Outlook for Mac Issues: The Unwanted Download Loop

The all-new Outlook for Mac has been met with excitement from many users, but some have encountered a frustrating issue that prevents them from downloading files from emails. This problem involves a continuous loop where Outlook requests a download every few minutes, making it difficult to manage your inbox effectively. In this article, we'll explore the causes and possible solutions to help you stop these unwanted downloads.

What's Behind the Unwanted Download Loop?

The issue appears to be related to Office 365, which is responsible for managing downloads on your Mac. When you receive an email with a file attachment, Outlook attempts to download it automatically. However, in some cases, this process becomes stuck in a loop, causing the request to reappear every few minutes.

How to Stop Unwanted Downloads in Safari

If you're using Safari as your default browser, here's how to stop these unwanted downloads:

1. Open Safari and click on the Safari menu at the top.

2. Select Preferences from the drop-down list.

3. In the General tab, select Downloads from the left-hand column.

4. Look for the 'Ask' option and change it to 'Deny'.

This should prevent Outlook from requesting downloads continuously. However, keep in mind that this solution comes with a drawback – all downloads will be blocked until you change the setting again.

A Temporary Fix: Halting Office 365 Downloads

If you're not comfortable with disabling all downloads on your Mac, there's a temporary fix you can try:

1. Open Outlook and go to Settings > Accounts > Account settings.

2. Click on the 'Download' button next to the email account you're experiencing issues with.

3. Uncheck the box next to 'Allow downloads for this account'.

4. Save your changes.

This will prevent Office 365 from downloading files automatically, but you'll still be able to download attachments manually when needed.

What's Being Done to Fix the Issue?

According to a Microsoft representative, the company is currently researching the issue to find a solution. Since the problem affects multiple browsers and platforms, it may indicate that the issue lies with Outlook itself rather than individual browsers or devices.

The unwanted download loop in Outlook for Mac can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to minimize its impact on your workflow. By understanding the causes of this issue and implementing temporary solutions, you can regain control over your email downloads. We hope that Microsoft will address this problem soon and provide a more permanent fix.

For now, it's essential to be patient and continue monitoring updates from Microsoft. In the meantime, we recommend keeping an eye on the Get help with new Outlook for Mac page for further information and possible solutions to this issue.

Outlook for mac issues