Fixing Outlook AutoComplete: Common Issues and Effective Solutions

Published On - December 23, 2024 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 5 minutes

When drafting emails using Outlook, the Outlook AutoComplete feature helps save so much time when sending them. For frequent users, it speeds up the process and is rather convenient. But what if this helpful feature ceases to function? It can disrupt your workflow and leave it entirely off track. Here is a blog to explore why the Outlook AutoComplete list is malfunctioning and multiple solutions to resolve it. However, if the cause is a corrupt or inconsistent OST file, using the Regain OST to PST Converter Tool can help. Read this blog till the end to find a perfect troubleshooting method and fix the Outlook error.

What is Autocomplete Outlook 365 Not Working Error?

This Outlook error occurs when the AutoComplete feature in Microsoft Outlook is unable to suggest email addresses while composing an email. Under normal circumstances, starting to type in the ‘To,’ ‘Cc,’ or ‘Bcc’ boxes will display a list of previously used or saved email addresses. Further, you can select directly with Outlook’s AutoComplete feature. However, when this feature fails to work, the user has to look up or type full email addresses. This causes inconvenience and takes more time.

Why Does Outlook AutoComplete Address Stops Working?

The AutoComplete feature of Outlook relies on an internal cache for recently used email addresses. The feature will stop working if there is a problem with this cache or the Outlook client. To resolve the issue, it is important to know the causes of such errors:

• AutoComplete feature may be turned off in settings.
• A corrupted AutoComplete cache can also cause disruptions.
• An older version of Outlook may lead to compatibility problems.
• Incompatible add-ins can interfere with Outlook’s functionality.
• The AutoComplete cache must have reached its storage limit.
• Oversized or corrupted OST files can also affect AutoComplete.

Now that we know why this problem occurs, let’s move on to finding the right solutions.

How to Fix Outlook Auto Complete Malfunctioning Error?

Here are some troubleshooting manual steps to fix the issue of autocomplete Outlook 365. You can try them one-by-one, finding one that best suits your Outlook error requirements.

Method 1: Enable Outlook AutoComplete

There are various instances, when users might not notice that the AutoComplete feature is disabled- Outlook Turn Off Autocomplete. It is possible due to default settings or accidental changes. In that case, Outlook won’t suggest email addresses. Therefore, you must ensure it’s enabled. Here’s how to do so:

1. Run the MS Outlook and go to File.
2. Then, choose Options > Select Mail.
3. Later, scroll down to the ‘Send Messages’ section.
4. Check if the box ‘Use Auto-Complete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc lines’ is checked.
5. At last, click OK to save the introduced changes.

Additional tip: Click on Empty AutoComplete List to remove/clear the old data if suggestions are not accurate.

Method 2: Update the Outlook Version

If you are using an outdated Outlook version, this can also lead to AutoComplete functionality errors. This is because older Outlook may have bugs. In addition, it may cause compatibility issues, affecting AutoComplete features. So, you must update your Outlook to the latest version, introducing the latest patches and enhancements. Here are the steps:

1. Launch the Outlook application and go to File > click on Office Account.
2. Click on Update Options, then choose Update Now.
3. If you find any recent update, install it and restart Outlook.

Is the Outlook autocomplete error resolved? If not, proceed with other solutions.

Method 3: Rebuild the Outlook AutoComplete List

You might have seen sometimes that the AutoComplete list suggests incorrect or outdated email addresses. The reason is that the AutoComplete cache might be corrupted over time, thus causing malfunctioning. Well, in that case, rebuilding the list can help. Follow the steps given to rebuild:

1. Open the File menu in Outlook and choose Options.
2. Then, click on the Mail option and choose “Empty AutoComplete List” to remove the current AutoComplete list.
3. Now, you need to compose emails and send them to frequently contacted individuals.

Thus, your new Auto-complete list will populate and this may solve the Outlook address autocomplete error.

Note: MS Outlook has an AutoComplete Cache Limit. It restricts the number of mail address entries in the Outlook AutoComplete list. Well, if the cache reaches its limit, adding new entries stops.

Method 4: Recreating the RoamCache Folder

If you know, the RoamCache folder in Outlook stores AutoComplete data. If this gets corrupted or inaccessible, it might disrupt the AutoComplete feature. However, recreating the Roamcache Folder can fix this issue. Here are the steps to recreate:

1. Ensure the Outlook application is closed properly.
2. Next, press Windows + R. Type ‘%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook’. Tap on Enter.
3. Find the RoamCache folder in Outlook. Rename it to RoamCache_old.
4. Finally, restart MS Outlook. You will see, a new RoamCache folder is automatically created.

Recreating the RoamCache Folder refreshes the AutoComplete functionality. Hence, resolving errors caused by corrupted RoamCache.

Method 5: Remove Faulty Add-ins (If Any)

Many users install several add-ins from third-party sources to enhance the performance of the application. However, they can sometimes interfere with Outlook features. This is usually when your installed add-ins are not compatible with the Outlook version you are using. So, let us first find out the faulty add-ins and disable them, if any:

1. Run your Outlook in Safe Mode. (Press Win + R, type Outlook.exe /safe > Enter).
2. Once it’s done, open Outlook on your system.
3. On the top-left, click File > Click on Options > choose Add-ins.
4. Then, click Go next to Manage COM Add-ins.
5. Here, deselect all the installed add-ins and click OK.
6. Restart your Outlook. Re-enable individual add-ins and identify the faulty ones.

Method 6: Create a New Profile in Outlook

Damage or corruption to the current user profile may also interfere with several Outlook functions. So, you need to create a new Outlook profile to resolve the issue. Here is how to do it:

1. Exit the Outlook application and launch the Control Panel.
2. Find the Mail option in the list > click on Show Profiles > and then on Add.
3. Here, generate a name for the new profile and configure your email account.
4. Lastly, make the new profile the default Outlook profile.

This will fix all profile-causing errors and resolve AutoComplete. However, if none of the above methods worked, possibly your OST file is corrupt or damaged. Let us fix it to fix autocomplete email addresses in Outlook.

Method 7: Rebuild the Outlook OST File

This is one of the major reasons why Outlook features malfunction- a damaged or oversized OST file. Corrupt OST files can also prevent AutoComplete from working. Thus, rebuilding the OST file can fix the issue:

1. Firstly, close the Outlook application and open the Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Mail > click on Show Profiles > select Data Files.
3. Then, select your email account and click Open File Location.
4. Rename the OST file by adding .bak to its extension.
5. Re-launch Outlook. A new OST file will be created automatically and synced with the server.

We have an advanced solution for the error as well. If the OST file becomes inaccessible, convert OST to PST and recover data from corrupt OST. This will definitely help you in restoring the functionality. Wondering how? Here is a reliable tool to help you recover data quickly.

Advanced Solution to Recover OST File Data to PST

Download the Regain OST to PST Converter and restore Outlook data to PST format with ease. The tool stands among one of the most recommended software and is easiest to use. It is loaded with various extraordinary features to facilitate the recovery of OST files into different formats.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

Here are steps to operate the software and recover OST file data:

1. Install and start the OST File to PST Converter Tool on your PC.
2. Add OST files to the tool, the tool begins to scan the added file.
3. Preview the Outlook mailbox data in the preview panel.
4. Click on Export, and choose a folder to save the Output PST file.
5. Choose to Save OST to PST format, and click on Convert Now.

Conclusion

Outlook autocomplete features are the cornerstone for effectively sending emails. However, sometimes, cache corruption, outdated software, or some faulty add-ins may compromise the feature. The solutions outlined above should help when troubleshooting and resolving the problem. If the problem arises due to a problematic OST file, then recovery data can be best achieved with an OST to PST Converter Tool. Hence, troubleshoot Outlook functionalities with the provided solutions.