How to Sign Out of Outlook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Signing Out of Outlook is Important

Signing out of your Outlook account is an essential security measure that protects your sensitive information from unauthorized access. If you leave your Outlook account signed in on a shared device or public computer, anyone can access your emails, contacts, and other personal data.

Moreover, if you forget to sign out of Outlook on a public device, you expose yourself to the risk of identity theft, as someone can use your account to impersonate you or perform malicious activities.

By signing out of Outlook, you ensure that your information remains private and secure. So, it’s essential to get into the habit of signing out of your Outlook account after each use, especially on public or shared devices.

How to Sign Out of Outlook on a Desktop Computer

To sign out of your Outlook account on a desktop computer, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Outlook and click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen.

2. In the dropdown menu, click on “Sign Out” at the bottom.

3. If you have multiple accounts signed in, you’ll see an option to “Sign Out of All Accounts.” Click on it if you want to sign out of all your accounts simultaneously.

4. Outlook will redirect you to the sign-in page, indicating that you have successfully signed out of your account.

Alternatively, you can sign out of your Outlook account from the main settings menu. Here’s how:

1. Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen.

2. Click on “Account Settings,” then select “Account Settings” again from the dropdown menu.

3. In the Account Settings window, select the account you want to sign out of, then click on “Remove.”

4. Confirm that you want to remove the account by clicking on “Yes.”

5. Outlook will remove the account from the list, indicating that you have signed out.

How to Sign Out of Outlook on a Mobile Device

To sign out of your Outlook account on a mobile device, the steps may vary slightly depending on your device and operating system. However, the general process is similar across devices. Here are the steps for signing out of your Outlook account on an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Outlook app and tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the screen.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and tap on “Settings.”

3. In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Account.”

4. Tap on the email account you want to sign out of.

5. Tap on “Delete Account” at the bottom of the screen.

6. Confirm that you want to delete the account by tapping on “Delete Account” again.

7. Outlook will remove the account from the app, indicating that you have successfully signed out.

On an Android device, the steps may vary slightly, but the general process is similar. You’ll need to find the settings menu within the app and look for an option to remove the account or sign out.

What to Do if You Can’t Sign Out of Outlook

If you’re unable to sign out of your Outlook account for any reason, there are a few steps you can take to protect your information:

1. Close the app or browser: If you’re using Outlook on a shared device or public computer, you can simply close the app or browser to prevent others from accessing your account. However, this is not a foolproof solution, as someone could potentially reopen the app or browser and access your account if you haven’t signed out.

2. Change your password: If you’re unable to sign out of your Outlook account, changing your password is a good idea. This will prevent anyone from accessing your account, even if they know your old password. To change your password, go to the Outlook settings menu and look for the option to change your password.

3. Contact support: If you’re still unable to sign out of your Outlook account or change your password, you should contact Microsoft support for assistance. They may be able to help you sign out remotely or provide additional guidance on how to protect your account.

Tips for Keeping Your Outlook Account Secure

Here are some tips to help you keep your Outlook account secure:

1. Use a strong password: Create a unique and strong password for your Outlook account that includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your name or birthdate.

2. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code in addition to your password when signing in. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your account.

3. Sign out when you’re done: Always sign out of your Outlook account when you’re done using it, especially on shared or public devices. This helps protect your information from unauthorized access.

4. Keep your software up-to-date: Make sure your operating system, web browser, and Outlook app are up-to-date to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

5. Be cautious with emails: Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware or phishing scams that can compromise your account. If you receive a suspicious email, report it to Microsoft and delete it from your inbox.