Clearing a Cached Email Address in Outlook for Windows


Introduction

This article explains how to clear a cached email address (autocomplete addresses). This can sometimes resolve the following error when sending an email:

Delivery has failed to these recipients or groups: [Name] [email address] The email address you entered couldn't be found. Please check the recipient's email address and try to resend the message. If the problem continues, please contact your helpdesk.

When sending an email, Outlook saves information about the recipient to help you quickly type the recipient's information again later. This feature is called autocomplete. The saved information will appear as you start typing the name or email of the recipient in the To text box.

Instructions

To Delete Individual Entries (Classic or New Outlook):

  1. Start typing a name or email address in the To, Cc, or Bcc field.
  2. When the unwanted email address appears, hover over it.
  3. Click the X on the right side to remove it from the list.

Clear the entire cache in Classic Outlook for Windows:

  1. Select File.

  2. In the left menu pane, select Options.

    In the bottom left of the screen

  3. In the left menu pane, select Mail.

  4. Scroll down to the Send messages heading.
  5. Click Empty Auto-Complete List.

  6. To confirm deleting all autocomplete entries, click Yes.

  7. Click OK to close the Outlook Options window.
  8. Update the Outlook address book.

    1. Select File.

    2. Click Account Settings.

    3. From the drop-down list, select Download Address Book....

    4. Place a check next to Download changes since last Send/Receive.

    5. Click OK. A progress window will automatically open and close when the process is complete.

If a distribution list contains an Exchange user's previous email address, delete the incorrect email address and then add the correct email address.

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