Fix “Why is My Import Export Greyed Out in Outlook?”
If you are wondering “Why is my Import export greyed out in Outlook?”, then you are at the right post. In this article, we are going to discuss the solutions on how to resolve the Import Export greyed out in Outlook issue. We will discuss various manual solutions as well as an automated solution recommended and tested by technical professionals. Moreover, we will also discuss some reasons regarding why you might be facing issue.
Overview
MS Outlook is a world-renowned email client with over 500 million users. It is a preferred choice of numerous businesses and organizations to manage their emails. Outlook comes with a plethora of features that improve its functionality. Plus, it is loaded with upgraded and enhanced security features. However, the users of this magnificent email client often face the “import export greyed out in Outlook” issue.
Well, not anymore because in this blog, we have brought to you various solutions which include multiple manual approaches and an automated software to help you tackle the issue without any complexity. So, let’s get into the blog and solve the Outlook import export greyed out issue.
Reasons Why Your Import Export Greyed Out in Outlook
- Your Outlook might not be updated or activated.
- You could be using a corrupted or an incompatible add-in.
- The language settings of Outlook are incorrect.
- Using an old Outlook edition that does not support the import and export feature.
- Not running Outlook as the administrator.
- The Outlook profile might be corrupted.
- Running your Outlook in a limited or safe mode that blocks some of the features.
There are some most common reasons why this import export greyed out in Outlook issue happens. You could check if any of these reasons apply to your situation and set it right in order to prevent this issue in the future. Now, let us move on to how you can solve this issue at the moment. For that, we will discuss the manual solutions first.
Manual Approaches to Resolve the Outlook Import Export Greyed Out Issue
Here, we will provide solutions to the reasons that cause the import export greyed out outlook. Therefore, the manual solution is discussed in different points, each one with a solution to the above-mentioned reasons.
1. Launch the Outlook in Safe Mode
This will help you to disable the add-ins that may be lacking in the process. Here is the step guide that will make you process easy:
- Firstly, run the dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
- Then, type Outlook.exe /safe to launch it in safe mode and click Enter.
- Lastly, go to the file option, now click on open & export, and check if the option is accessible or not.
2. Disable the Unnecessary Add-ins
Unnecessary or corrupted add-ins will restrict the features or menu options. Let us move forward to know the steps to recover the import export greyed out in Outlook issue by turning off the Unnecessary Add-ins:
- Firstly, open Outlook and go to the File option.
- Secondly, from the drop-down menu, select options, and then click add-ins.
- Then, press Go and manage the add-ins.
- Lastly, click ok and reopen Outlook.
3. Fix the Language Settings
Your language version of Windows might not correspond with the version of Outlook. Thus, to fix this, you need to change the language for the non-Unicode program. Follow the steps below for more clarity:
- Firstly, open the Control Panel.
- Then, click on Region, and now, tap on Administrative.
- Lastly, change the settings to Language for non-Unicode programs.
4. Activation Status of Microsoft Office
Check whether the Microsoft Office status is activated or not. Several times, trial versions or unlicensed versions may create restrictions on features. Follow the steps below:
- Firstly, open Outlook, then click on File.
- Then, from the drop-down menu, select Office Account.
- Now, verify that the Office Account is activated.
- Lastly, if you find it not activated, sign in again or enter the valid license key.
5. Make a New Outlook Profile
You might be facing the issue of “Why is Import Export Greyed Out in Outlook?” because you might be using a corrupted Outlook profile. If so, then you should create a new Outlook profile, as a corrupt Outlook profile may result in blocking features. Follow the steps to create a new Outlook profile:
- Firstly, go to the control panel.
- Then, click on the mail, and after that, tap on the show profiles.
- Now, press on Add, name the profile, and then configure your account.
- Lastly, set it as the default profile and restart Outlook with the new profile.
6. Run as Administrator
Some of the times, you may not be working as an administrator. In such cases, you need administrative privileges to access features, to run as an administrator. Follow the steps:
- Firstly, close Outlook.
- Then, right-click on the Outlook icon.
- Now, from the options, select Run as administrator.
- Lastly, open Outlook and check if the Import/Export option is accessible or not.
7. Outlook Web App (OWA)
The Outlook Web App Version may provide multiple options. Many times, if the desktop version is restricted or has limitations, the web version might give alternative options or features. Follow the steps below to sign in.
- Firstly, sign in to your Outlook Account.
- Then, click settings.
- Now, search for the import/export options, if available.
- Lastly, you can execute any task from the web interface.
So, these are the manual solutions you can implement to resolve the issue. However, these methods do not guarantee 100% success or data security. Thus, in the next segment, we have brought to you an expert-recommended solution.
Resolve Import Export Greyed Out in Outlook by using the Professional Method
Since the manual methods are not exactly feasible in every situation, this automated tool is an expert suggestion to help you achieve the desired results. Corbett PST Converter Tool is a utility that is favored by numerous technical professionals. Not only does this convert and export your PST files into numerous popular file and document formats, but it also executes the process in a secure and hassle-free manner. In addition to that, it offers numerous web and desktop-based email clients to directly export PST files, i.e., Gmail, Office 365, and Thunderbird. This tool is packed with various features that improve its functioning to the best in order to improve the user experience.
Check Out How to Import PST Files into your Outlook application.
Remarkable Features of the Expert Utility
- Exports PST to numerous popular formats, i.e., PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, etc.
- Also exports PST into document formats, i.e,. CSV, PDF, HTML, TXT, etc.
- Capable of exporting PST to Web and Desktop-based email clients directly
- Maintains folder structure and hierarchy throughout the process
- Supports all versions of the Windows Operating System
- Provides an option to save resultant files at a desired location on the system
- No MS Outlook installation is required to use this utility
Furthermore, if you have any orphaned OST files that you want to import into your MS Outlook, then choose the OST Converter Tool by Corbett to achieve the desired results safely and securely. This is because, as per Microsoft, there is no direct manual method to accomplish this task. Therefore, numerous technical professionals recommended that users go for an automated solution. For detailed information regarding this topic, check out how to Import OST files to MS Outlook 2016, 2019.
So There You Have It
In this article, we described various solutions on how you can resolve the “Why is My Import Export Greyed Out in Outlook?” issue. We discussed numerous manual solutions as well as an expert-recommended automated solution. However, the manual methods are not feasible for everyone, and hence, technical professionals suggest users go for the automated solution in order to achieve the desired results in a secure and hassle-free manner.
Frequently Asked Queries
Q1: How do I export my data when the Import/Export option is greyed out in Outlook?
A1: Use the above-recommended expert solution to export your Outlook data in multiple popular formats, and that too, in a smooth and hassle-free manner.
Q2: Why is Export greyed out in Outlook?
A2: This usually happens when the account administrator disables the Outlook application setting property for the employees. Thus, contact your administrator to fix this.
Q3: Why is my Import/Export button disabled/greyed out in my Outlook application?
A3: You could be using an older version of MS Outlook and thus, facing this issue. Update your MS Outlook application to the latest version to resolve this issue.