Where to find your profile picture setting
Your profile picture in Outlook appears in the top right corner of the screen, next to your name. To change it, click that corner area — it will open a small menu with your account information. Look for an option that says "Change picture" or shows your current photo. The exact wording depends on whether you use Outlook on the web, the desktop app for Windows, or Outlook on Mac, but the location is always the top right.
If you do not see a menu when you click, try right-clicking on your profile picture instead. Some versions of Outlook require a right-click to open the full set of options. If you still see nothing, you may be using a work or school account with restrictions — your IT department may have locked down profile picture changes.
Key Takeaways
- Your profile picture button is in the top right corner of Outlook, and clicking it opens a menu with a "Change picture" option.
- You can upload a photo from your computer, take a new photo with your camera, or remove your picture entirely.
- The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use Outlook on the web, Windows desktop, or Mac, but the menu location is the same.
- Work or school accounts sometimes have restrictions that prevent you from changing your picture — contact your IT support if the option does not appear.
Uploading a photo from your computer
Once you click your profile picture and see the menu, select "Change picture" or "Upload photo." A file browser window will open. Navigate to the folder where your photo is saved — usually Pictures, Downloads, or a folder you created yourself. Click the photo you want to use, then click "Open" or "Select." Outlook will upload the image and set it as your profile picture.
The photo does not have to be a specific size, but Outlook will crop it to a square. If your photo is wider than it is tall, Outlook will cut off the sides. If it is taller than it is wide, it will cut off the top and bottom. You can usually see a preview and adjust the crop before confirming, so take a moment to make sure the important part of your face or image is centered.
Taking a new photo with your camera
Instead of uploading an existing photo, you can take a new one directly in Outlook. In the same menu where you see "Change picture," look for an option like "Take a photo" or "Camera." Click it, and Outlook will ask permission to use your device's camera. Allow the permission, and a camera window will open.
Position yourself in front of the camera and click the button to take the shot. You will see a preview of the photo. If you like it, confirm and Outlook will set it as your picture. If not, take another one. This option is most common in Outlook on the web and newer versions of the Windows desktop app.
Removing your profile picture
If you want to remove your picture entirely and go back to a blank or default avatar, click your profile picture in the top right corner and look for an option like "Remove picture," "Delete photo," or a trash icon. Click it, and Outlook will remove your current image. Your account will show a generic avatar instead — usually a circle with your initials or a default icon.
Removing your picture does not delete the photo from your computer. It only removes it from your Outlook profile. You can add a new picture at any time by following the same steps.
Why your picture might not be changing
If you upload a photo but it does not appear, wait a few minutes — Outlook sometimes takes time to sync the change across all your devices and the web. If you use Outlook on multiple devices, the picture may appear on one device before the others. Refresh your browser or close and reopen the Outlook app to speed this up.
If the "Change picture" option is completely missing from your menu, your account may have restrictions. This is common with work or school accounts managed by an IT department. Contact your IT support or help desk to ask whether profile picture changes are blocked. They can either unlock the feature or change your picture for you.
Profile pictures and privacy
Your profile picture is visible to anyone you email or meet with in Outlook. If you use a work account, your picture may also appear in your company's directory or in shared documents. Think about what image you want people to see — a professional headshot for work, a casual photo for personal use, or no picture at all if you prefer privacy.
Changing your picture does not affect your email security or password. It is purely visual. Your picture is stored on Microsoft's servers along with your account, and you can change it or remove it whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo should I use?
Outlook accepts photos of any size, but it will crop them to a square. A photo that is already square (like 500 by 500 pixels) will not need cropping. A rectangular photo will have the sides or top and bottom cut off. There is no minimum or maximum file size, though very large files may take longer to upload.
Can I use a photo that is not of my face?
Yes. Your profile picture can be anything — a logo, a landscape, a pet, or an abstract image. Some people use professional logos for work accounts and casual photos for personal accounts. The choice is yours, though work policies may have guidelines about what is appropriate.
Will my old profile picture stay visible in old emails I sent?
No. When you change your profile picture, it updates everywhere your picture appears in Outlook, including in the history of emails you sent. People who open your old emails will see your new picture, not the old one.
Can I change my picture on my phone?
Yes, if you use the Outlook mobile app for iPhone or Android. Open the app, tap the menu icon (usually three lines), find your account settings, and look for profile or picture options. The steps vary slightly between iPhone and Android, but the feature is available on both.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to change my picture?
You will need to reset your password first. Go to the Outlook login page, click "Can't access your account," and follow the steps to verify your identity. Once you have reset your password and logged back in, you can change your picture normally.