Clearing the cache of Outlook add-ins can resolve performance issues and unexpected behaviour when using the Ezekia Microsoft Outlook Add-in. This article will guide you through the process of clearing the cache for Outlook add-ins on both Windows (versions 11 and 10) and macOS.

 

For Windows 11/10

Method 1: Using Run Command

  1. Close Outlook: Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is completely closed before you start clearing the cache. Close all windows, or click file and then exit within Outlook.
  2. Open Run Dialog: Press Win button + R on your keyboard.
  3. Type the Path and Open: Enter the following command and press Enter: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Wef\

If this step fails, please head to Method 2.

  1. Delete Cache Files: In this directory, you will see subfolders representing different add-ins. You can delete the specific add-in folder to clear its cache or it’s more effective to delete all contents to reset the cache for all add-ins.
  2. Restart Outlook: Open Outlook again. It will automatically rebuild the cache for your add-ins.

 

Method 2: Clearing Cache via File Explorer

  1. Close Outlook: Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is completely closed before you start clearing the cache.
  2. Open File Explorer: You can do this by using the shortcut Win + E or clicking on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
  3. View Hidden Items: Before navigating through the folders, ensure you can view hidden files and folders. Click on the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window. In the "Show/hide" group, check the box labelled "Hidden items". This will reveal folders and files that are not usually visible.
  4. Navigate to the Cache Folder:
    • a. Navigate to This PC: In the File Explorer window, click on "This PC" from the left sidebar.
    • b. Access Local Disk: Double-click on the drive where Windows is installed, usually named "Local Disk (C:)".
    • c. Go to Users Folder: Navigate to the "Users" folder, then double-click on your username folder.
    • d. Open AppData: Inside your user folder, find and double-click on the "AppData" folder. Note that "AppData" is a hidden folder, which is why viewing hidden items is crucial.
    • e. Open Local Folder: Within the AppData folder, double-click on "Local".
    • f. Navigate to Microsoft Office Cache: Follow the path by opening the "Microsoft" folder, then "Office", and then "16.0". This number "16.0" could differ depending on which version of Office you have installed.
    • g. Open Wef Folder: Finally, open the "Wef" folder where you will see the cache files.
  5. Delete Cache Files: In this directory, you will find subfolders representing different add-ins. You can delete the specific add-in folder to clear its cache or delete all contents to reset the cache for all add-ins.
  6. Restart Outlook: After clearing the cache, open Outlook again. It will automatically rebuild the cache for your add-ins.

 

For macOS

Clearing Cache through Finder

  1. Quit Outlook: Make sure Outlook is not running by quitting the application.
  2. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in the dock.
  3. Go to Folder: From the top menu in Finder, click Go and then Go to Folder....
  4. Enter Path: Type the following path and press Enter:

~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Office365ServiceV2/Data/Library/Caches/ 

  1. Delete Cache Folders: Inside the Caches folder, locate folders related to Outlook add-ins. You can remove these folders to clear the cache.
  2. Empty Trash: For the changes to take effect, ensure you empty the Trash.
  3. Restart Outlook: Launch Outlook. It will regenerate any necessary data for add-ins.


General Tips

  • Backup Data: Before deleting any cache files, it is wise to backup important data. Ezekia is not responsible for any loss of data.
  • Regular Maintenance: Regularly clearing cache can help maintain optimal performance of your applications.
  • Check for Updates: Sometimes, the issues might be related to outdated software. Ensure your Outlook and add-ins are up to date.
  • If you continue to get issues, please contact: support@ezekia.com