Outlook for Mac doesn’t have a simple “Sign out” button for an email account. Instead, you remove the account from Outlook, which signs you out and deletes the downloaded mail from the Mac (your email stays safe on the server). Separately, you can sign out of your Microsoft 365 license for all Office apps. This guide covers both in the new and legacy Outlook for Mac, plus Outlook on the web.
Quick Answer
In Outlook, click Outlook > Settings (or Preferences) > Accounts. Select the account, click the minus (−) button at the bottom, and confirm. The account is removed and you’re signed out of it on this Mac.
Remove (Sign Out of) an Email Account
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Click Outlook in the menu bar, then Settings (or Preferences).
- Click Accounts.
- Select the account in the list on the left.
- Click the − button below the list, then Delete or Remove to confirm.
In the new Outlook for Mac, you can also right-click the account in the sidebar and choose Remove account, when available.
Sign Out of Microsoft 365 (All Office Apps)
- In Outlook (or Word, Excel), click the app name in the menu bar, such as Outlook.
- Choose Sign Out (in some versions, click your profile picture at the top right > Sign out).
- Confirm. You’ll be signed out of your license and OneDrive in all Office apps.
This is useful when handing the Mac to someone else or switching Microsoft 365 accounts. Email accounts may still need to be removed separately.
Remove Saved Passwords (Optional)
For a complete sign-out on a shared Mac, open Keychain Access (or System Settings > Passwords), search for “Microsoft” or “Exchange,” and delete saved entries for the account.
Sign Out of Outlook on the Web
If you use Outlook in a browser (outlook.com or Outlook on the web for work), click your profile picture at the top right and choose Sign out. Close the browser on shared computers.
What Happens When You Remove an Account?
- Emails, calendars and contacts stay on the server (Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, Gmail, IMAP) and reappear if you add the account again.
- POP accounts may store mail only on the Mac. Export it first with File > Export to avoid losing it.
- Items stored in On My Computer folders in legacy Outlook can be lost; back them up first.
Troubleshooting
- Minus button grayed out: the account may be managed by your organization, or it’s the only account in the new Outlook; add another account first or use Sign Out.
- Keeps signing back in: remove Keychain entries and sign out of Microsoft 365.
- Want the old Outlook: the New Outlook toggle is in the Outlook menu on some versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing my account delete emails from my phone?
No. Only the local copy on the Mac is removed.
How do I add the account back?
Go to Outlook > Settings > Accounts, click + and sign in.
Does closing Outlook sign me out?
No. Outlook stays signed in until you remove the account or sign out.
Summary
- Outlook > Settings > Accounts.
- Select the account and click −.
- Use Outlook > Sign Out to leave Microsoft 365.
- Clear Keychain entries on shared Macs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.