how to delete autofill email address in outlook 365
How to Delete Autofill Email Address in Outlook 365
Outlook 365 is a popular email client used by millions of individuals and businesses around the world. One of its convenient features is autofill, which automatically suggests email addresses as you type in the recipient field. While this can save time and effort, there may be instances when you want to delete an autofill email address in Outlook 365. Whether it’s an outdated contact or a misspelled address, removing unwanted autofill suggestions can help streamline your email experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of deleting autofill email addresses in Outlook 365, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable insights along the way.
Understanding Autofill in Outlook 365
Before we delve into the process of deleting autofill email addresses, it’s important to understand how autofill works in Outlook 365. When you compose a new email and start typing in the recipient field, Outlook 365 automatically suggests email addresses based on your previous contacts and email history. This feature is designed to save time and make it easier to select the correct recipient. However, it can also lead to unwanted suggestions or outdated email addresses.
Autofill in Outlook 365 is powered by the Auto-Complete feature, which stores a list of email addresses you have previously used. This list is stored locally on your computer and is separate from your Outlook contacts. While this can be convenient, it also means that the autofill suggestions may not always reflect your current contacts or preferences.
Why Delete Autofill Email Addresses?
There are several reasons why you might want to delete autofill email addresses in Outlook 365:
- Outdated contacts: Over time, your contact list may change, and some email addresses may become outdated. Deleting autofill suggestions that are no longer relevant can help ensure that you select the correct recipients.
- Misspelled addresses: If you have accidentally misspelled an email address in the past, Outlook 365 may continue to suggest the incorrect address. Removing these suggestions can prevent future errors.
- Privacy concerns: If you share your computer with others or use a public computer, you may not want certain email addresses to appear as autofill suggestions. Deleting these suggestions can help protect your privacy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Autofill Email Addresses
Now that we understand the importance of deleting autofill email addresses, let’s walk through the process step-by-step:
Step 1: Open Outlook 365
Launch Outlook 365 on your computer by clicking on the Outlook icon or searching for it in the Start menu. Make sure you are connected to the internet to access your email account.
Step 2: Compose a New Email
In the Outlook 365 interface, click on the “New Email” button to start composing a new email. This will open a blank email window where you can enter the recipient’s email address.
Step 3: Start Typing the Email Address
In the recipient field of the new email window, start typing the email address for which you want to delete the autofill suggestion. As you type, Outlook 365 will display a dropdown list of suggested email addresses.
Step 4: Select the Unwanted Autofill Suggestion
Using the arrow keys on your keyboard or by clicking on the suggestion with your mouse, select the unwanted autofill suggestion that you want to delete. This will highlight the suggestion in the recipient field.
Step 5: Delete the Autofill Suggestion
To delete the selected autofill suggestion, press the “Delete” key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click on the suggestion and choose the “Remove” or “Delete” option from the context menu.
Step 6: Confirm the Deletion
After deleting the autofill suggestion, Outlook 365 may display a confirmation prompt asking if you want to remove the suggestion. Click on the “Yes” or “OK” button to confirm the deletion.
Step 7: Repeat for Other Unwanted Suggestions
If you have multiple unwanted autofill suggestions, repeat steps 4 to 6 for each suggestion until you have removed all the undesired email addresses.
Step 8: Close and Reopen Outlook 365
To ensure that the deleted autofill suggestions are no longer displayed, close Outlook 365 and reopen it. This will refresh the autofill cache and remove any deleted suggestions from the list.
Best Practices for Managing Autofill in Outlook 365
While deleting unwanted autofill email addresses can be helpful, it’s also important to establish best practices for managing autofill in Outlook 365. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this feature:
- Regularly review and update your contacts: Keeping your contact list up to date can help ensure that the autofill suggestions in Outlook 365 are accurate and relevant. Take the time to review and update your contacts periodically.
- Use the “Suggested Contacts” feature: Outlook 365 includes a “Suggested Contacts” folder where it stores email addresses that you have sent emails to but haven’t added to your contacts. This can be a useful resource for managing autofill suggestions.
- Manually add or remove email addresses: If you frequently email someone who is not in your contacts, you can manually add their email address to ensure it appears as an autofill suggestion. Similarly, if you want to prevent a specific email address from appearing as a suggestion, you can manually remove it from the Auto-Complete list.
- Clear the Auto-Complete cache: If you want to start fresh with autofill suggestions in Outlook 365, you can clear the Auto-Complete cache. This will remove all previously used email addresses and allow Outlook 365 to build a new list based on your recent contacts.
FAQs
Q: Can I delete all autofill suggestions in Outlook 365?
A: Yes, you can delete all autofill suggestions in Outlook 365 by clearing the Auto-Complete cache. This will remove all previously used email addresses and start fresh with a new list of suggestions.
Q: Will deleting an autofill suggestion remove the email address from my contacts?
A: No, deleting an autofill suggestion in Outlook 365 will only remove it from the Auto-Complete list. It will not delete the email address from your contacts. If you want to remove an email address from your contacts, you will need to do so separately.
Q: Can I restore a deleted autofill suggestion in Outlook 365?
A: Unfortunately, once you delete an autofill suggestion in Outlook 365, it cannot be restored. If you accidentally delete a suggestion, you will need to manually enter the email address the next time you want to send an email to that recipient.
Conclusion
Deleting autofill email addresses in Outlook 365 can help streamline your email experience and ensure that you select the correct recipients. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily remove unwanted autofill suggestions and manage your autofill preferences effectively. Remember to regularly review and update your contacts to keep the autofill suggestions accurate and relevant. By implementing these best practices, you can make the most of the autofill feature in Outlook 365 and enhance your productivity.