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Fix Outlook Text Predictions Missing on One Computer
Question details
Outlook text predictions function correctly on one device but are entirely missing from the options menu on another.
- Product
- Outlook for Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Composing emails across multiple devices and relying on automated text suggestions to speed up typing.
- Observed behavior
- The text prediction feature unexpectedly becomes unavailable and the setting disappears from the Outlook Options menu on a specific installation.
Verify that the affected computer is logged into the same Microsoft 365 subscription account, as text predictions are a premium cloud-connected feature.
Enable Predictions in Outlook Options
Check if the feature has been manually disabled or reset in your Mail settings.
Launch Outlook, click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Outlook Options window, select 'Mail' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll down to the 'Compose messages' section and check the box for 'Show text predictions while typing'. Click 'OK' to save.
Force a Microsoft 365 Update
Since this is a known bug in specific Outlook builds, installing the latest patches can restore the missing feature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did text predictions suddenly disappear from my Outlook?
This is a recognized bug affecting certain versions of Outlook for Microsoft 365. The feature drops out of the Options menu unexpectedly. Keeping your Office installation updated is the best way to prevent or fix this issue.
How do I accept a text prediction when it appears?
When Outlook suggests a word or phrase (shown as ghost text while you type), simply press the Tab key or the Right Arrow key on your keyboard to accept it.
Are text predictions available in standalone versions of Office like Office 2019?
No, text predictions rely on cloud-connected services and are generally exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscriptions and Outlook on the web.
Can I turn off text predictions if I find them distracting?
Yes. Go to File > Options > Mail, find the 'Compose messages' section, and uncheck 'Show text predictions while typing'.
