Five tips for using Outlook 2016’s AutoComplete list efficiently

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Outlook remembers every address you type into its To Cc and Bcc fields. It’s convenient, because when you start typing an address, the feature known as AutoComplete displays suggestions that match your keystrokes. You can choose an item from the AutoComplete list, and skip typing the entire address. In this article, I’ll show you how to manage it efficiently or to disable it if you don’t like it.

I’m using Outlook 2016 (desktop) on a Windows 10 64-bit system, but this feature has been around for a long time. Outlook 365’s web version maintains a separate list so editing one doesn’t impact the other. There’s no need for a downloadable demonstration file.

1: Remove entries individually

Most of us occasionally make mistakes when typing an address, but Outlook has no way of knowing it isn’t valid and adds that address to AutoComplete. The result is often two addresses for the same person in the AutoComplete list: the wrong one and the right one. If the wrong one sorts first, you might select it by mistake.

SEE: Windows 10 power tips: Secret shortcuts to your favorite settings (Tech Pro Research)

Fortunately, you’re not stuck. You can remove addresses that you no longer need or that are incorrect as follows:

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