Where to find your profile picture setting in Outlook

Your Outlook profile picture appears in the top right corner of Outlook on the web and in the Outlook desktop app. To change it, click that picture or your initials in the top right corner, then select View account or Change profile picture depending on which version you're using. The exact wording varies slightly between Outlook on the web, Outlook for Windows, and Outlook for Mac, but the location is always the same corner.

If you're using Outlook on the web through a browser, you'll see your picture or initials in the very top right. Click it and look for an option that says View profile or Change picture. If you're using the Outlook desktop app on Windows or Mac, the same corner holds your profile image — click it to open the menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Your profile picture lives in the top right corner of Outlook — click it to open the menu where you can change it.
  • You can upload a photo from your computer, take a new photo with your camera, or remove your picture entirely.
  • Changes made in Outlook on the web sync to the Outlook desktop app and to your Microsoft 365 account across all apps.
  • The picture you set in Outlook also appears in Teams, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 apps that show your profile.

Uploading a photo from your computer

Once you click your profile picture and select the change option, you'll see a window that lets you choose how to add a new image. Select Upload photo or Browse (the exact button name depends on your version). Your file browser will open, and you can navigate to any photo on your computer.

Outlook accepts common image formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP. The photo should be at least 200 by 200 pixels to display clearly, though Outlook will resize it automatically. Once you select the file, you may see a preview where you can crop or adjust the image before confirming. Click Save or Done to explore the change.

Taking a new photo with your camera

If you want to use a photo you take right now instead of one already on your computer, Outlook on the web and the Outlook desktop app both offer a camera option. When you open the profile picture menu, look for Take photo or Camera. Your browser or app will ask permission to use your webcam — grant it, and you'll see a live preview.

Position yourself in the frame and click the button to capture the photo. Most versions let you retake it if you're not happy with the first shot. Once you confirm the image, Outlook crops it to a square and saves it as your profile picture. The change takes effect when ready.

Removing your profile picture

If you want to remove your photo and go back to showing only your initials, open the profile picture menu the same way. Look for a Delete, Remove, or trash icon option. Click it, and Outlook will remove the image. Your profile will then display your initials in a colored circle instead.

This action is reversible — you can upload or take a new photo at any time using the same steps. Removing your picture does not affect any other settings in your Outlook account.

How the change appears across Microsoft 365

The profile picture you set in Outlook is not separate from your Microsoft 365 account picture. When you change it in Outlook, the same image updates in Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and any other Microsoft 365 app you use. Anyone in your organization who sees your profile card in Teams or Outlook will see the same photo.

If you change your picture in Outlook on the web, it syncs to your desktop app within a few minutes. If you change it in the Outlook desktop app, the change appears in Outlook on the web just as quickly. The sync is automatic and requires no extra steps from you.

Troubleshooting a picture that won't change

If you upload a photo but it doesn't appear, first check that the file is in a supported format (JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP) and at least 200 by 200 pixels. If the format is correct, sign out of Outlook completely and sign back in — sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the new image.

If you're using Outlook on the web and the picture still won't update, try a different browser or clear your browser cache. If you're using the desktop app, restart the process. If the problem persists after these steps, your organization's IT department may have restrictions on profile pictures — contact them to check whether your account has limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo that's already in OneDrive or SharePoint instead of uploading from my computer?

Outlook on the web does not have a direct option to link to a OneDrive or SharePoint photo. You must read the image to your computer first, then upload it through the profile picture menu. Once uploaded, Outlook stores the image as part of your account profile.

What size should my profile picture be?

Outlook displays your picture as a small square in the top right corner and in profile cards. A photo at least 200 by 200 pixels works well. Outlook will crop any image to a square and resize it automatically, so you don't need to edit it beforehand — just make sure it's not too small or blurry.

If I change my profile picture, will it change for everyone who has me in their contacts?

Yes. When you update your picture in Outlook, anyone in your organization who views your profile card or sees you in Teams will see the new image. The change is when ready and applies across all Microsoft 365 apps.

Can I set different profile pictures for work and personal Outlook accounts?

Yes. If you have both a work account and a personal Microsoft account, each one has its own profile picture setting. Change the picture for each account separately by signing into that account and following the same steps. The pictures do not sync between accounts.