If auto archive in Outlook is missing or not working then this post will help you fix the issue. Microsoft Outlook desktop client comes with a built-in feature to automatically archive Outlook items to manage your mailbox space. You can easily configure AutoArchive Settings to move email folders, etc., from the original location to an archive folder. However, some users have complained that AutoArchive settings are not present or not working in their Outlook desktop client. If you are facing this problem, the options covered in this post might be helpful.
Auto archive in Outlook missing or not working
Here are some simple options that might help you if the auto archive feature in Outlook missing or not working:
- Disable Exchange Online Archiving
- Try Outlook in Safe Mode
- Update Office
- Repair Office.
Let’s check these options.
1] Disable Exchange Online Archiving
Suppose your Outlook account is connected with Exchange Online or Exchange server. In that case, chances are that Exchange Online Archiving is enabled, because of which the auto-archive feature is missing from your Outlook desktop client. If this is the case, then you need to:
- Access Exchange admin center
- Sign in with your work or school account
- Disable Exchange Online Archiving for your mailbox.
If you are not able to do so, then probably you don’t have the rights or access permission. In that case, you need to ask your administrator to disable Exchange Online Archiving for your mailbox.
2] Try Outlook in Safe Mode
When Outlook doesn’t work properly, you can troubleshoot problems using Outlook Safe Mode. This might also work in this case.
So, start Outlook in safe mode which will disable all add-ins and open Outlook with a limited set of features.
To start Outlook in safe mode, open the Run box and type outlook /safe, and click OK. Outlook will launch in safe mode.
If the auto-archive option starts working after that or AutoArchive Settings are visible again, then you will come to know that some add-in or other options caused the problem. Once you find the actual cause behind it, you will be able to fix the problem.
3] Update Office
Sometimes, updating the programs or applications also help in fixing a lot of problems. This might also be helpful for the Outlook auto-archive feature.
So, simply update Microsoft Office manually, and check if the problem is gone.
4] Repair Office
It might be possible that some items in Outlook are corrupted. If that is the cause behind this issue, then you should Repair Office.
Hope something will help.
Related: How to archive emails & retrieve archived emails in Outlook.
Why is Auto Archive missing in Outlook?
AutoArchive may be missing in Outlook if you are connected to an Exchange Server, which might disable it. Additionally, your organization may have a mail retention policy that overrides AutoArchive settings. To resolve this, check with your IT department about your retention policy and ensure AutoArchive is enabled for your account.
