How to Solve “Import/Export Option Grayed-Out Error in Mac Outlook?

Sarabjeet Kaur | Email Conversion email migration fix How to's mac os Outlook Software Technology Windows | 8 minutes read | Modified on: 07-02-2023
fix import or export grayed-out issue in mac outlook

Overview– Outlook’s Work Offline feature may be grayed out for a variety of reasons involving the Outlook application, add-ins, or Mac email files. Users, however, are unable to send or receive new emails when it happens. This blog post describes the methods to take in order to fix import/export option grayed-out error in Mac Outlook.

Email is a quick, easy, affordable, and repeatable mode of communication. Once it was published, Outlook distinguished itself from other email programs thanks to its expanded features, which included enhanced safety, a targeted inbox, direct sorting, and many more. More users are now switching from other email applications to Microsoft Outlook. However, just like users of other email programs, Outlook users periodically run into problems.

The greyed-out Import/Export option is the most common source of trouble. Because of this problem, importing and exporting an Outlook Data file is almost impossible. Users now find it difficult to access emails across multiple email client tools and/or platforms.

Fixing the Import or Export Option in MS Outlook Application

Many users of Mac Outlook for Microsoft Outlook save their data in the OLM file format, which makes it simple to access the file from the Outlook profile. The file types used to store emails are PST for Windows and OLM for Mac OS. The Work Offline option in Outlook can be enabled or disabled from the Send/Receive tab. When activated, it stops Microsoft Outlook from automatically synchronizing or updating mailbox folders. One can manually update the folders by using the Update Folder option.

The Work Offline option is quite helpful when internet availability is poor or when users don’t want to be bothered by constant notifications and pings.

Why is the Import/Export Feature in Microsoft Outlook for Mac 10 greyed out?

Users need to be aware of a few possible causes before coming up with a solution for this problem. Users are asked to proceed with caution and to avoid repeating previous mistakes:

  • Users utilize a Mac OS in English even when MS Outlook is installed on the OS in a language other than English.
  • The Import/Export functionality is not available in the Demo Version, which the users may be using, which is the most likely explanation.
  • The administrator may have disabled a certain feature, which could be another reason why users are unable to use Outlook on Mac’s grayed-out Import/Export option.
  • There are issues or restrictions with how the Outlook application can carry out its core functions because it has not been updated.
  • Additional plugins or add-ins that were incompatible with the Outlook platform were installed.
  • An OLM file that is so huge or erratic that the platform is unable to import or export it.
  • The MS Outlook platform is either being tested, has experienced a cyberattack compromise, or has encountered business logic flaws.

Techniques for Resolving the Mac Outlook Import/Export Feature Problem

Accounts created by users using the Outlook Connector are stored in Mac Outlook Data Files. The following techniques can be used by users to fix the problem: –

Problem 1: Users Utilizing the Demo Edition of Outlook

Steps to Resolve:
  • If users are still utilizing the Microsoft Outlook Demo Edition, they ought to upgrade to the Outlook Professional Edition. Only bulk licensing gives you access to this edition. It is packaged with all other necessary Microsoft products and tools, including Publisher, OneDrive, OneNote, Access, and others.
  • Make sure Outlook is enabled for the current version. If users want to continue using the Microsoft Outlook email client after their membership or license has expired, they may need to renew it. Activate MS Outlook to fix the grayed-out work offline feature. Users could renew their subscription or get a new one in order to activate Outlook and gain access to all services, including Work Offline.
  • Users are also advised to make sure that their Microsoft-connected email account and the one they used to buy the license are related. If those accounts are not linked, Outlook might not activate or enable users to use the functions.

Problem 2: The Outlook Tool Failed to Detect A Damaged File.

  • Users may be able to fix problems with the Outlook Data file, which is the most common issue with Outlook 365. Use the Scanpst.exe mailbox repair tool that comes with Outlook.
  • Run Microsoft Outlook in Safe Mode to check if the Work Offline option is greyed out due to an untrustworthy or incompatible add-in. Execute the following steps:
    • Before hitting Command Key + R Outlook.exe/safe, and Enter, Outlook must be closed. Outlook starts up in safe mode.
    • Select File > Options > Add-Ins from the menu.
    • Hit on the Go in the Manage COM Add-Ins section.
    • After clearing each add-in, press OK.
    • Restart Outlook as usual.
  • If the issue is resolved, one or more add-ins are to blame. To identify the add-in that triggered the issue, take the following steps:
    • Open Outlook, then just one add-in.
    • If the Work Offline switch is on, turn it off, then turn it back on and take another look.
    • This will help find the faulty add-in and help in reporting it.

Problem 3: The Setup for the Import/Export Feature has been deactivated by Microsoft Admin.

It’s possible that users work in a situation where the administrator has turned off the setting policy for the Outlook application. The only workable solution is to ask the administrator to resolve the problem.

Problem 4: The most Recent Edition of Microsoft Outlook for Mac OS must be installed.

Steps to Resolve:
  • If Outlook is utilized in an outdated or lower version, this issue could frequently occur. To fix this issue, users are advised to update Outlook to the most recent version.
  • Specific issues with older Outlook versions, like grayed-out Work Offline options, may also arise. To see if any updates are available, go to File > Office Account and select the Update Options.
  • The system should be restarted after checking and updating Outlook to its most recent version. Open the Apple Store to verify and upgrade Outlook.
  • Look into Mac OS Updates as well. Downloading and installing any pending updates is advised. Check MS Outlook after a device restart.

Problem 5: Incorrect or Incompatible Language Configuration for the Outlook tool and Mac OS

Steps to Resolve:
  • This may be due to a number of factors, such as language preferences. There is a mismatch between the language versions of Mac OS and Microsoft Office.
  • To resolve the Import/Export option disabled problem, set the same language for both non-Unicode apps. Follow these steps to achieve this:
    • From Start, launch Control Panel.
    • Select the Date, Time, Language, and Regional options from the list.
    • From the menu, choose Regional and Language.
    • To do this, enter this page’s Advanced Tab and choose the locale that most closely matches the installed version of Outlook.
    • Click on OK after selecting the Language that the non-Unicode programs use.
  • To see if this method for exporting emails from Outlook works, launch Outlook. If you’re still unable to download mails from Outlook, you can automate the process with CubexSoft OLM Converter for Mac & Windows OS. This application is the real deal for exporting emails from an Outlook.com account.

Problem 6: Connection problems b/w the ISP’s Internet Line and MS Mail Exchange Server

Steps to Resolve:
  • Due to network issues, Outlook users may also have trouble exiting or entering the online mode. Users must make sure the system is online and has a functioning network connection a result. Sometimes mailbox servers are down due to planned maintenance or a problem. Users must verify that their PCs are connected to the internet and that no firewall or antivirus software is preventing the Outlook processes from functioning in this scenario.
  • By launching the email account in a web browser (s), users can access their email. The server is likely performing maintenance if the page doesn’t load. Then, in this case, users are encouraged to wait and try again later. If it still is not working, speak with the administrator.
  • But, if the website loads but users are unable to log in, double-check the login details. Try both the old & new passwords when login in if you’ve recently changed your passwords.

What are the Advantages of Using Software over Free Manual Techniques?

Outlook’s Work Offline feature may get disabled as a result of incompatible add-ins, OLM files, or deleting the user account from the mailbox server. Users cannot switch between the offline and work online modes when the Work Offline option is deactivated, which prevents them from sending or receiving new emails. To instantly solve the issue, you should follow the advice in this article.

If the Work Offline option is disabled or greyed out, users are suggested to convert OLM file into PST file format using the CubexSoft Mac OLM Converter Tool instead. In order to save email items to OLM files or export them directly to a live Office 365 account, this tool can let users export email items from large, inaccessible, or orphaned Mac OLM files.

How Can Users Export their Emails using OLM File Converter?

1- Launch and run OLM to PST ConversionTool on your local system.

2- Press on the Select Files or Select Folders option to add your OLM Files/Folders to the program.

3- The tool shows the Preview of all the opted emails. Cross-check the emails then hit on Next.

4- Select PST (MS Outlook) as the output option and apply Advance Filters according to your need. Then, click on the Convert tab to start the migration process.

5- When the task is finished, a message box opens with the message “Conversion Completed Successfully”. If you want to save the backup report, click on the Save Report option.

Ending Words

The post discusses several ways to fix the Import/Export feature in Microsoft Outlook’s email client’s disabled functionality. Users are advised to use a variety of workarounds to fix the problem. Users can complete their tasks more quickly by using specific manual techniques for fixing errors and exporting emails from Microsoft Outlook. However, using alternative software can be helpful if users are under time pressure or are unable to fix the issue manually. Therefore, it’s suggested to use a perfect and professional tool like CubexSoft OLM to PST Converter Tool to download every email from the Outlook.com account locally to the computer. One can also download the free trial version of the tool on any Mac OS, Windows OS, and Windows Server machines. As well, technical and novice users can effortlessly use this utility without facing any issues. If you’ve any questions, contact us.