How to Add, Copy or Import Contacts from a List Print

Managing and Importing the Outlook Autocomplete List

The autocomplete feature in Outlook helps speed up email composition by suggesting previously used addresses. You can export or import this list when setting up a new profile or migrating to another device.

Import method by account type

The import process depends on the type of Outlook account:

• Microsoft 365, Exchange Server, or IMAP: the list is stored within the Outlook profile files.
• POP3 account: the list is stored in a local file with the .NK2 extension.

Exporting the autocomplete list

1. Close Outlook.
2. Download MFCMAPI from this link.
3. Run mfcmapi.exe.
4. Go to Session → Logon.
5. Select your Outlook profile and click OK.
6. Click on your mailbox.
7. In the left pane, expand:
   Root Container → Top of Information Store or IPM_SUBTREE.
8. Right-click Inbox → Open Associated Contents Table.
9. Right-click on IPM.Configuration.Autocomplete →
   Export Message → Save Message to File.
10. Select MSG file type and click OK.
11. Choose the destination and save the file.

Importing the autocomplete list

Important: close Outlook and any active Outlook Web Access (OWA) sessions before proceeding.

1. Launch mfcmapi.exe.
2. Go to Session → Logon.
3. Select your profile and click OK.
4. Click on your mailbox.
5. Right-click Inbox → Open Associated Contents Table.
6. Delete any existing autocomplete items to avoid duplicates.
7. Go to Folder → Import → From MSG.
8. Select the previously exported .msg file.
9. In the popup, select Load message into current folder and click OK.

Importing an NK2 file

Step 1: Copy the file

1. Open Windows Search and type:
   %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook
2. Locate the .NK2 file.
3. Copy it to the destination computer.

Step 2: Rename and move the file

1. Open Control Panel → Mail.
2. Click Show Profiles.
3. Note the profile name and rename the .NK2 file to match it.
4. Move the file to:
   %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook

Step 3: Import the NK2 file

1. Open Windows Search.
2. Type outlook /importnk2 and press ENTER.

Autocomplete should now be available in the new Outlook profile.