If you are looking for solutions to the Outlook AutoComplete not working problem, it’s generally caused by an issue with the settings being disabled, corrupt cache files or a corrupt Outlook account.

This frustrating error can slow down the performance of Outlook. Many users who completely rely on automatic suggestions have also faced this error, such as missing suggestions or wrong email IDs on the list. In such cases, we’ll be providing troubleshooting steps to resolve this recurring issue.

Also Check Out: How to Change Signature in Outlook (Classic, New, Web, Mac, and Mobile)?

What You’ll Learn Hide
  1. What is AutoComplete in Outlook?
  2. Why is My Outlook AutoComplete Not Working Properly?
  3. Instant Fix Outlook Autofill Not Working Error
  4. Steps to Fix Outlook Autofill Email Address Not Working Error
  5. Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Issues
  6. Conclusion

What is AutoComplete in Outlook?

This auto-complete function is offered by MS Outlook, which automatically suggests email addresses when you start writing in To, Cc, and Bcc fields. It saves previously received or sent email IDs in the cache file and shows them as recommendations to save both effort and time.

However, when the cache file becomes corrupted, or account settings are incorrectly configured, you might face the issue of Outlook autofill email address not working properly. Let’s understand the common reasons why AutoComplete is not working in Outlook.

Why is My Outlook AutoComplete Not Working Properly?

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to know the reasons. Here they are:

  • Outlook AutoComplete does not display all entries when users accidentally disable the AutoComplete option from account settings.
  • An Outlook profile can get corrupted due to updates or accidental shutdowns.
  • Sometimes, the cache file becomes damaged; as a result, your email address suggestions start disappearing.
  • Due to interference from third-party add-ins or wrongly configured rules, the AutoComplete feature in Outlook stops working.
  • Also, if there are any older or duplicate entries that are stored in the cache file, then it can lead to Outlook AutoComplete not working for one contact.

Note: To clear Outlook Cache, we recommend using the SysTools Outlook Duplicate Remover Tool which can automatically detect and eliminate redundant entries present in the AutoComplete cache file.

Instant Fix Outlook Autofill Not Working Error

In the section below, we have listed all the proven methods that can easily help users resolve the Outlook AutoComplete not working issue in a few clicks.

  1. Enable Auto-Complete Option
  2. Generate AutoComplete Cache List
  3. Run Outlook in Safe Mode
  4. Keep MS Outlook Updated
  5. Create New Outlook Account
  6. Turn Off Add-ins
  7. Fix Outlook Data File

Let’s walk through their explanation.

Tip 1: Enable Auto-Complete Option

Follow the given steps:

  1. Launch MS Outlook.
  2. Navigate to File, then click on Options and then Mail.
  3. Search for the Send Message Tab.
  4. Now, check the box “Use Auto-complete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc fields”.
  5. Click on the OK button and start Outlook again.

If Outlook AutoComplete not working properly, try another fix.

Tip 2: Generate AutoComplete Cache List

  1. Open Outlook on your system.
  2. Tap on the File option and press the Options tab.
  3. Choose the Mail option and select the Send Messages list.
  4. Click on Empty Auto-Complete List and click Yes.
  5. Now, write an email to check the Auto-Complete list.

Note: If you’re facing any problems in making a list, then you can follow this quick rebuild Outlook AutoComplete cache guide.

Check if the Outlook AutoComplete not working issue is resolved.

Tip 3: Run Outlook in Safe Mode

Steps to follow:

  1. Click “Windows + R”.
  2. Type Outlook /safe and hit Enter.
  3. Check whether the AutoComplete feature works in safe mode.

Tip 4: Keep MS Outlook Updated

Always keep your Microsoft Outlook up to date with its latest version. Here are the steps to update:

  1. Open MS Outlook on your PC.
  2. Navigate to the File option, then select the Office Account tab.
  3. Press the Update Options and tap on the Update Now button.
  4. Now, wait for the Updating Process and launch Outlook again.

After completion of the update, Outlook might start displaying the AutoComplete list.

Tip 5: Create New Outlook Account

If none of the above methods work, then follow these steps:

  1. Open your Control Panel, and then tap on Mail.
  2. Choose Show Profiles and click on Create a New Profile.
  3. Press on Set It as Default.

Your new account is ready, which helps in fixing misconfigured rules.

Tip 6: Turn-Off Add-ins

After running in safe mode, check if AutoComplete works, and disable your third-party add-ins.

Follow the steps:

  1. Go to the File, then press on the Options and finally on the Add-ins section.
  2. Click on Disable unwanted or unnecessary add-ins.

    3. disable

Tip 7: Reset the Outlook AutoComplete Cache (RoamCache)

If the other manual solutions don’t work, try resetting the cache manually.

  1. First, close Outlook completely.
  2. Then, press Windows + R and type: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook
  3. Now, open the RoamCache folder.
  4. Then, rename the folder to “RoamCache.old”.
  5. Finally, restart Outlook.

Upon following the given instructions, Outlook will create a new cache automatically. Your contacts remain intact, but previous suggestions will be recreated as you send emails.

Tip 8: Fix Outlook Data File Using an Automated Software

To permanently resolve Outlook AutoComplete not working error, fix the corrupted data files using a certified solution, which is SysTools PST Repair Tool. This software allows users to easily get the data from damaged or inaccessible PST files. One can recover their data within a few clicks. This maintains all data structures while repairing the data files.

Steps to Fix Outlook Autofill Email Address Not Working Error
  1. Download and install the aforementioned tool on your system.

    2. run

  2. Press on Add Files to browse the damaged PST files.

    3. add

  3. Now, choose the Advanced Scan option to fix the data files.

    4. scan

  4. Click on the Export button to choose a preferred Destination Path to store the output data.

    5. select

Preventive Tips to Avoid Outlook Autofill Email Address Not Working Error
  • Always keep your MS Outlook updated to its latest version.
  • Try not to shut down forcefully to avoid profile corruption.
  • Before making any changes, keep a backup of data files (PST).
  • Disable all third-party add-ins or rules to prevent interference.
  • Check for duplicate items in the AutoComplete cache file for safety.
  • Enable auto-complete option for automatic email address suggestions.
Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed how to fix the Outlook AutoComplete not working error using an effective manual and professional solution for safer and instant results. We also discovered some common reasons why this issue happens. Whether you’re using any manual method for resolving Outlook autofill email address not working, it might have some limitations that can cause some challenges in the fixing process. In such cases, we recommend using an expert-certified solution to permanently solve the error.