Outlook
Uninstalling Outlook on your Mac should take less than five minutes—but most people miss the hidden files that clog up their system afterward. ⚡ I’ve seen Outlook remnants linger for months, slowing down Launchpad and eating up storage.
The key is knowing exactly where those leftover files hide, not just dragging the app to the trash.
First, back up your emails if you plan to reinstall later—Microsoft’s built-in export tool handles this in under a minute. Then close Outlook completely, including any background processes (check Activity Monitor if it’s stubborn).
The real cleanup comes next: deleting the app from Applications and the hidden containers in your Library folder. I’ll show you the exact commands to zap those stubborn files without risking your system.
You’ll end up with a completely clean slate—no phantom Outlook processes, no orphaned preference files, and no mysterious crashes when you open other apps. The method works for Outlook 2016, 2019, and the latest Microsoft 365 versions.
For the stubborn, I’ll even cover third-party tools like AppCleaner that automate the process.
Afterward, I’ll walk you through verifying the uninstall and what to do if you spot leftover traces. Trust me, skipping these steps means you’re leaving digital crumbs behind—crumbs that could cause headaches later. Let’s get started with the foolproof method.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Your Mac – Any model running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later (Outlook 2016+ is supported).
- ● Outlook installed – Ensure you’ve got the Microsoft Outlook for Mac app (version 16.0 or newer).
- ● Admin privileges – You’ll need an administrator account to fully remove Outlook and its related files.
- ○ Internet connection (optional but helpful) – Useful for downloading macOS cleanup tools (like blank">AppCleaner) if needed.
- ● Third-party uninstaller – Tools like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac to scan for leftover files after manual removal.
- ● Backup of Outlook data – Export your emails, contacts, and calendar to iCloud, Gmail, or another email client before uninstalling.
- ● Microsoft Support docs – Just in case you need official troubleshooting steps (link: blank">Microsoft Outlook Support).
Step-by-Step instructions for removing Outlook completely from your Mac
Here's the foolproof method I use to scrub Outlook clean—no leftover files, no hidden preferences.
🔧 Step 1: Quit Outlook and Gather All Related Files
Open the Finder and locate the Outlook application in the Applications folder. Right-click it and select Quit from the menu. If Outlook is running, it must be fully closed before proceeding—force quit if needed by pressing Command + Option + Escape and selecting Outlook.
Next, open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities) and run these two commands to locate all Outlook-related files:
mdfind -name "Outlook" and mdfind -name "Microsoft Outlook". Write down any paths that appear—these are the files you'll need to delete manually later.
⌨️ Step 2: Uninstall via Microsoft AutoUpdate and Remove Cache
Open System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings), then go to General > Software Update. Click Update Now to ensure your macOS is current—this prevents permission issues during uninstall. Then, open Terminal again and run:
sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook/ and sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/. Enter your admin password when prompted. These commands remove the containerized app data and shared Office files.
For the Microsoft AutoUpdate service, open Terminal and run:
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/. This stops Outlook from reinstalling itself automatically.
💡 Step 3: Delete Remaining Preferences and Support Files
In Finder, navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and delete these files:
com.microsoft.Outlook.plist, com.microsoft.Office.plist, and com.microsoft.Outlook.OfficeOSF.plist. These files store your account settings, so deleting them will require reconfiguring Outlook if you reinstall it later.
Next, go to ~/Library/Application Support and delete these folders:
Microsoft, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft User Data. These hold cached emails, attachments, and temporary files. If prompted for admin access, enter your password.
⏰ Step 4: Verify Removal and Clean Up Trash
Restart your Mac to ensure all processes are fully terminated. After rebooting, open Finder and navigate to Trash. Empty the Trash to permanently delete any remaining Outlook files. Then, run this Terminal command to confirm no Outlook processes are running:
ps aux | grep -i outlook. If nothing appears, Outlook is fully removed.
For extra thoroughness, use Onyx (a free macOS maintenance tool) to clean system caches and repair permissions. This ensures no residual files remain that could cause conflicts.
Tips & tricks for permanent Outlook removal on Mac
I learned these little-known tricks after helping friends mess up their Macs trying to uninstall Outlook—here's how to avoid their mistakes.
Backup Critical Data First: Before running any deletion commands, export your Outlook emails and contacts using the built-in export feature (File > Export). I've seen users lose years of emails because they skipped this step. Store backups in a separate location like an external drive or cloud service before proceeding with any Terminal commands.
Use Spotlight for File Discovery: Instead of just running the Terminal commands from Step 1, use Spotlight (Command + Space) to search for "Outlook" files. This visual method helps you verify you're not accidentally deleting unrelated files. I always cross-check the paths from mdfind with what Spotlight reveals to ensure complete removal.
Admin Privileges Are Non-Negotiable: When running the sudo commands in Step 2, you'll need your admin password. If you're unsure what password to use, check System Settings > General > Login Items. Never use a generic password—create a dedicated admin account just for system maintenance if you're worried about security.
Verify with Activity Monitor: After restarting in Step 4, open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) and search for any "Outlook" processes. This extra verification step catches any background services that might have survived the initial removal. I've found hidden Outlook processes running in the background that the Terminal check missed.
Pro Tips for Uninstall Outlook On Mac
- I learned these little-known tricks after helping friends mess up their Macs trying to uninstall Outlook—here's how to avoid their mistakes.
- Backup Critical Data First: Before running any deletion commands, export your Outlook emails and contacts using the built-in export feature (File > Export).
- Use Spotlight for File Discovery: Instead of just running the Terminal commands from Step 1, use Spotlight (Command + Space) to search for "Outlook" files.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about removing Outlook from your Mac? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common concerns—so you can uninstall with confidence and zero stress.
Will uninstalling Outlook delete my emails and contacts?
Nope! Uninstalling Outlook only removes the app—your emails, contacts, and calendar data stay safe in Microsoft 365’s cloud (or your local storage if you used PST files). Just make sure to back up anything critical before starting.
How long does it take to fully uninstall Outlook from a Mac?
The process itself takes under 5 minutes, but thorough cleanup (like deleting leftover preference files) adds another 2–3 minutes. Pro tip: Use AppCleaner for a one-click solution—it handles hidden files automatically.
Can I reinstall Outlook later if I change my mind?
Just download Outlook again from Microsoft’s site. Your data syncs back seamlessly if you’re still using the same Microsoft account.
What if Outlook won’t uninstall normally?
If Outlook freezes or crashes during uninstall, force-quit it (⌘ + Option + Esc), then try again. Still stuck? Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift at startup) to bypass conflicts. For stubborn files, use Terminal commands like sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook.
Are there better email apps for Mac after Outlook?
Yes! Lightweight alternatives include:
- Apple Mail – Free, native, and integrates with iCloud seamlessly.
- Spark – AI-powered, clean UI, and great for teams.
- Thunderbird – Open-source with robust customization.
- Airmail – Minimalist design with powerful features.
Wrapping up and next steps
Uninstalling Outlook from your Mac doesn’t have to be a hassle—you’ve just learned how to do it quickly, safely, and thoroughly! Whether you’re switching to another email client or simply decluttering, removing Outlook permanently ensures no leftover files slow down your system. 🎉
Now that you’ve mastered the process, why not explore a fresh start with a new email app? Try setting up Apple Mail or another lightweight alternative to see what suits your workflow best. Happy computing! 🚀