When you enable Cached Exchange Mode in Microsoft Outlook, a copy of your mailbox is saved on your computer. This copy provides quick access to your data and is typically updated with the Microsoft Exchange server. Cached mode is the default when you add an exchange or Microsoft 365 account, but cannot be used with a POP or IMAP account. Many users find that Cached Exchange Mode offers a better experience when using an Exchanged Account.
How to disable or enable Cache Exchange Mode in Outlook
Follow the steps below to enable Cache Exchange Mode in Outlook:
Related Article: Group emails not sending or coming to my Inbox in Outlook
- Launch Outlook.
- Click File
- On the Info tab, click Account Settings and select Accounts settings from the menu.
- On the Email tab, click Exchange or Microsoft 365, then click the Change button.
- Check the checkbox for Use Cache Exchange Mode to download email to an outlook data file.
- Click Next, then click Done.
- Restart Outlook
- Click the File tab on the menu bar.
- On the Info tab, click the Account Settings
- Then click the Accounts Settings option from the menu.
- An Account Settings dialog box will open.
- On the Email tab, click Exchange or Microsoft 365 in the Name box. We are using Microsoft 365.
- Click the Change
- An Exchange Settings dialog box will open.
- “Use Cache Exchange Mode” can help improve performance when working with Outlook data files (.Ost). This feature allows Outlook to download email to an offline data file (.ost), which can improve performance.
If the user is a Microsoft 365 subscriber with semi-annual updates, check to Use Cached Exchange Mode to download email to an Outlook data file.
Click Next, then click Done.
Restart Outlook for all your changes to take effect.
The Cache Exchange Mode option in Outlook is greyed out if you only have a POP3 or IMAP account, or if you are using Windows Server with Terminal Services installed.
Should I use Cached Exchange Mode?
It’s always a good idea to use Cached Exchange Mode with a Microsoft 365 account. Online Mode pulls information directly from the server, so it requires a solid connection. Cached Exchange Mode lets you keep working with items in your Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Exchange Server mailbox, even when your network connection is slow or unavailable. However, Cached Exchange Mode isn’t available for POP or IMAP accounts.
How do I enable Cached Exchange mode in Outlook?
Follow the steps below to enable Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook:
- Click the File tab
- Click Options on the backstage view.
- On the Info tab, click the Account Settings button.
- Then click the Accounts Settings option from the menu.
- On the Email tab, click the Exchange.
- A Change Account dialog box will open.
- Under Offline, disable or enable the Use Cached Exchange Mode checkbox.
- Click Next, Ok, the Finish.
- Then close the dialog box.
Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.