How to Clear Outlook Cache on Windows and Mac (Fast Steps)

Clearing the Outlook cache fixes loading issues, search problems, and outdated autocomplete entries. This guide shows quick methods for Windows and Mac.

How to Clear Outlook Cache on Windows and Mac?

1. Clear Autocomplete Cache

Use these steps to remove outdated autocomplete entries.

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select File.
3. Click Options.
   
4. Select Mail.
5. Scroll down to Send messages.
6. Click Empty Auto Complete List.
   
7. Press OK.

2. Clear Offline Outlook Data (OST File)

Follow these steps to refresh your local mailbox data.

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Press Windows + R.
3. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook
   
4. Right click the OST file for your account.
5. Delete the file.
6. Relaunch Outlook and let it rebuild the cache.

3. Clear Outlook Cache Folder

Use these steps to delete cached temporary files.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Press Windows + R.
3. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache
   
4. Select all cache files.
5. Delete them.
6. Restart Outlook.

Clear Outlook Cache on Mac

1. Reset the Outlook Search Index

Follow these steps to rebuild Outlook search indexing.

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select Outlook in the top menu.
3. Click Preferences.
4. Select Search.
5. Choose Rebuild.
6. Wait for indexing to complete.

2. Clear Offline Cache for an Email Account

Use these steps to refresh mailbox sync on Mac.

1. Open Outlook.
2. Hold Option and right click the Outlook icon in the Dock.
3. Select Outlook Profile Manager.
4. Choose your profile.
5. Click Reset.
6. Restart Outlook.

Clear Microsoft 365 Outlook Cache Online

Clear Web App Cache

Follow these steps to remove cached files in your browser.

1. Open your browser.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Select Cached images and files.
   
4. Click Clear.
5. Reload Outlook Web App.

If you want to set up templates for faster replies after clearing cache, check How To Create An Email Template In The New Outlook.

Why Clearing Outlook Cache Works

Deleting cached files forces Outlook to download fresh mailbox data and rebuild search indexes. This improves loading speed, fixes search errors, and removes outdated autocomplete entries.

Why You May Need to Clear Outlook Cache

• Outlook loads outdated mailbox data
• Search results feel incomplete or slow
• Autocomplete suggestions fail
• Add-ins cause sync delays

If you need help signing back in after clearing data, see How To Log In To Outlook Email. You can manage your contacts more easily by using the address book, and this guide explains how to access it clearly: how to find the address book in Outlook.

FAQs

Conclusion

Clearing your Outlook cache improves performance and fixes common sync and search issues on Windows, Mac, and Outlook Web. If you are setting up Outlook on a fresh device, see How To Create An Outlook Account for a complete setup walkthrough.