Clearing the AutoComplete list in Outlook is a handy trick if you want to tidy up your email suggestions. Have you ever noticed when typing an email address, a list of suggestions pops up? That’s the AutoComplete list. It’s super helpful, but sometimes it gets cluttered with old or incorrect addresses. Let’s go through how you can clear it out in a few easy steps.
Step by Step Tutorial: Clearing the AutoComplete List in Outlook
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that clearing the AutoComplete list will remove all the email addresses that pop up when you’re typing in the ‘To’ field. This can be great for cleaning up outdated information but make sure you remember the email addresses you frequently use!
Step 1: Open Outlook
Open your Outlook application to start the process.
Outlook is the program you use for your emails. If you’re not sure how to open it, you can click the start menu at the bottom left corner of your screen and type ‘Outlook’.
Step 2: Go to the File Tab
Click on the ‘File’ tab at the top left corner of Outlook.
The ‘File’ tab is where you can find all the behind-the-scenes options for Outlook, like account settings and options for your mailbox.
Step 3: Click on Options
Inside the ‘File’ tab, select ‘Options’ to access more settings.
The ‘Options’ menu lets you change how Outlook behaves, from the way it looks to the way it handles your emails.
Step 4: Select the Mail Category
In the ‘Options’ menu, click on ‘Mail’ from the list of categories on the left.
The ‘Mail’ category has settings related to your email messages, like composing messages, managing replies, and, of course, the AutoComplete list.
Step 5: Clear the AutoComplete List
Scroll down to the ‘Send messages’ section and click on ‘Empty Auto-Complete List’.
When you click ‘Empty Auto-Complete List’, you’ll see a message asking if you’re sure you want to clear out the list. Once you click ‘Yes’, all the stored email addresses will be gone!
After completing these steps, your AutoComplete list will be completely cleared out. The next time you start typing in an email address, Outlook won’t suggest any addresses. This can make your email experience feel fresh and uncluttered.
Tips for Clearing the AutoComplete List in Outlook
- Before clearing your AutoComplete list, take a moment to jot down any important email addresses you don’t want to forget.
- Remember, clearing the list cannot be undone, so be sure you want to proceed before clicking ‘Yes’.
- If you only want to remove specific email addresses, simply start typing them in the ‘To’ field and press the ‘Delete’ key when they appear.
- Clearing the AutoComplete list does not affect your actual contacts list in Outlook.
- If you find the AutoComplete feature annoying, you can turn it off entirely in the same ‘Mail’ section of Outlook options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover the AutoComplete list after I’ve cleared it?
No, once the AutoComplete list is cleared, it cannot be recovered. But don’t worry, as you send more emails, Outlook will start building a new list.
Will clearing the AutoComplete list remove my contacts?
No, clearing the AutoComplete list will not remove or affect your saved contacts. It only clears the suggestions that appear while typing in the ‘To’ field.
Can I turn off the AutoComplete feature?
Yes, you can turn off the AutoComplete feature. In the ‘Mail’ section of Outlook options, uncheck the box that says ‘Use Auto-Complete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc lines’.
Does clearing the AutoComplete list affect all my email accounts?
If you have multiple email accounts set up in Outlook, clearing the AutoComplete list will affect all of them.
Is the AutoComplete list the same as my browser’s autofill?
No, the AutoComplete list in Outlook is specific to the Outlook program and is separate from any autofill features in your web browser.
Summary
- Open Outlook.
- Go to the ‘File’ tab.
- Click on ‘Options’.
- Select the ‘Mail’ category.
- Click ‘Empty Auto-Complete List’.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clearing the AutoComplete list in Outlook can be a quick and effective way to streamline your email experience. Whether you’re dealing with outdated addresses or simply want a fresh start, following the steps outlined in this article will help you achieve that with ease. Remember that while this action cannot be undone, it can significantly improve your email efficiency by eliminating irrelevant suggestions. Additionally, keeping the tips in mind will ensure that you don’t lose any important information and that your email workflow remains uninterrupted. Now that you know how to clear the AutoComplete list in Outlook, you can take control of your email suggestions and tailor them to your current needs. Happy emailing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.