Outlook: Reset to default settings

You want to reset the Microsoft email program Outlook to the default settings. Unfortunately, this is not possible directly - but by using a trick, you can bypass a completely new installation.

Reset Outlook 2010 and 2013 - how it works

To reset Outlook, you must first delete your email profile from Outlook and then the cache memory. First we explain how to delete an Outlook email profile.

• Click the "File" tab.
• Now you will find your »Account Settings« in the »Account Information« - twice. Click both options.
• Now all you have to do is select the account profile you want to delete and then click "Remove".
• If you confirm the action with »Yes«, it is done.
• If you have multiple profiles and want to delete them, just repeat these steps.
• In older versions of Outlook, this email account deletion is hidden under the "Tools" tab.

Clear and reset Outlook cache - how it works

Outlook does not offer you this option directly either. Here's how it works:

• Simultaneously hold down the "Windows" and "E" keys. This will open Outlook Explorer.
• Now click on the address line above where you enter the following path: "C: \ Users \ XXX \ AppData \ Local \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Temporary Internet Files \ Content.Outlook".
• You have to replace the placeholder "XXX" with your user name.
• Within the now controlled folder there is a sub-folder that was named with a randomly generated combination of letters and numbers.
• This is where Outlook stores all of your cache data, which you can now delete here.

Our next CHIP practical tip will tell you how to export your contacts from Outlook 2010.