation. Whether you’re switching to a new email client, troubleshooting issues, or simply decluttering your computer, this guide provides the information you need to uninstall Outlook with confidence. Remember to always back up your data before making any changes to your system, and exercise caution when deleting files and folders.