Deleting an Outlook account can mean two different things: removing an email account from the Outlook app or permanently closing the Microsoft account that provides Outlook.com, OneDrive, Xbox, Teams, and other services. A careful user should identify which action is needed before proceeding, because removing an account from an app is usually reversible, while closing a Microsoft account can lead to permanent data loss.
TLDR: Most users only need to remove the Outlook account from a device, not delete the Microsoft account entirely. For example, an employee leaving a company may remove a work mailbox from Outlook on Windows in under 5 minutes while keeping personal Outlook.com access unchanged. If the Microsoft account itself is closed, Microsoft typically keeps it recoverable for a limited waiting period, often 30 or 60 days, depending on account settings and region. Users should back up emails, contacts, calendars, and OneDrive files before deleting anything permanently.
Before Deleting an Outlook Account
Before any account is removed, the user should confirm whether the goal is to remove the mailbox from one device or permanently delete the full Microsoft account. These actions have very different consequences.
- Removing from Outlook: The account disappears from the Outlook app on that device, but the mailbox still exists online.
- Deleting a profile: Outlook data stored in that profile may be removed locally, but the account itself may remain active.
- Closing a Microsoft account: Outlook.com email, contacts, OneDrive files, subscriptions, and other Microsoft services may be deleted after the recovery period.
Important: If the account belongs to a workplace, school, or organization, the user may not be able to delete it personally. In that case, an administrator usually manages access and removal.
How to Remove an Outlook Account on Windows
On Windows, users may be using classic Outlook, the new Outlook app, or Windows account settings. The steps below cover the most common methods.
Classic Outlook for Windows
- Open Outlook on the Windows computer.
- Select File in the upper-left corner.
- Choose Account Settings, then select Account Settings again from the drop-down menu.
- In the Email tab, select the account that should be removed.
- Click Remove.
- Confirm the warning message if the user is sure the account should be removed from Outlook.
- Restart Outlook to confirm that the account no longer appears.
If the selected account is the only account in the Outlook profile, Outlook may require a new data location or profile before removal. In that situation, the user can create a new Outlook profile through Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
New Outlook for Windows
- Open the new Outlook app.
- Select the Settings gear icon.
- Go to Accounts, then choose Email accounts.
- Find the account that should be removed.
- Select Manage, then choose Remove or Delete account from this device.
- Confirm the action.
This removes the mailbox from the new Outlook app on that computer. It does not usually delete messages from the email server.
How to Remove an Outlook Account on Mac
Outlook for Mac allows users to remove accounts through its preferences or settings menu. The exact labels may vary slightly depending on the Outlook version.
- Open Outlook on the Mac.
- Click Outlook in the top menu bar.
- Select Settings or Preferences.
- Choose Accounts.
- Select the account that should be deleted from Outlook.
- Click the minus button or choose Delete Account.
- Confirm the removal when prompted.
If cached email data remains visible for a short time, restarting Outlook or the Mac normally refreshes the account list. For business or school accounts, the organization’s security policy may also remove access automatically after the user signs out.
How to Remove an Outlook Account on iPhone or iPad
On iOS and iPadOS, an Outlook account may be added inside the Outlook mobile app or through Apple’s Mail settings. The user should check both places if mail continues to appear.
From the Outlook Mobile App
- Open the Outlook app.
- Tap the profile icon or mailbox icon in the upper-left corner.
- Tap the Settings gear icon.
- Select the account to be removed.
- Scroll down and tap Delete Account.
- Confirm the deletion from the device.
From iPhone Mail Settings
- Open Settings on the iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Mail, then select Accounts.
- Choose the Outlook, Microsoft, Exchange, or Hotmail account.
- Tap Delete Account.
- Confirm the action.
This removes mail, calendar, and contact syncing from the device if those options were enabled.
How to Remove an Outlook Account on Android
Android users may also have the account connected through the Outlook app or through the phone’s system accounts menu.
From the Outlook App on Android
- Open the Outlook app.
- Tap the account profile icon.
- Tap the Settings gear icon.
- Select the account that should be removed.
- Tap Delete Account.
- Confirm that the account should be removed from the app.
From Android System Settings
- Open Settings on the Android device.
- Go to Passwords & accounts, Accounts, or a similarly named menu.
- Select the Outlook, Microsoft, Exchange, or work account.
- Tap Remove account.
- Confirm the removal.
Menu names can differ by device manufacturer, but the account removal option is usually found in the main account or sync settings area.
How to Permanently Close a Microsoft Outlook Account
If the user wants to permanently delete an Outlook.com or Microsoft account, account closure must be completed through Microsoft’s account website. This is more serious than removing an account from Outlook.
- Go to the official Microsoft account closure page in a browser.
- Sign in with the Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or Microsoft account credentials.
- Verify identity using the requested security method.
- Review Microsoft’s closure checklist.
- Cancel active subscriptions, download OneDrive files, use remaining account balances, and save important emails.
- Select the checkboxes acknowledging what will be lost.
- Choose a reason for closing the account.
- Select Mark account for closure.
During the waiting period, the user may be able to reopen the account by signing in again and following Microsoft’s recovery prompts. After the waiting period ends, emails, files, and account access may be permanently deleted.
What to Do Before Deleting the Account
- Back up emails: Export important messages or forward them to another account.
- Save contacts: Export the contact list if it is needed later.
- Download calendar data: Save appointments, meetings, and reminders.
- Check OneDrive: Download personal files, photos, and shared documents.
- Update logins: Change the email address on banks, shopping sites, social accounts, and subscriptions.
- Cancel subscriptions: Review Microsoft 365, Xbox, Skype, and other paid services.
FAQ
Does removing an Outlook account delete all emails?
No. Removing an account from Outlook usually deletes only the local connection on that device. Emails normally remain on the mail server unless the full account is permanently closed or messages are manually deleted.
Can a deleted Outlook account be recovered?
If the Microsoft account was marked for closure, it may be recoverable during Microsoft’s waiting period. After that period ends, recovery may not be possible.
Why is the Remove button unavailable in Outlook for Windows?
The account may be the default or only account in the Outlook profile. The user may need to add another account, change the default data file, or create a new profile first.
Will deleting Outlook from a phone delete the email account?
No. Uninstalling the app removes the app and its local data, but the mailbox usually remains active online.
Can a work or school Outlook account be deleted by the user?
Usually not. Work and school accounts are managed by an organization, and an IT administrator controls deletion, licensing, and access removal.