How to work offline in Outlook

Being able to take care of your email even without being on the internet is a majorly attractive feature for using an email client. In that context, being able to operate Outlook offline is pretty helpful if you're on Microsoft Outlook, Outlook 365, Outlook on the web, or the brand-new Outlook app. Here, we will discuss how to work offline in Outlook, either with the built-in offline mode or by downloading the PWA app, which has identical functionality.

The Microsoft Outlook offline tutorial

Click on the Send/Receive button from the main menu of Microsoft Outlook when you open it on your desktop. Click "Work Offline" under the Preferences section.

Even on an active internet connection, the Outlook will go offline the moment you press the button; meanwhile, you could compose, read, and set up your emails in the absence of an internet connection. As soon as you get online, all your updates and emails will get synced.

Click Work Offline again to reconnect Outlook to the internet when you're ready or want to go online again.

How to use Outlook 365 in offline mode

If you want an almost-there but not there offline capability from the Outlook 365 application, then you will need to fire up Chrome or Edge to use some of the new features related to Outlook PWA. 

Once in the web browser Outlook in Chrome or Edge for instance, select Install Outlook from the top right three or more dots or lines.

To enable offline access, tap on Settings > Offline settings. This setting allows you to read, compose, and reply to emails offline, with limited data downloaded. When you're online again, changes will sync automatically.

Most often, you'll find better offline access and flexibility from the Outlook desktop software.

Take advantage of Outlook's new best offline mode

The latest version of Outlook, the New Outlook application, has a unique option to ensure that the application keeps running even when you lose your internet connection.

Open the newly updated Outlook application and click on the gear icon on the top bar.

In the left-hand pane, select the General tab or section. From the sub-section list, select the Offline option.

The toggle option for "Enable offline email, calendar, and people" enables or disables the new offline feature.

This should be of help.

Will Outlook send my draft emails the moment I go online?

Once you have written an email offline and saved it, it would send itself once you went online. If you go offline, make changes such as sending an email to the trash or draft, Outlook will sync changes with your online account.

Where does Outlook store emails sent offline?

While the final limit will depend on the storage capacity of your computer, you can choose which days or months of emails are available offline either in the new Outlook app or in the old Outlook program.

With these steps, you can easily work with Outlook efficiently without the need for an internet connection.