How to Uninstall Outlook on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Uninstalling Outlook on Windows 11 isn’t too tricky, but it can be a bit confusing if you’re not used to navigating the Settings or if Outlook was installed through Microsoft 365. Sometimes, the process seems simple enough—go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Outlook, and click uninstall. But then, you might run into issues like Outlook not showing up, or it still hanging around after you’ve tried to get rid of it. That’s usually down to different install methods or leftover files. So, this guide covers a couple of ways to really clear it out, especially if the usual uninstall doesn’t do the trick or feels a bit incomplete. Plus, knowing how to tidy up apps can come in handy down the track if you’re troubleshooting or just giving your system a clean-up.

How to Uninstall Outlook in Windows 11

Method 1: Using the Built-in Apps Settings

This is the most common method, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s quick for most folks. Windows manages installed apps through its own interface, making it straightforward. If Outlook isn’t uninstalling properly or keeps cropping up after a normal removal, you might need to dig a bit deeper or make sure you’re removing all related bits.

• Open Settings by clicking the Start menu, then the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
• Go to Apps > Installed apps. On some setups, it might be labelled as Apps & Features.
• Scroll through the list or type ‘Outlook’ in the search bar. If Outlook was installed as part of Office, it could be listed under Microsoft 365 or something similar.
• Click on Outlook (or Microsoft Outlook), then hit the Uninstall button. Confirm any prompts that come up. If it’s part of Microsoft 365, Windows might ask if you want to remove just Outlook or the whole Office suite.

This approach usually works fine, especially if you installed Outlook on its own or via the Office suite. But sometimes, with apps like Outlook that integrate tightly, the uninstall might leave some bits behind or background services running. If Outlook keeps reinstalling itself or just won’t fully disappear, give the next method a go.

Method 2: Using PowerShell or Command Line

On some setups—particularly with Office 365 or if Outlook was installed via Click-to-Run—you’ll need to use a bit more of a direct approach. Here’s the deal: Microsoft’s Office apps are often installed with Microsoft Installer, but sometimes they’re pushed through Click-to-Run. So, removing them sometimes means using PowerShell or the Office Deployment Tool (ODT).

• First up, open PowerShell as an administrator: click the Start button, type PowerShell, right-click it, then select Run as administrator.
• To check what’s installed, you might try:

  Get-AppxPackage -Name "*Office*"

  but that mainly works for UWP apps. For regular Office installs, it’s better to use the Office Deployment Tool or specific uninstall commands.

• For Office 365 or Microsoft 365, you can try running commands like:

  C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.XXXX

  But for a full removal, Microsoft recommends using the Office Deployment Tool (ODT). You’ll download it, create a config XML to specify what you want gone, and run the appropriate commands.

  Honestly, it can get a bit convoluted, and Microsoft can make you jump through hoops to fully remove Office apps this way. Sometimes, just repairing or resetting Office does the trick.

Tips and extra tricks

If the standard uninstall doesn’t fully do the job—if you still see remnants like email data files or background services—then it’s worth running a cleanup tool. Programs like CCleaner or Microsoft’s own Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) can help tidy up any leftovers or registry entries. Just be cautious with registry cleaners—they can be handy but also risky if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

Another tip: if Outlook came with Office and you’re having trouble uninstalling it, the Office uninstall support tool from Microsoft can sometimes help clear out stubborn parts.

Summary

• Use Settings > Apps to uninstall normally.
• If that doesn’t quite do it, try PowerShell or the Office Deployment Tool.
• Check for leftover files or registry bits with cleanup tools.
• If all else fails, the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant for Office might do the trick.

Wrap-up

Uninstalling Outlook is usually pretty straightforward, but depending on how it was installed, things can get a bit tricky. It can be annoying when apps won’t go, but with a bit of elbow grease and some command-line tricks, it’s often doable. Just remember, if you’re removing Outlook that’s part of Office, other Office apps usually stay put without a fuss.

Hopefully, this helps save you a few hours. Keeping your system tidy and running smoothly is always a good call, especially if you don’t need Outlook hanging around anymore. Good luck, mate—hope your uninstall goes smoothly!