Read time: 4 Min
Microsoft Outlook creates a cache file that stores temporary data, helping emails to load faster and improve performance. Over time, the size of the cache file gets so large that it affects Outlook performance. The major issue a user faces is slow Outlook, frequent freezing, or unexpected errors while working. Clearing Outlook cache at regular intervals helps to remove unnecessary temporary files, resolve performance issues ensuring Outlook runs smoothly. In this article, we will discuss various methods to clear Outlook cache in Windows 11, 10, and ensure smooth Outlook operations.
Why is Deleting the Cache is Important in Outlook?
There are various benefits if you clear Outlook cache, some of them include:
- Improve Outlook speed: After deleting the cached data saved by Outlook, you can see a change in its performance. It will be responsive and faster.
- Fix autocomplete errors: Over time, Outlook saves the email addresses you use. When you type in the To, Cc, or Bcc fields, it automatically suggests addresses. Some of these addresses may become outdated or no longer in use. Clearing the Outlook cache helps fix this issue.
- Resolve synchronization issues: Outlook, when connected to any email account, creates an offline file that contains complete mailbox data. However, sometimes if the Outlook data file too large, it can cause a sync issue. No new mail update or Outlook not receiving emails, some emails are missing, delayed, etc.
- Remove corrupted temporary data: If the Outlook cache file gets corrupted, then the user can face many issues. Then it is best to delete the corrupted file and let Outlook create a new file.
Here are a few important points that show the importance of clearing the cache file from Outlook. Now, let’s check out the solutions to do that.
How to Clear Outlook Cache to Increase Performance?
Here in this section, we will discuss the effective solutions to delete the cache data from Outlook. Let’s check out what they are.
1. Clear Autocomplete List
When you send emails and type in the “To” field, Outlook saves the email address as a suggestion. However, with time, it became outdated and caused unnecessary issues. In that, you need to delete them. For that, follow the steps:
- Open Outlook → Go to File → Options → Mail
- Scroll to the Send Messages section
- Click Empty Auto-Complete List
2. Delete RoamCache Files
RoamCache is a folder that stores temporary Outlook data in your system. It is helpful to work in Outlook faster; however, it is the same thing that later causes issues. Deleting it can resolve performance issues. Here are the steps:
- Close Outlook completely
- Press Windows + R, type: %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache
- Press Enter, select all files, and delete them
3. Clear Offline Address Book (OAB) Cache
Offline Address Book is a copy of the company address book, downloaded by Outlook on your system. The Offline Address Book cache can cause syncing issues; thus, deleting it forces Outlook to save the new and updated one. Here are the steps:
- Press Windows + R, type: %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\Offline Address Book
- Press Enter, delete all files inside the folder
4. Clear Forms Cache
Outlook custom templates are used to create emails, meeting requests, etc. To load it faster, Outlook saves the form cache. Deleting them can make space for new emails and reduce the size of your Outlook. Here are the Steps:
- Open Outlook → File → Options → Advanced
- Scroll to Developers → Custom Forms → Manage Forms
- Click Clear Cache
5. Rebuild OST File
If you are still facing the issue, then a new cache file needs to be built. If your OST file is corrupted or too large, rebuilding it can restore speed. Simple steps for that:
- Close Outlook
- Press Windows+R ans type : %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook
- Find your .ost file → Rename it (e.g., add .old)
- Restart Outlook → It will rebuild a fresh OST file
Here are the simple and efficient solutions to clear Outlook cache and solve Outlook running slow issue.
Conclusion
An Outlook user may face the issue of Outlook running slow due to huge cache data. You can fix these issues by following the steps mentioned in the blog above to clear Outlook cache in Windows 11, 10 on your PC or laptop. Clearing Outlook cache regularly is a simple and effective method to boost Outlook performance.
