How to Log Out of Hotmail: Comprehensive Guide

Choosing to log out of Hotmail (now known as Outlook) can be important for various reasons, whether it's to ensure your privacy, secure your account, or simply for forgetting to log out of different devices. This guide will walk you through the process of logging out, both from a phone, tablet, and computer, and even provide an option to sign out of all connected locations. Let's dive in!

Method 1: Logging Out on a Phone or Tablet

Hotmail allows users to log out of their accounts on mobile devices easily. This method will help you log out from your current session on a smartphone or tablet, but remember, you may still be logged in on other devices if you haven't signed out from those as well.

Locate the calendar and envelope icon, which is typically found in the top-left corner of the app. If no profile picture is set, you'll see an outline of a person instead. Tap the gear icon, usually found at the bottom-left corner of the screen. From the drop-down menu, find and tap the account you want to sign out from. This account is located below other accounts listed. To proceed with the sign-out, tap 'Delete Account.' A confirmation message will appear, stating that this action will only remove the app login from your phone or tablet; your email account isn't deleted. You can always add the account back later. Tap 'Delete' again to confirm and complete the sign-out process.

Once you've finished, you'll be signed out from this account on your phone or tablet. If you need to log back in later, simply open the app again and follow the prompts for account reauthentication.

Method 2: Logging Out on a Computer

For logging out from a desktop or laptop, the process is slightly different but still straightforward. Here's how you can log out:

Open your Hotmail inbox in a web browser. If you're already logged in, you'll see your inbox immediately. On the right-hand side, where your name or initials are displayed, click on them or your profile photo. From the drop-down menu, select 'Sign Out.' This action will log you out on your current computer.

Method 3: Logging Out of All Locations

If you want to log out of your Hotmail/Outlook account from all connected devices, you can use Microsoft's universal sign-out feature. This process may take up to 24 hours to apply across all devices.

Visit Sign in to your Microsoft account in your web browser. Here you can manage your security settings and log out of all devices. Click on 'Advanced security options.' This option is usually found within the security settings menu. Next, click on 'Sign me out.' This will initiate the sign-out process on all connected devices but may have a delay. Finally, click 'Sign me out to confirm.' Once you confirm, your Hotmail/Outlook account will be signed out from all connected devices within the next 24 hours.

It's essential to secure your account further by changing your password if you suspect unauthorized access. Enabling two-factor authentication also adds a crucial layer of security, as it requires users to provide a second form of authentication in addition to their password.

Following these steps ensures that your Hotmail/Outlook account is properly secured and that you have the peace of mind knowing your information is safe.