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Overview
To work offline in Outlook, you must first set up offline access in the app's settings, which saves local copies of your data. Once enabled, you can continue to read, draft, and organize emails, and these actions will synchronize once you reconnect to the internet.
Step by Step Guide
For the New Outlook for Windows
- Open Settings: Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of the Outlook window.
- Navigate to Offline Settings: Select General from the left-hand navigation pane, then choose Offline.
- Enable Offline Access: Select the toggle to Enable offline email, calendar, and people.
- Configure Offline Settings: Adjust the settings to determine which folders are saved locally and for how long.
- Save: Click the Save button to apply your changes.
How it Works Offline
- Local Storage: Offline access saves a copy of your emails, calendar events, and contacts to your device, allowing you to access them without an internet connection.
- Synchronization: Any emails you send or changes you make while offline will be held and then uploaded to your online account once you reconnect to the internet.
New Outlook vs. Old Outlook:
While the new Outlook for Windows supports offline access, older versions of Outlook have a different "Work Offline" button on the Send/Receive tab that completely disconnects from the server, rather than saving local copies of your data.
Click on Send/Receive. If the Work Offline box is dark gray, click on it once to make that icon white.
Outlook on the Web:
Outlook on the web (OWA) does not support working offline because it is a browser-based application and requires an active internet connection.
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the IT Help Desk Chat Line or call the IT Help Desk at 979-830-4357 (HELP).