The fastest way to log out depends on which Outlook you're using
If you're using Outlook on the web (the version you access through a browser), click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Sign out". If you're using the Outlook desktop app on Windows or Mac, go to File menu, then Account Settings, then Sign Out. On your phone, open the app settings, find your account, and tap Sign Out or Remove Account.
The exact steps vary slightly between versions, but the principle is the same: you're telling Outlook to end your session so your account is no longer active on that device. This is different from just closing the app or browser — logging out actually disconnects your account from that location.
Key Takeaways
- Outlook on the web logs out through your profile picture menu in the top right corner of the screen.
- The Outlook desktop app on Windows and Mac logs out through File > Account Settings > Sign Out.
- On iPhone and Android, remove your account through the app's settings rather than just closing the app.
- Logging out is especially important on shared computers or devices you're selling or returning.
Logging out of Outlook on the web
Open Outlook in your web browser and look for your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen. Click on it to open a small menu. You'll see "Sign out" as one of the options — click it. Your session ends immediately, and you'll be returned to the Outlook sign-in page.
If you don't see a profile picture, look for a circular icon or your email address in that same top right area. The exact appearance changes depending on your browser and which version of Outlook Microsoft is currently showing you, but the profile menu is always in that corner.
Logging out of the Outlook desktop app on Windows
Open the Outlook application on your computer. At the very top left, click the "File" menu. From there, select "Account Settings" and then "Account Settings" again from the dropdown. A window will open showing your email accounts. Right-click on the account you want to remove and select "Remove". Outlook will ask you to confirm — click "Yes".
If you want to keep the account in Outlook but just sign out temporarily, you can instead click "File" > "Exit" to close the application entirely. However, this doesn't remove your account from the device — it just closes the program. To fully disconnect your account, use the Remove Account method above.
Logging out of the Outlook desktop app on Mac
Click "Outlook" in the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Select "Sign Out" from the dropdown menu. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm — click "Sign Out" again. Your account will be removed from Outlook on that Mac.
If you don't see a Sign Out option, your version of Outlook may be older. In that case, go to "Outlook" > "Preferences" > "Accounts", select your email account, and click the minus sign (-) button at the bottom to remove it.
Logging out on iPhone or iPad
Open the Outlook app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Settings". Find your email account in the list and tap it. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Remove Account". Confirm by tapping "Remove" when prompted.
Simply closing the Outlook app does not log you out — your account remains active on your device. If you're selling your phone or letting someone else use it, you must remove the account through settings to prevent them from accessing your email.
Logging out on Android
Open the Outlook app and tap the profile icon (usually your initials or picture) at the top left. Tap "Settings". Find your email account and tap it. Scroll down and tap "Remove Account". Confirm the removal when prompted.
On some Android devices, you may also need to go to your phone's main Settings app, find Accounts, locate Outlook, and remove it from there as well. This ensures the account is fully disconnected from your device.
Why logging out matters on shared or returned devices
If you're using a computer or phone that someone else will use after you, logging out is essential. Simply closing Outlook or walking away from the computer leaves your account active and accessible. Anyone with physical access to that device can open Outlook and read your email, calendar, and contacts without needing your password.
This is especially important if you're returning a work computer, selling a phone, or letting a family member borrow a device. Logging out ensures your account is disconnected from that hardware. If you're concerned about security after the fact, you can also change your Outlook password from another device, which will sign you out everywhere automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing Outlook the same as logging out?
No. Closing the app or browser window just stops the program from running, but your account remains signed in on that device. The next time someone opens Outlook on that computer or phone, your account will still be there and accessible. You must use the sign-out or remove account option to actually disconnect your account.
Will logging out delete my emails?
No. Logging out only disconnects your account from that device. Your emails remain on Microsoft's servers and will be there when you sign back in from any device. Logging out does not delete, move, or change any of your messages.
What if I forget to log out before returning a work computer?
Contact your IT department or Microsoft support immediately. You can change your Outlook password from another device, which will automatically sign you out of all active sessions, including the one on the returned computer. You should also consider this a security incident and report it to your employer.
Can I log out of Outlook on one device without affecting other devices?
Yes. Logging out on your phone, for example, only removes your account from that phone. Your account will remain signed in on your computer, tablet, or any other device where you're currently logged in. Each device is independent.
What's the difference between signing out and removing an account?
On the web version, signing out ends your session but keeps your account remembered on that browser. Removing an account on the desktop or mobile apps completely disconnects it from that device. For security on shared devices, removing the account is the stronger choice.