Understanding Outlook AutoComplete
Outlook's AutoComplete feature, also known as the nickname cache, is a handy tool that speeds up email composition by suggesting recipient addresses as you type. This feature automatically populates with contacts you've previously emailed.
By default, AutoComplete is enabled. However, you have full control – you can easily turn it off or on as needed to suit your workflow.
Turning On/Off How to Enable or Disable AutoComplete
To manage AutoComplete, follow these simple steps:
1. Open Outlook Options: Click the 'File' tab, then 'Options'.
2. Navigate to Mail: In the Outlook Options dialog, select the 'Mail' tab.
3. Find Send messages: Scroll down to the 'Send messages' section.
4. Toggle AutoComplete: Check the box labeled 'Use Auto-Complete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc lines' to enable AutoComplete. Uncheck it to disable it.
Once disabled, suggestions won't appear as you type in the To, Cc, or Bcc fields. Note that disabling AutoComplete doesn't clear the existing list; re-enabling it will restore your previous suggestions. For more information on removing entries from the AutoComplete list, see our related articles.
“Take control of your email composition with Outlook AutoComplete. It's all about efficiency!
The Outlook Team
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Important Things to Keep in Mind
Turning off AutoComplete will not delete the existing suggestions. Your AutoComplete list will remain intact, and enabling the feature again will repopulate the suggestions.
Consider the implications of this feature on your privacy and the possibility of accidentally sending an email to the wrong recipient. Reviewing and managing your AutoComplete list regularly is recommended for optimal performance.