What is AutoComplete?


AutoComplete is the feature in Outlook when you enter a few characters in an email address - suggested addresses are presented to you. This auto complete method helps save you time in entering the full email address for those contacts you communicate to often.  If AutoComplete is enabled, each time you send an email that address is cached for use later.



Concerns with AutoComplete


The AutoComplete cache can become corrupted over time, or become filled and no longer save new entries.  Also, over time you'll have addresses that you may no longer want presented back to you.   If you have concerns with your autocomplete list, you can remove AutoComplete list entries one at a time. Or, you can chose to clear the AutoComplete list entirely - then build it back up again over time.


It is recommended that you remove unneeded entries periodically - when you are aware of changed  email addresses for example.  This helps ensure that when you select an AutoComplete entry it is to a current address and that you do not send email to addresses you did not intend.

 


How to Remove AutoComplete List Entries One at a Time


  • Open Outlook and Open a New email message

  • In the TO field of the message, Type the first few characters of the AutoComplete entry that you want to remove

  • When the entry appears in the list of suggestions,
    move your mouse pointer over the suggestion until it becomes highlighted, but don't select it.

  • When the X icon appears next to the highlighted suggestion,
    Select the X to remove the entry from the list

    Do not worry... Selecting X will prevent that name entry from appearing in the AutoComplete list again but is doe not remove it from your account. This entry may still appear in other areas in Outlook (such as search boxes).


NOTE: Keep in mind, if you send a person a new email after you've removed their name from the AutoComplete list, their information will be place back into the AutoComplete list.



How to Clear the Entire AutoComplete list


  • Open Outlook
  • On the File tab, select Options
  • Select the Mail tab
  • Under Send Messages, select Empty Auto-Complete List
  • If asked to confirm, Select Yes


Your cached list will be empty. As you send a person a new email after you've cleared the list their information will be placed back into the AutoComplete list.  You will repopulate your AutoComplete list over time.