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How to Turn Off Download Shared Folders in Outlook

Always ensure you back up your Registry before modifying it

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Outlook’s shared mail folders are cached by default for users who utilize the email software with its Cached Exchange mode. That has been the default configuration forOutlook’s Cached Exchange mode since MS Office 2010.

Thus, shared folders are downloaded automatically. However,Outlookusers can disable shared folder caching and we will show you how to do it.

How can I disable Outlook’s download shared folder caching?

How can I disable Outlook’s download shared folder caching?

1. Turn off Outlook’s shared folder caching with Group Policy Editor

If you don’t already have the Group Policy Editor on your PC, read our dedicated article to find outhow to install the Group Policy Editor.

2. Use the Registry Editor to turn off sharing of cached folders in Outlook

  1. Back up your Registry to ensure safety in case anything goes wrong while modifying it. This is not a mandatory step, but it is recommended.

  2. Press theWindows+Rkeys at the same time on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.

3.Inputregeditin Run’s text box and clickOKto launch the Registry Editor.

  1. Open this registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOfficexx.0OutlookCached Mode.

The xx.0 placeholder represents different versions of Office, which would be 16.0 for Office 2019 & ‘16, 15.0 for Office 2013, and 10.0 for Office 2010.

  1. If you can’t find a Cached Mode key, right-click the Outlook key and selectEdit.

  2. SelectNew>Keyon the menu.

  3. EnterCached Modeas the key title, and then press theReturnkeyboard key.

  4. Then select theCached Modekey.

9.Right-click an empty space on the right of the Registry Editor to selectNew>DWORD Value.

  1. EnterCachedOthersMailas the DWORD’s title, and press theReturnkey.

11.Double-click onCachedOthersMailto open the window shown directly below.

  1. Adjust its value to 0, and click theOKbutton.

  2. Exit the Registry Editor window.

If you don’t have a Group Policy Editor, you can still turn off the default shared folder caching in Outlook by editing the Registry. This is also a good method for advanced users who are familiar with modifying their Registry.

However, as always, it is recommended to be careful while making any changes to the Registry Editor, because it comes with a risk. As long as you follow our guide thoroughly, and also create a back up prior to making any modifications, you will be safe.

If youcan’t edit yourWindows 10‘sregistry, read our handy guide and find the quickest solutions to the issue.

That’s howOutlookusers can disable the download shared folder setting from Microsoft Exchange. Thereafter, shared mail folders will not download to the local cache.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

More about the topics:Outlook Guides,windows registry

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.