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How to clear the Outlook add-in cache

To assist users in clearing the Outlook add-in cache so the latest Active Documents updates load correctly.

Overview: Outlook stores a local copy of the Active Documents add-in on your computer, called the cache. If Outlook stays open, or your computer isn't restarted after a release, Outlook may keep showing the older version. Clearing the cache makes Outlook load the latest version of the add-in.

Check which version of Outlook you're using

The steps are different for new Outlook and classic Outlook, so check which one you have first.

  • New Outlook

  • Classic Outlook

Tip: If you switch between the two versions, clear the cache each time you switch before using the add-in.

Clear the cache in new Outlook

Close Outlook

  1. Close all instances of new Outlook (including Outlook on the web, if it's open).

  2. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.

  3. If Outlook (new) still shows in the list, select it and click End task.

Delete the cached files

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Copy and paste the following address into the Address field and press Enter.
    ​

    %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Olk\EBWebView

  3. In the folder that opens, press Ctrl + A to select everything inside it.
    ​

  4. Right-click the selected files and select Delete.

  5. Reopen new Outlook and open the Active Documents add-in.

Note: You may need to sign in to Outlook again after clearing the cache.

Clear the cache in classic Outlook

Close Outlook

  1. Close classic Outlook.

  2. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.

  3. If Microsoft Outlook still shows in the list, select it and click End task.

Delete the cached files

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Copy and paste the following address into the Address field and press Enter.
    ​

    %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Wef\

  3. In the folder that opens, press Ctrl + A to select everything inside it.
    ​

  4. Right-click the selected files and select Delete.

  5. Reopen classic Outlook and open the Active Documents add-in.

If the latest updates still don't show

  • A file can't be deleted: Outlook is still running. Close it in Task Manager and try again.

  • The add-in still shows the old version: restart your computer, then repeat the steps above.

  • Still having trouble? Contact our Support team for help.

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