Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode

Summary: Learn why synchronized emails might be missing in the Cached mode Inbox and discover solutions to Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode with our guide. Also, explore the effectiveness of Stellar Converter for OST in effectively overcoming and resolving this particular issue.

Cached Mode or Cached Exchange Mode is an exclusive feature of Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021 that allows users to store their mail items in a local cache (.OST). This helps ensure performance while using the client for accessing Microsoft 365, Exchange, or IMAP mailbox.

The local cache allows users to have seamless access to mail items even if the system is offline. It frequently synchronizes and updates any changes made between this local cache and mailbox server. But sometimes, cached mode can lead to issues in Outlook where it fails to update mail folders. This issue can have severe consequences as you may miss important messages, meeting schedules, etc.

In this blog, you will learn various reasons behind the issue and solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode error.

Table of Content:

• Reasons for Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode Issue
• Solutions to Troubleshoot and Resolve Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode
• Conclusion- Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode

Reasons for Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode Issue

There could be multiple reasons behind the issue.

However, the following are the most frequent causes identified that can lead to synchronization issues and Outdated mail folders in Outlook:

• Inconsistent, large, or oversized Outlook data file (OST) 
• Improper or incorrect email account configuration in Outlook
• Outdated Outlook version
• Conflicts between antivirus software and firewalls 
• Incompatible or faulty add-ins
• Corrupt Outlook profile
• Sync Issues
• Network connectivity problem
• Server-side issues

Also Read: How to Fix OST Error “File Access is Denied”?

Solutions to Troubleshoot and Resolve Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode

Follow the solutions given below to troubleshoot the causes and resolve Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode in Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.

Also Read: How to Turn off Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, or 2019?

1. Change Auto Synchronization Frequency

You can manually configure and change the Outlook settings to ensure it automatically updates all your mail folders in cached mode and avoid outdated mail folder issues in cached Exchange mode.

The steps are as follows:

• Open Outlook and click on “File> Options > Advanced” on the left sidebar.
• Under the “Send and receive” section, click on the “Send/Receive…” button.
• Make sure the “Schedule an automatic send/receive every” option is enabled.
• Here you can adjust the frequency timeframe as per your need, such as every 5 minutes.
  

• After making the changes, click “Close” to save the changes and restart Outlook for the changes to take effect.

Once the changes take effect, Outlook will regularly synchronize mail folders in cached mode every 5 minutes or whatever time you enter. This will help ensure you have the latest emails at your fingertips.

Also Read: How to Recover Deleted E-Mails with the Help of Stellar Converter for OST?

2. Updating Outlook to Latest Version

Outdated software can often lead to issues, including Outlook not updating mail folders in Cached Mode. To avoid compatibility issues with Exchange or Microsoft 365 servers and ensure proper synchronization, follow these steps to update your Outlook to the latest version.

• Open Outlook and click on “File > Office Account” or “Account” (based on your Outlook version).
  

• Click on “Update Options” and then select “Update Now“.

Outlook will check for available updates and install them automatically. If this option is not available or locked by the administrator, you can check Windows Updates to install and update MS Office (including Outlook).

After the update, restart Outlook and verify if the mail folder update issue in cached mode has been resolved.

3. . Resolve Conflicts

Conflicts between antivirus software or firewalls can sometimes interrupt Outlook services and their ability to update and synchronize mail folders in cached mode. To resolve this, you can follow these tips:

• Open your antivirus software or firewall settings and add Outlook to the list of allowed applications or exceptions.
• Exclude Outlook’s cache file (OST) from scanning.
• Save the changes and restart Outlook.

This will help you eliminate potential conflicts and ensure smooth synchronization of mail folders. You can also get an Outlook-aware antivirus app.

4. Repair Microsoft Office

If Outlook is still not updating the mail folders in Cached Mode, you can try to repair the Outlook installation. The steps are as follows:

• Close Outlook and open the Control Panel on your computer.
• Go to “Programs > Programs and Features.”
• Find and select Microsoft Office or Outlook in the list.
• Click on the “Repair” or “Change” button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Outlook repair process

This should resolve the issue. However, if it doesn’t, you need to follow the advanced troubleshooting methods that include creating a new profile and rebuilding the Outlook local cache.

5. Create a New Profile

Follow these steps to create a new profile and set up your email account under this new profile to resolve the synchronization issues.

• Close Outlook and open the Control Panel
• Open User Accounts > Mail.
• Click on the Show Profiles button and then click Add.

• In the Profile Name box, type any name and click OK.
  

• Follow the onscreen instructions to sign in using the same email account credentials.
• After the sign-in, restart Outlook.
• If a prompt appears, choose your new profile from the dropdown and click OK.

You should be able to access all mail items and all mail folders should update in cached Exchange mode.

6. Recreate Outlook Cache

An inconsistent OST file can lead to sync issues and prevent Outlook from updating the local cache and mail folders. By clearing and recreating the Outlook cache, users can resolve the mail folder update or synchronization issues.

This involves deleting the existing OST file and forcing Outlook to create a new one. The steps are as follows:

• Close Outlook
• Press Windows + R and type %localappdata%/Microsoft/Outlook and press the Enter key. This opens the default location where the OST file is stored.
• Find the .ost file corresponding to your Outlook profile and copy it to a safe location.
• After the backup, delete the OST from the default location.
• Restart Outlook and it will automatically create a new cache file.

Once the cache file is regenerated, Outlook will synchronize and update all mail folders in cached mode. If you find missing mail items or folders, download and install Stellar Converter for OST to convert your backup OST file to PST and import the PST to your new OST file to restore missing mail items and folders.

The software helps extract and save mail items from orphaned, inaccessible, oversized, or inconsistent OST files to Outlook importable PST format. It also exports OST files directly to Microsoft 365 or Exchange Server.

Also Read: Unlock the Secret: Free Methods to Convert OST to PST in Outlook

Conclusion- Outlook Not Updating Mail Folders in Cached Mode

The mail folder update issue in Outlook’s cached mode hampers productivity and efficiency that can have severe consequences. However, by understanding the common causes of this issue and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, users can resolve the problem and ensure a seamless Outlook experience. Further, by using Converter for OST, you can ensure all your mail items are restored from the oversized, orphaned, or inconsistent OST file causing the issue.