In Microsoft Outlook, you have the flexibility to work either online or offline with your mail server. When you need to access your emails without an internet connection, this capability comes in handy.
Nevertheless, unless you turn off the Work Offline in Outlook, you won't be able to send or receive emails if you see an error message that reads "Working Offline" in the Outlook status bar at the bottom.
In this article, we'll walk you through the process of turning off work offline in Outlook on Mac and Windows machines.
What is Microsoft Outlook?
Microsoft Outlook is the preferred email client used for sending and receiving emails by accessing Microsoft Exchange Server email. Outlook also offers task management, email, calendar, and contact functions.
Although it can be used independently, Microsoft Outlook is also included with Office 365 and the Microsoft Office suite, which also contains PowerPoint and Excel.
Outlook can be used as multiuser software for businesses or as stand-alone email software for individuals.
Users may work together with coworkers, share documents and project notes, send reminders, and more by integrating it with Microsoft SharePoint.
You can also use a free, browser-based version of Outlook with limited features. People who don't need the full-fledged app can opt for that version rather than a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Offline Access in the New Outlook for Windows
Outlook 2016 for Windows also lets you work offline. When enabled, it saves a copy of your emails, calendar events, and contacts to your device. This provides access to these items when you are offline and improves performance when you are online.
Update Offline Settings
You can choose which items are saved to your device and how long they stay there by adjusting your offline settings. Outlook 2016 will automatically update the saved items when you are back online.
What Can I Do When I’m Offline?
Most actions you can perform online are also available offline, including:
| Read, manage, and view Outlook items | Perform actions on e-mails | View and update your settings |
| Read emails | Archive | About Outlook |
| Create and save new e-mail drafts | Categorize | Automated replies |
| Send new messages to Outlook | Delete | Categories |
| Rename folders | Flag/ Unflag Ignore | E-mail accounts |
| View your calendars and events | Mark as Read / Unread | People View |
| View your contacts | Move to Focused / Other | |
| Move to folder | ||
| Pin | ||
| Report Junk / Not junk | ||
| Report Phishing | ||
| Snooze |
Turn Off Working Offline in Outlook 2016 and 365
The procedure to turn off Work Offline in Outlook 2016 is simple. Follow these steps:
Disabling Work Offline on Windows
- Ensure Outlook is currently offline.
- You will see a "Working Offline" box in the lower-right corner of the Outlook window.
- A red "X" will appear on the Outlook app icon in the taskbar.
- Click the Send/Receive tab.
- This tab is located at the top of the Outlook window.
- Click the Work Offline button.
- This button is on the right side of the toolbar. Clicking it will turn off Work Offline and remove the red X from the button.
- Once Work Offline is disabled, the "Working Offline" message will disappear, allowing you to send and receive emails normally.
Disabling Work Offline on Mac
1. Click the Outlook menu.
- You will find this option in the menu bar when Outlook 2016 is open.
2. Click Work Offline.
- If Work Offline is enabled, there will be a checkmark next to this option. Clicking it will remove the checkmark and restore Outlook to its online mode.
Fixing Issues When Work Offline Won't Turn Off
If you are unable to turn off Work Offline, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Check your internet connection.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection by opening a web browser and accessing other websites.
- Reset your Work Offline status.
- Click the Work Offline button or menu option again to re-enable it, then click it once more to turn it off.
- Log in to your email through a web browser.
- If you can send and receive emails via the web, the issue might be with the Outlook app.
- Check your mail server settings.
- Verify that your Outlook settings are correct, including the server information and port numbers.
- Update Outlook.
- Ensure that you are using the latest version of Outlook.
- On a PC, go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
- On a Mac, click the Help menu and select Check for Updates.
- Create a new profile (Windows).
- A problem with your Outlook profile can cause issues with the Work Offline feature. Creating a new profile can resolve this:
- Go to File > Account Settings > Manage Profiles > Show Profiles.
- Click Add, enter a name for your new profile, and click OK.
- Add your mail server information and follow the on-screen instructions.
- To switch to the new profile, go to File > Account Settings > Change Profile > OK. Restart Outlook and select the new profile.
Tips for Working Offline
- Ensure your computer is connected to an active internet connection when turning off "Work Offline" mode.
- You cannot alter the offline settings for the Microsoft Outlook mobile app or desktop website.
By tracing these steps, you can easily turn off Working Offline in Outlook 2016, Outlook 365, and other versions.
This will ensure you stay connected and manage your emails effectively. Whether you're using Windows or Mac, our guide simplifies the process of disabling Work Offline mode, allowing you to send and receive emails seamlessly.
conclusion
In case you encounter any problems, the troubleshooting tips provided are designed to swiftly resolve common issues such as internet connectivity issues, settings verification, and profile management.
These steps restore your Outlook to online functionality. It also enhances your productivity by leveraging its offline capabilities effectively. Stay informed and empowered with our comprehensive approach to managing Outlook's offline features, ensuring uninterrupted access to your emails whenever you need them.
Take control of your email management with confidence, knowing you have the tools to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise.
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