What is Outlook Cached Exchange Mode?

Cached Exchange Mode is a service by Exchange that enables users to work even without getting connected to Exchange Server. This service allows for uninterrupted performance and on-time delivery. Cached Exchange mode offers multiple benefits by adjusting data transmission speed and prioritizing the selection of downloads according to the ease of the end-user.

Cached Exchange mode supports Outlook to automatically determine the speed of exchange connection that can further handle the speed of data transmission by interfering with Slow Connections. It basically keeps the user mailbox local copy on the local drive in the form of the OST file. Although if you enable the Cached Exchange Mode option in Outlook, it can check your OST file and its information constantly and update and synchronize it as needed.

Outlook Cached Mode vs Online Mode

• If you use the Cached Exchange Mode, it needs more space to store data compared to Online Mode.
• Features are different in both of them, whether Cached Exchange Mode or Online Mode.
• If you want to search content locally in cache mode, you must prepare an index.
• Cached Exchange Mode does not come up with a search emails feature.

Issues which You may Face While using Cached Exchange Mode

1. Unable to Turn On the Cached Mode: This is usually seen in the following listed situations
   • Disabled admin exchange functions: Server admin reserves the right to restrict some functions, and at times, it may also bar the user from accessing the Cached Mode of Exchange.
   • Unavailable Exchange account: Sometimes, either the Exchange mail account is deactivated or has never been created with the Outlook profile, preventing users from enabling Cached Exchange Mode.
   • Enabled MS Terminal services instead of Cached Exchange Mode: Exchange mode is functional only in the case of OST files. If, in case, your system exhibits enabled function for Microsoft Terminal services, then the Cached Exchange Mode cannot be accessed.
2. Messages rest in Outbox: This is the most annoying issue, often seen with Cached Exchange Mode. Post synchronizing a particular message, it is moved to the Outlook mailbox and rests until Exchange Server performs the next synchronization. To remove synchronized messages, the user can set the “Send All” feature using the “Send/Receive” option.
3. Only Message Headers are Received: Sometimes, only message headers downloaded have opted either automatically or accidentally without the knowledge of the end-user. It becomes annoying when the user can’t access full items. To reset changes, use the following steps:
   • Go to File Menu.
   • Select Cached Exchange Mode
   • Click Full Download Items

It will solve your purpose and speed up the entire process, even in the case of Active Synchronization.

How to turn on Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook?

Cached Exchange Mode is helpful for users who access and work on the Exchange Server. It allows users to save the local copy of their online mailbox to their computer. Follow the steps to turn on or enable cached exchange mode:

1. Open Outlook and go to File.
2. In the Account Settings option, select account Settings from the list.
3. Here, you have to select the Exchange Account and click Change.
4. It will show you the Offline Settings wizard; please check the Cached Exchange Mode.
5. Here, restart the Outlook application again.

Should I use Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook 2010?

Yes! Follow the steps given below to enable cached mode in Outlook 2010:

1. First, start Outlook and go to the File tab.
2. Go to Account Settings >> Account Settings.
3. Select the Exchange account from the list and click on the Change button.
4. In the Microsoft Exchange Server field, click the checkbox containing the option Use Cached Exchange Mode.

You will get the different download mailbox data options using the Cached Exchange Mode.

1. Go to the Send/Receive >> Preferences >> Download Preferences.
2. Here, you have to select one among different options:

• Download Full Items
• Download Header and then Full Items
• Download Headers
• On Slow Connections, Download Headers Only.

How to Turn Off Cached Exchange Mode Outlook 2016?

You can quickly turn off the Cached Exchange Mode option in the Outlook application. The only requirement is to uncheck the Use Cached Exchange Mode option.

1. Open Outlook and Click File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
2. Next, select the Exchange or Microsoft 365 account, and click Change.
3. Under Offline Settings, uncheck the Use Cached Exchange Mode.
4. Exit, and then restart Outlook to verify.

But What If I have an Inaccessible OST File?

If you have an inaccessible or corrupt OST file, then you won’t be able to turn on or off cached exchange mode. However, you can use the SCANPST Tool, which allows you to repair the corrupt OST file quickly and import OST file in Outlook. But, it is only suitable for retrieving data from inaccessible OST files, which are less corrupt. If you have a severely corrupted OST file, you may take the help of professional software. SysInfo OST Recovery Software is the best and most efficient solution to restore data from corrupt OST files. It can recover the mailbox data, provide the preview, and option to save the folders into different file formats like PST, DBX, EML, MSG, and MBOX formats.

Conclusion

Well, I have discussed the various issues related to Cached Exchange Mode, and if you are facing any problems while accessing the Cached data, you can turn it on or off according to your need. Although if you want to access the Content from an Inaccessible OST File, then I recommend the SysInfo OST Recovery software to deal with the problems and continue working offline. I hope you liked this blog and gained a sound knowledge of Cached Exchange Mode.