Outlook Desktop (Windows) - Disable Downloading Shared Folders

Created by Adrian Gay, last modified on Apr 16, 2021

This setting often fixes Email Service Account issues such as, folders, or sub-folders not showing (missing) in Outlook Desktop, but showing (not missing) in Outlook on the Web.

Step-by-step guide

  • Open Outlook Desktop version, click File - Account Settings - Account Settings... (again).

outlook task bar ribbon with file button hilighted and on the next screen the account settings button hilighted

  • In the E-mail tab, double click on your email address listing.

the account settings window with the email address of the account hilighted

  • In the Exchange Account Settings window, click the More Settings... button.

exchange account settings window with th emore settings button hilighted

  • In the Microsoft Exchange window, select the Advanced tab.
  • In the Advanced tab, uncheck the box next to Download shared folders, then click OK.

microsoft exchange pop-up with the advanced tab selected and under the cached exchange mode settings there is a check box for download shared folders with the box unchecked

  • Click OK again, then Next, and Finish.
  • Close out of all Outlook windows, then re-open Outlook desktop.
  • The setting should be enabled now.
  • Confirm that desired folders are showing properly, in Outlook Desktop.

This setting is highly recommended, for users with Service Accounts enabled. Especially, if the user has more than one Service Account, and or the Service Account contains numerous folders, and content. 

Keywordssmph it knowledge base outlook disable downloading download shared folders windows   Doc ID134138
OwnerBrianna M.GroupSMPH
Created2024-01-16 15:23:21Updated2024-02-13 17:12:24
SitesSchool of Medicine and Public Health
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