In AutoComplete, the "X" to remove individual suggested recipients might not work as expected

Last Updated: June 17, 2026

CONTEXT

In classic Outlook for Windows, AutoComplete suggestions currently come from one of two sources, depending on the account type.

Exchange Online mailboxes: The AutoComplete suggested recipients are provided via the Microsoft Search service.
Exchange On-Premises mailboxes or POP/IMAP accounts: AutoComplete suggested recipients are provided from the AutoComplete list (also known as the nickname cache).

Around March 31, 2026, Microsoft retired Contact Masking, as communicated in MC1234566. That change removed the ability to select the “X” to remove individual suggestions. Although the change was intended only for Exchange Online mailboxes whose suggestions are provided by Microsoft Search, it also inadvertently disabled the “X” for other account types.

ISSUE

Starting around June 1, 2026, the classic Outlook for Windows Team reverted the client-side changes that removed the “X” from the user interface, restoring the expected AutoComplete “X” behavior if your account is an Exchange On-Premises mailbox or is configured using POP/IMAP.

For Exchange Online users, the “X” to remove individual suggestions has also returned to classic Outlook for Windows and might appear to remove AutoComplete entries, but those suggestions will return after further use or troubleshooting. Traditional AutoComplete troubleshooting methods, such as turning the feature off and back on or clearing the AutoComplete cache, do not affect this behavior.

STATUS: INVESTIGATING

The Outlook Team recognizes that this behavior is not ideal for many Exchange Online customers and is diligently working to improve the experience.

We are also in the process of updating the following documentation to reflect the current product behavior and better explain the differences between suggestions backed by Microsoft Search and those stored in the AutoComplete list.

WORKAROUND

For Exchange Online users who need to clear the AutoComplete suggested recipients, please follow the steps outlined in Manage suggested recipients in the To, Cc, and Bcc fields in Outlook under the “Turn off or reset your suggested contacts for classic Outlook” heading.