Outlook Import/Export Greyed Out on Windows or Mac [Fixed]
Fact-checked and reviewed in accordance with our Editorial Policy
Synopsis: Are you dealing with Outlook Import/Export being greyed out on Windows & macOS? This issue mainly arises when you use “New Outlook” app/view. Outlook also grey out import/export feature when your Office license is not activated. If your system language does not match your Office language, then this feature is also blocked via policy. This article shows you quick fixes to permanently fix Microsoft Outlook import/export greyed out issue.
Note: Microsoft Outlook will disable this “Import/Export” feature on Mac Operating Systems because the new Outlook uses cloud-based sync system, due to which local import/export features are not supported in new version of Outlook for Mac.
Causes of “Outlook Import/Export Greyed Out”
Outlook Import/Export is greyed out because of some configuration, permission, activation, policy, or other issues. Before jumping in any fix users need to know the real cause of Outlook import export grey out.
- Outlook Import/Export features are also greyed out because Microsoft 365 subscription has expired or is not properly activated.
- If Windows system language setting mismatch then Outlook import/export option may disable.
- A damaged Outlook profile can also make Outlook import/export feature greyed out on Windows & macOS.
- Sometimes, IT & admins also disable Outlook Import/Export add-on because they want to protect company data.
- New Outlook app uses a web-based interface & currently has limited support for PST/OLM import and export.
- Outdated Outlook also make import/export feature disappear.
- Certain account types & configurations may not support specific import/export.
- Inaccessible PST/OLM files also stop the import/export feature from working.
- When your profile is deleted, you will no longer be able to import or export data.
Top Solutions to Fix Outlook Import/Export Greyed Out Issue
Once you know reasons why Outlook’s Import/Export feature is greyed out, you can easily fix it. Check easy troubleshooting tips below.
Fix 1: Switch Back to Classic Outlook
If you started using upgraded Outlook, then import/export features didn’t work in New Outlook. Users just need to revert from New Outlook to Classic Outlook to restore Import/Export feature in Outlook. Check step-by-step guide.
- Open New Outlook.
- Navigate to top-right corner of the window.
- Click “Try the new Outlook” toggle.
- Switch it off.
- A feedback show on your screen which you can skip it or provide your motive.
- Outlook will automatically close & reopen in Classic interface.
- Go to File Options.
- Tap “Open & Export” to find option fully active.
A Quick Tip: Both Windows & macOS users can use these steps to fix Outlook import/export greyed out option.
Fix 2: Activate Microsoft Office
If your Microsoft Office license is deactivated or you just have trial, you need to update to use Outlook Import/Export feature.
- Again, open Outlook.
- Click on File in top left corner.
- Select Office Account.
- Check Product Information column on right.
- If it says “Product Activation Required,” then you need to click “Activate Product.”
- Sign in with licensed Microsoft account credentials to activate Microsoft.
- Restart Outlook.
- Check Import/Export feature greyed out disable.
Fix 3: Repair Windows Regional & Language Non-Unicode Settings
By any chance, if your Windows PC does not match Office package installation, then this feature remains locked. Don’t worry; users can fix that with this step-by-step guide.
- Press Windows Key.
- Search for Control Panel.
- Open it & go to Clock and Region.
- Choose Region.
- Tap Administrative tab at top of dialog box.
- Under Language for non-Unicode programs, click Change system locale button.
- Match language selection.
- Click Ok.
- Restart computer & check Outlook import/export status.
Fix 4: Repair Outlook Profile or Create New
A corrupted profile also makes Outlook import/export feature greyed out. Users need to repair Outlook profile to enable import/export feature for further use. If your profile cannot be repaired, then create new profile to use Outlook features. Check step-by-step guide to repair Outlook profile.
- Open Outlook.
- Go to File & click Account Settings.
- Under Email tab, select your current profile.
- Click Repair.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
If you are profile damage severely then you need to setup new profile in Outlook to activate Import/Export feature.
- Open Windows Control Panel.
- Search for Mail.
- Click Show Profiles.
- Tap Add & configure new profile.
- Set profile as default & restart Outlook.
- Check Import/Export feature status.
Alternative Tip to Export Outlook Data Without Import/Export Feature
If you want to export Outlook data without import/export feature, then users can check pro tool to complete Outlook data export process. Download BitRecover PST Converter Tool, which directly loads your Outlook data & converts it into multiple file formats.
Users can save Outlook emails as PDF, MBOX, HTML, DOC, TXT, and more to access them in other applications & email clients. Download free demo edition to learn more about the software.
Frequently Asked Question
How to enable import/export feature in Outlook?
To use Outlook’s import/export feature, users can check and repair their Outlook profile & Microsoft Office license. If you are using ‘New Outlook’, switch to ‘Classic’ to use this feature. If admin disables the import/export feature in Outlook, then you need to update the permission, which freezes this feature.
Which fix is best for the Outlook Import/Export issue?
All troubleshooting methods are helpful for Outlook Import/Export greyed out error. Nevertheless, users must first determine why this feature has been disabled in their Outlook. Users cannot simply use any fix to enable Outlook Import/Export feature. First, know the cause, then fix the Outlook import/export feature.
Can I Export Outlook Data Without Import/Export?
Yes, users can use professional solution to export data if their import/export feature doesn’t work. The above-mentioned application doesn’t require technical knowledge to export Outlook data. If your profile is damaged, then check BitRecover PST Repair Wizard help users to recover Outlook mailbox items while preserving folder hierarchy, metadata, & formatting.
In Nutshell
This blog provides easy troubleshooting tips to fix Outlook import/export being greyed out on Windows or Mac. Users can easily enable Outlook import/export without losing any data. Just check error first, then follow step-by-step techniques to resolve Outlook Import/Export Greyed Out.
About the Author
