How to Reset Microsoft Outlook 365 to Default Settings?

Microsoft Outlook 365 is a powerful email client used by millions of individuals and businesses worldwide. Still, like any software, it may encounter issues and throw up error messages occasionally, without any specific reason. 

Magus’s team conducted research before writing this blog on how we can reset Microsoft Outlook to its default settings. Resetting Outlook 365 can help resolve issues, such as corruption, performance issues, or unexpected behavior.

However, not every time you can reset the account and combat the corruption issues. Thus, you can choose other alternatives like Convert OST into PST file format, repairing Outlook using an inbox repair tool, and rebuilding the Outlook profile. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed guide on how to reset Microsoft Outlook 365 to its default set

Overview of Microsoft Outlook 365 

Microsoft Outlook 365 is a professional email and calendar app that is part of Microsoft 365. It is used to manage emails, schedule meetings, handle contacts, and perform other tasks on the device. 

Some of its core features are listed below:  

• Cloud-based email and calendar service 
• Seamless integration with word, excel, teams, and one drive
• Real-time collaboration on messages and attachments
• Advanced spam filtering and built-in security features 
• Focused inbox to prioritize important emails

What does “reset to default” mean in Outlook 365?

“Reset to Default” in Outlook 365 restores settings and views to their original default state. It also removes certain customizations like sorting, filters, and layout changes, and helps fix display issues or revert unwanted modifications without affecting your emails or data.

When to use “Reset to Default”? 

1. Inbox appears unusual or emails seem to be missin
2. When accidentally changed something 
3. When the outlook is acting up visually. 

Why do you Need to Reset the Outlook Default Setting?

The malfunctioning of MS Outlook is the primary basis for resetting Outlook to its default setting. However, it may be necessary for several other reasons, as listed below:

File error or mistakes: Gradually, Outlook’s configuration files or data can become corrupted, leading to OST file errors, abnormal behavior or unpredictable operation. Resetting to the original settings can resolve these problems by creating a fresh, error-free setup.

Functionality problem: If outlook runs slowly or faces performance problems, restoring the original settings often boosts efficiency and enhances its speed. This removes out any unnecessary modifications or configuration that may be affecting speed. 

Improper Configuration: Improper configuration setting, including incorrectly set up email accounts or profiles, may cause difficulties with email transmission and reception, calendar synchronization, or accessing contacts. Returning to default settings reinstates all configurations to their original defaults, aiding in resolving these challenges. 

Data Protection Issues: In certain situations, Outlook exchange becomes vulnerable due to security breaches or malware infections. Restoring default settings can eliminate any harmful configurations or alterations introduced by attackers, bringing the application back to a safe state.

User requirements: At times, users might unintentionally modify outlook settings by mistake and later decide to revert those adjustments. A reset to default settings enables them to undo outlook data file to its original state, removing any undesired changes. 

Resetting Microsoft Outlook 365 to its default settings can help resolve various issues and ensure optimal performance. However, remember to back up any important data before making changes to Outlook profiles. However, if you do not want to reset the default settings then simply recreate the Outlook profile or try using the inbox repair tool to fix minor issues.

How to Reset Outlook Account to default settings in Windows ?

Resetting Outlook’s default setting is not a time-consuming process and you do not need any expertise to perform the process:

Approach 1: Restore original layout for a particular folder

Step 1: Start the outlook application

The first and foremost step is to reset your outlook view, open the program and verify that it’s running on your device.

Step 2: Open the desired folder

After that, navigate to the specific folder where you wish to reset the view setting. This may include Inbox, calendars, sent Items, contacts, or any other folder in outlook.

Step 3: Click on the view Tab 

After opening the desired folder, select the view tab located at the top of the screen. This section holds and controls how your emails, calendar items and tasks appear.

Step 4: Press the reset view command 

In this view section, find the current view area and click reset view. click on that option, and a confirmation prompt will appear and ask if you want to proceed with resetting the view. then click yes to reset the view.

The selected folder will return to its default configuration. and all the customizations like sorting, filtering, or layout modifications will be cleared.

Step 5: Repeat the same for the other folders 

If you want to restore the default view for the other folders like calendar, contact back to their original view, send Items repeat this method for each folder individually.

Approach 2: Quickly reset entire outlook views using a command line 

When the issue extends beyond a single folder and affects several parts of outlook, you may want to reset all views simultaneously by using the command line in the outlook.

Step 1: Exit your outlook app

Make sure outlook is completely closed before using the command line. it is very crucial to save any unfinished drafts or replies to avoid losing them.

Step 2: Press the run dialog box 

Click on the windows key and the R key together on your computer to open the Run dialog box, which enables to open the command line interface.

Step 3: Put in the command 

Within the Run dialog box, type the command shown below:

bash

outlook.exe /cleanviews

This command directs outlook to remove or clear all the customized views and reset all views to their original defaults 

Step 4: Press the enter key 

After inputting the command, press enter or click Ok. outlook will open on its own, resetting all views throughout the application to default.

Step 5: Exit and reopen the outlook application:

Once the command has been executed, restart outlook to ensure all changes take place properly.

Approach 3: how to reset views using outlook web app

when you are using outlook web app, the resetting views involves a different method. Follow these steps for better understanding: 

Step 1: Open outlook on the web and log In 

By using a web browser, go to the outlook.com website or the web portal from your organization. Then enter the further process to log in to your account.

Step 2: Go to the setting panel 

After logging in, select the setting gear icon in the upper -right corner to access the settings menu.

Step 3: Revert layout configuration

In the setting menu, you have the option to reset various preferences, including the layout settings. The “reset view” option may be located under display settings or mail settings, depending upon the version of the outlook. 

Tips to Keep Outlook Running Smoothly After Reset

1. Regular clean up of mailbox and cache – Consistently remove clutter by deleting useless emails, clearing spam and trash folders and cleaning the cache to boost performance.
2. Monitoring Add-ins Carefully – Occasionally audit your installed add-ins and remove or disable those you rarely use via File>Options>Add-Ins>COM Add-ins
3. Keeping office 365 updated – Ensure office 365 is updated automatically, or run manual update by navigating to file>office account>update options>update Now in Outlook
4. Regularly utilize integrated repair utilities – Occasionally use Outlook’s built-in repair tools, or whenever performance degrades, to preserve file and configuration health.

Wrap Up:

Performing a reset of outlook 365 to its original state can be an effective way to resolve issues related to data corruption, performance degradation, configuration conflicts, security concerns or user-specific changes. This action resets the app to default settings, offering a  fresh environment that can help resolve persistent errors or malfunctions.

FAQ’s of Reset Outlook Account to default settings

Emily

I'm a content writer with a solid understanding of software and technical topics, which allows me to break down complex concepts into clear, engaging content. I enjoy creating articles, guides and documentation that connect with both tech-savvy readers and those new to the subject