Forum Discussion
New Outlook for Mac - My Computer Files
Just switched to the new Outlook for Mac. What happened to On My Computer Files folders? I used to have all my old emails grouped by years in .pst files.
If I go to Preferences, and General, the "Hide On My Computer folders" is grayed out.
If I go to File, Import and Export are grayed out.
Please help!
Thanks!
38 Replies
- even worse, as of in 2022, the "Hide On My Computer folders" option has completely gone.
NEW OUTLOOK FOR MAC LOCAL FOLDERS ADDED ON 12/14/2022... https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/local-folders-now-available-in-the-new-outlook-for-mac
- I have reverted to the old version, repaired and recovered my old profile, but cannot find the messages or folders that were stored in the "on my computer" folder list. they have completely disappeared. Surely they must be stored somewhere ON MY COMPUTER????? any ideas where to look?
- Did you delete the profile they were in? If not, open the profile and export to an olm file.
They should be in the database Outlook on mac uses but I don't know of a way to restore them unless you have a time machine backup or exported to an olm file. - Outlook on Mac does not use a pst file.
@ am using the old version since I have the On My Computer that includes attachments, as well as calendar events. We shouldn't be charged for a new product when we can't use it. It was Microsoft that provided the On My Computer, and to now ignore it, is not good corporate responsibility. We have been promised for over a year that it is being worked on. by Whom!!!!!
- Absolutely. Same response I sent to cbudge1.
JayBrantI also see that not only are all On my Computer files gone, all of my Outlook Calendar Events and Contacts also disappeared. In Customer Support Chat, I was told that these items (these are not my Mac iCal and contacts, just the ones in Outlook) is tied to the On my Computer issue. So, I once again switched back to the Old Version. Why pay for a subscription that doesn't offer all of the features. Yes, my IMAP E-Mails are now transitioned, but all of the business calendar events nowhere. Ridiculous!
Found this other article which has a link for voting to ask for this feature:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_outlook-mso_mac-mso_o365b/new-outlook-feature-where-on-my-computer-folders/7d74c217-f8a3-4143-a168-c0fd1497dd1c
Don't understand why On My Computer isn't a default feature, but hopefully if enough of us complain and vote yes to include it back, then maybe Microsoft will make the change.
I went to the link and voted in favor of keeping "On My Computer" folders. Please everyone else do the same.
+1 for needing this feature.
It's preventing me from adopting the "new" (3 year old) Outlook for Mac.
I happenen to get the solution.
I am using macbook with M1 chip, so i have an outlook version 16.44 (office 365 version), which is universal for intel and m1 CPU. I hope it fits in your cases as well.
Solution is to switch the default NEW outlook to OLD.
Find the switch at the top right of your menu bar, should be like this:
Click on it, it will prompt for your confirmation like this:
Click "Switch Back", Outlook will restart.
And then you will see the Import and Export functions available:
I will be glad to know if it help you.
- This was helpful to me. Thanks.
Likewise - the inability to import/export on outlook 365 for mac is horrific.
Microsoft - any idea?
Hello all. So I switched back to the old version to get to my folders (I just needed an old email to forward along). Then I decided to flip back to the "New Outlook" experience. I noticed, when I did, this popped in the box to confirm the switch...
This is asinine.
BaucomRick Agreed, the ability to view the migrated PST folders from my old PCs is the main (I guess only) reason for me using outlook on the Mac. If they take that feature away it's no good to me at all and will mean I might as well move to Apple's mail client.
JayBrant Same here... Hey Microsoft, anyone home? Anyone listening? YoooHoooo!!!
JayBrant This is a HUGE obstacle for me. I don't need my emails, but all of my calendar events disappear once I switch unless the event was created through an email. I set many hundreds of reminders for MYSELF throughout the year, many recurring, so I can remember things. It appears if they are not connected to an email invite that they will go away. I can't imagine the headache this will cause me when I am forced to migrate. It may just move me from Outlook.
