Autocomplete is a great feature in Outlook that helps us send out emails at a much faster pace. Most users such as myself have grown to heavily rely on autocomplete data daily.
If you are planning to transfer Outlook to a new system, you wouldn’t want to forget your Autocomplete list. By referring to the methods below, you will be able to transfer the Autocomplete list easily.
1. Copy and import The .nk2 file To Move Outlook Autocomplete to New Computer
Here, we will manually copy your Autocomplete data and transfer it to your new computer. This method is divided into 2 parts.
Part 1: Copy the Auto-Complete file from the old computer
1. The default folder is a hidden folder and is hard to locate. the best way to access the folder is to use the command %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook in the Windows Search box (or, browse to C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Outlook).
2. In the Outlook folder, locate the Auto-Complete List (.nk2) file.
Note: By default, file extensions are hidden in Windows. To view the extensions, in Windows Explorer on the Tools menu (in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, press the ALT key to see the Tools menu), and click Folder Options. On the View tab select or clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.
3. Using any external storage device, copy the file to the new computer.
Step 2: Copy the Auto-Complete file to the new computer
1. On the new computer, Open the Control Panel and select or click on Mail. (use the search box if you need to.)
2. Select Show Profiles.
Note down the profile’s name. Later, you will need to change the name of the .nk2 file to match this name.
3. Copy the .nk2 file to the new computer in the folder in which Outlook configurations are saved. You can access the folder by typing %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook in the Windows Search box.
After the file is copied to the folder, change the name to match the profile name that you noted in step 3.
Step 3: Import the Auto-Complete List
Type outlook /importnk2 in the Windows Search box and then press Enter.
The Auto-Complete List should now allow Outlook on your new computer to give prompts when you try to enter an email address in the recipient box.
2. Transfer Outlook AutoComplete List To a New Computer Using Rikvr
A professional Outlook migration tool such as Rikvr Transfer For Outlook, can effortlessly transfer the Autocomplete data to your new computer within a few clicks. You can try it out yourself using the instructions provided.
Part 1: Creating the Backup File (Old PC)
1. Close Outlook and related applications.
2. Download, Install, and open Rikvr Transfer For Outlook.
3. Click on Backup.
4. Select the Advanced Backup option.
5. Create a new profile and click on Next.
6. A list of Outlook items will appear, select all and click on Next.
7. Select a destination location and click on Next.
8. Name the backup file, select a save location, and click on Next.
Note: After creating the backup file, copy it onto a USB drive and transfer it onto the new computer.
Part 2: Importing Backup File (New PC)
1. Close Outlook and all related applications.
2. Download, Install, and open Rikvr Transfer For Outlook on your new computer.
3. Click on Transfer.
4. Using the Browse Option, select the Backup File and click on Next.
5. Select all the Outlook data and click Next.
6. Click on Finish to complete the process.
To Conclude
I hope that you were able to transfer your Outlook autocomplete data to your new computer with the help of this article. Autocomplete is one of the most utilized features but often goes unnoticed. Since the autocomplete list is stored in a hidden folder, it may be tricky to do so manually so extra caution is always recommended.
