The quickest way to sign out of Outlook
To sign out of Outlook, click your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen, then select "Sign out" from the menu that appears. On a phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom, scroll down, and tap "Sign out". The process takes about five seconds and works the same way whether you use Outlook on the web, the desktop app, or your mobile device.
If you cannot find your profile picture — for example, if you are using an older version of Outlook or a shared computer — there are other ways to sign out that work just as well. The method depends slightly on which version you are using, but all of them are straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Your profile picture or initials in the top right corner is the fastest way to sign out on any device.
- On the desktop app for Windows or Mac, you can also use the File menu and select "Exit" to close Outlook completely.
- Signing out on a shared computer is important for security, even if you plan to use it again later.
- If you forget to sign out, Outlook will keep you logged in until you manually sign out or your session times out after a period of inactivity.
Signing out of Outlook on the web
If you use Outlook through your web browser (outlook.office.com or outlook.com), look for your profile picture or your initials in a circle at the top right of the screen. Click on it once. A small menu will drop down with your name and email address at the top.
Look for the "Sign out" option in that menu and click it. You will be taken to a sign-out confirmation page, and then your browser will return to the Outlook login screen. You are now fully signed out and your account is no longer accessible from that browser.
Signing out of the Outlook desktop app on Windows
If you use the Outlook application installed on your Windows computer, the fastest method is still to click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Sign out". However, if that does not work or you prefer a different route, you can use the File menu instead.
Click "File" in the top left corner of the Outlook window. A menu will open on the left side. Scroll down until you see "Exit" at the bottom of that menu and click it. This closes Outlook completely and signs you out. The next time you open Outlook, you will need to enter your password again.
Signing out of Outlook on Mac
On a Mac, the process is nearly identical to Windows. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the Outlook window and select "Sign out" from the menu. If you do not see your profile picture, click "Outlook" in the menu bar at the very top of your screen, then look for "Sign Out" in the dropdown menu.
Alternatively, you can close Outlook entirely by clicking "Outlook" in the menu bar and selecting "Quit Outlook". This will sign you out and close the application. When you reopen Outlook, you will be asked to sign in again.
Signing out of Outlook on your phone or tablet
On an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, open the Outlook app and tap the menu icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like three horizontal lines, sometimes called a hamburger menu). Scroll all the way down to the bottom of that menu until you see "Sign out" and tap it. A confirmation message may appear asking if you are sure — tap "Sign out" again to confirm.
On some older versions of the Outlook mobile app, the menu icon may be in a different location. If you cannot find it at the bottom, look in the top left or top right corner of the app. The "Sign out" option is always near the bottom of the menu once you find it.
Why you should sign out on shared computers
If you use Outlook on a computer that other people also use — at work, at a library, at school, or at home — signing out is important for privacy and security. When you sign out, the next person who opens Outlook will not be able to see your emails, contacts, or calendar without entering their own password.
Even if you plan to use the computer again in a few minutes, signing out protects your account if someone else sits down while you are away. It takes only a few seconds and is a good habit to build, especially on devices you do not own.
What happens if you do not sign out
If you close Outlook without signing out, you remain logged in. The next time someone opens Outlook on that device, they will see your account and have access to your email. On your own personal computer, this is usually not a problem, but it is still safer to sign out if you will not be using the device for a while.
Outlook sessions do eventually time out if you are inactive for an extended period — usually several hours — but you should not rely on this. Signing out manually is faster and more secure. If you are concerned that you forgot to sign out on a shared device, you can sign into your Outlook account from another device and check your recent activity or change your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will signing out delete my emails or calendar?
No. Signing out only removes your access from that device. Your emails, contacts, and calendar remain stored on Microsoft's servers and will be there when you sign back in from any device.
Do I need to sign out if I am the only one who uses my computer?
It is not strictly necessary, but it is still a good practice. Signing out protects your account if your computer is lost or stolen, and it is a simple security habit to maintain.
What if I cannot find my profile picture to sign out?
Try using the File menu (on the desktop app) or the hamburger menu (on mobile). If you are on the web version and still cannot find your profile picture, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache and signing in again.
Can I sign out of Outlook on one device without affecting other devices?
Yes. Signing out on one device does not sign you out on others. You remain logged in on your phone, tablet, and other computers until you sign out on each one individually.
How do I sign out of Outlook if I forgot my password?
You can still sign out without your password. Use the method for your device (profile picture, File menu, or hamburger menu) and select "Sign out". You will not need to enter your password to sign out, only to sign back in later.