How to Clear Outlook Cache? Solution to a Faster Outlook

  Mark Regan
Mark Regan
Published: August 6th, 2025 • 6 Min Read

When it comes to managing emails, contacts, calendars, files, and more, Microsoft Outlook stands as the powerhouse above any other desktop-based application. However, as time passes by, it begins to lag and shows errors. To eliminate such contingent complications, users must clear the Outlook cache on a regular basis. Whether it is Outlook (classic), the new Outlook, or Outlook on Mac, this blog will discuss how to clear the Outlook cache safely and instantly.

What Exactly is Outlook Cache?

Outlook Cache short-term storage area on a user’s device, the purpose to back up often accessed data information locally, enabling Outlook to retrieve data instantly without fetching every piece of data repeatedly from the server. It acts like an assistant that sustains all crucial files available to the user right away, rather than having them search through the files every time. This process significantly enhances performance, minimizes loading time, and improves overall user experience.

Microsoft Outlook is nothing but a collection of numerous pieces of data in one place for users to find their information easily and in less time. This data can be in the form of the following:

  • Newly accessed emails and attachments that are intact on it.
  • Auto-complete emails and cached contacts.
  • Invitations, reminders, and events are organized in its calendar for instant access.
  • Login credentials and authentication that are cached.
  • Interface customization by users along with account configurations.
  • Offline Address Book (OAB) for quick access to users’ contact details.

Why Users Should Delete Outlook Cache Regularly?

With time, all the cache files tend to become outdated, corrupted, excessive in size, and slows down the speed. Users should delete Outlook cache files not just due to efficient processing but to maintain the health of the email client as well.

  • One of the most common reasons to clear Outlook cached data is that it significantly slows down the email client. To minimize such issues, it is essential to free up space and give Outlook space to operate efficiently.
  • Outlook might show data that was already sent to trash from the server because it is pulling information from the cache, confusing the user with a mix of old and new data. Clearing the cache would decrease the chance of it happening, so the user would have updated information only in the display.
  • While the chances are very unlikely, there are situations where older cached information could be a potential security risk if the user’s computer is compromised. Clearing it on a regular basis minimizes it.
  • Habitually clearing cached data enhances privacy standards, especially on shared computers, ensuring a safer, smoother, and instant email experience.

What Happens If Users Don’t Clear Outlook Cached Data?

Neglecting to delete Outlook cache is not very different from allowing junk to build up in a physical space. Eventually, becoming too complex to find anything hinders the productivity of the device and the user altogether. Here are some of the scenarios users are likely to experience for constantly ignoring to delete Outlook cache:

  • The email client will take longer than expected to open and load new folders, emails, addresses, contacts, and attachments.
  • Excessive or corrupted files are likely to cause Outlook to become unresponsive and crash frequently.
  • Data such as calendar events, emails, invitations, contacts, etc, might not sync properly between the user’s local Outlook and mail server.
  • The search might be inaccurate or return incomplete results
  • The auto-completed entries can contain all those emails that are no longer required or valid
  • Certain formatting, along with attachments, can result in broken
  • The memory of the hard drive will begin to fill with cache files, affecting overall system performance
  • Outdated or old cached credentials can begin to interfere with connecting to the user’s account while changing the password or switching the server settings.

Here’s How to Clear Outlook Cached Accounts in Every Version

1. Clear Outlook Cached Data in Outlook Classic

Outlook Classic is the standard, full-featured, long-standing desktop version that is used by many users, which primarily focuses on clearing Outlook cached data by restoring offline Outlook data files.

  1. First, close the Outlook application
    Press the combination of “Windows + R” at the same time to open the “Run Command” dialog box
  2. In the dialog box, type the following path and hit “Enter”
    %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache
  3. “Roamcache” would appear on your screen, containing all the cache files that are associated with your profile.
    enter the path
  4. Next, click “Ctrl + A” anywhere on the screen and select all the files. Right-click and select the option “Delete”select files and delete
  5. Restart Outlook after you are done with the process. You will see the rebuilding of cache files from the beginning

2. Delete Outlook Cache with Auto-Complete List

  1. Open Outlook on your system and go to the “File” tabgo to file
  2. On the left side of the screen, select “Options”select options
  3. Further choose “Mail” on the left sideselect mail
  4. Scroll down and find “Send messages” and click on “Empty Auto-Complete List”click on empty auto complete list
  5. Hit “Ok” on the confirmation “pop-up” for auto-complete listclick ok

3. Clear Outlook Cache in Mac

  1. Close Outlook
  2. Press “Command + Shift + G” to bring up “Go to Folder”
  3. Simply Enter: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile/Data
  4. Find and delete “Outlook Profile” and Folders and easily clear Outlook Cache in Mac
  5. At the end, restart Outlook all over

Conclusion

Managing and comprehending the Outlook cache is essential for all those users who are heavily dependent on email clients. Deleting the Outlook cache does more than just free up storage space. It’s about rectifying technical glitches, optimizing performance, and ensuring privacy. Whether the user is a beginner or a professional, knowing how to clear the Outlook cache can protect the user from every unnecessary issue.

Performing such simple steps with BitRecover software, users can easily make sure that Outlook remains responsive as they clear Outlook cached addresses to tackle regular communication requirements, and they also delete Outlook cached files. It is highly recommended that users make it part of their digital hygiene to eliminate as many issues as possible just by clearing the cache.


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