Ways to Fix Archive Option Missing Under Cleanup Tools in Outlook 2013

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Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On July 19th, 2022
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 has an inbuilt feature called Auto archive or Archive option which is generally used to manage storage of data items. Most of the users are looking for how to fix Archive option missing under cleanup tools in Outlook 2013 and other editions of MS Outlook. Considering this point, this blog is more focused to explain the reasons and possible solution to the issue ‘archive option missing in Outlook 2016’. One can manually migrate old data items to the storage file using Archive option on the File menu. Or, it can also be automatically transferred using the Auto Archive feature. With the Auto Archive feature, a user can either delete or transfer the old data items. The Auto Archive feature is a two-step process in which, first the Auto Archive feature needs to be turned on. Secondly, set the properties for the Auto Archive feature for each folder which is to be archived.

Reasons: Archive Option Missing Under Cleanup Tools in Outlook 2013

There are few common reasons that can result in manual archive option missing in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016 issue. Some of them are listed below:

  • Admin Disabled Archive Option
    Sometimes, the Archive feature is disabled by the corporate administrators through corporate policy to prevent the spread of data items on different computers which are connected across the same network.
  • Online Archive through Exchange server 2010
    In the case of an enabled Online Archive with Microsoft Exchange 2016 / 2013 / 2010 or an Office 365 account. Then, the archiving of client-side options are disabled by Outlook and the archiving can be performed on an Exchange Mailbox.
  • Providing Update on Microsoft 2007
    After updating KB2412171 on Microsoft 2007, there are chances that the Auto Archive option is removed

Also read: Advantages of Archiving Outlook mailbox emails locally

User Queries
The below subsequent queries have been taken from various tech-forums related with auto archive option missing in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007. Let’s have a glance at the below stated queries,

“Our Organization is using a cloud to store the emails of all our users. But, one of the users has faced an issue of manual archive option missing in Outlook 2013 in the File menu. After which, we have tried all possible methods to fix the issue. But still, that user is facing the same problem with the Archive option. I hope the scenario is understood, so please suggest some reliable solution so that the archive option missing under cleanup tools in Outlook 2013 can be restored back. Any guidance is extremely appreciated. Thanks in advance!”

“I have an issue with my Outlook 2013 that I am not able to find the Archive option. By this, I am not able to access and store the data. It is generally observed under Advanced option in the File menu. Are there some settings which need to be enabled to show up the hidden options? Could someone guide some solution to resolve this issue?”

“While archiving my Outlook folders, I have observed that both manual Archive option which is under the File menu and the Auto Archive option in Outlook PST not found or missing. I am sure that the admin has not changed the settings to turn-off the Archive option. Is there some techniques to find the archive option missing under cleanup tools in Outlook 2013?”

Steps to Unhide Folders in Windows OS

In order to show up the hidden folders, perform the below steps,

  • Go to Start and click on the Control Panel option
  • Then, Select Folder option and locate the folder options
  • To locate, type the Folder option in the search box
  • In the control panel, type Folder option in the Address box
  • On the View tab, select Advanced settings list under Files and Folders list
  • Select Show Hidden Files/Folders/Drives option to show up the hidden files

By following the above-mentioned steps, the hidden files or folders is easily made visible to the user.

Solution to Find Missing Archive Option

1. Uninstall the Update of KB2412171

If you are using Microsoft Outlook 2007 then Auto Archive option missing under cleanup in Outlook due to the update of KB2412171. Then it is advised to remove the update using the below-stated steps,

  • First of all, go to Control Panel and click on Add / Remove program
  • Then, click on the option to view Installed Updates
  • Then, choose update MS Office (KB2412171) and then uninstall it.

Note: In case if you are not able to remove the update from Control Panel, then perform System Restore and uninstall Office 2007. Then, install it again and apply all the updates except the update of MS Office KB2412171.

2. Investigate with Admin Regarding the Group Policies

In case the Archive option is disabled by the Mail administrator, there arises an issue that the Archive option missing under cleanup tools in Outlook 2013. In such case, contact the mail admin or the manager about the Group policy by which the archive option can be enabled back to the users. Then, they send an authentication to archive data. Apart from that, an EDB has the power to define the location on where the data is placed and the availability of the data based on the time duration set.

In MS Outlook 2013, the user can find the Archive command by following the below steps,

  • Launch the Outlook 2013 on your system
  • Go to Menu’s tab and click Tools option
  • Under Tools option, select Mailbox Cleanup command as shown below

Mailbox Cleanup

In case, the Mailbox Cleanup is not available in the ribbon, then follow the below steps

  • Go to File menu and select the Info option
  • Click Cleanup Tools option and under the drop-down menu, select Archive command
  • After selecting the Archive option, all the old data items can be moved to another folder list

Select Archive option

By this approach, the Archive option which is missing under cleanup tool in Outlook 2013 is enabled

Conclusion

By reading this blog, one can easily understand the process to find Archive option missing under cleanup tools in Outlook 2013. It clearly explains the various reasons which might lead to hiding the Archive option. However, by following the above-mentioned method, the missing archive option can be easily enabled back.

  author

By Kumar Raj

A versatile writer with the vast knowledge of technology helps to reduce the gap between a user and technology. Provides easy and reliable ways to resolve multiple technical issues, which users encounter in their day-to-day life.