If you have recently updated to Outlook for Mac version 16.110 (Build 26061317), you may have encountered a frustrating bug: original email threads and conversation history completely disappear when you reply to or forward messages. This issue, often referred to as “stripped” email history, is causing significant disruption for professionals who rely on maintaining message context.
In this guide, we explain why this is happening, how to check if your version is affected, and provide a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to downgrade Outlook for Mac to a stable version to restore your workflow.
The Problem: Missing Email History in Outlook 16.110
Following the 16.110 update, users report that clicking “Reply” or “Forward” opens a blank compose window where the previous message history should be. In some cases, recipients receive forwarded emails that are missing the original body content entirely. This is a critical bug for those who need to maintain an audit trail or context in long email chains.
Microsoft community moderators have acknowledged the issue, confirming it is specific to Build 26061317. Until an official 16.110.1 patch is released, a manual rollback is the only reliable fix for restoring missing email threads.
Is Your Outlook Affected? How to Check Your Version
This bug primarily impacts users running the latest Outlook for Mac 16.110. To check if your installation is the buggy version, follow these steps:
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Go to the Outlook menu in the top menu bar.
- Select About Outlook.
- Look for Version 16.110 (Build 26061317).
How to Fix: Downgrading Outlook to Version 16.109.3
To restore your conversation history, you must revert to the previous stable build, version 16.109.3. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition:
Step 1: Uninstall the Buggy Version
Quit Outlook completely. Open your Applications folder and drag the Microsoft Outlook app to the Trash. Note: This action will not delete your emails, accounts, or profile data, as those are stored separately in your User Library folder.
Step 2: Download the Stable Installer
Visit the official Microsoft Office for Mac Update History page. Locate the October 2024 Release (Version 16.109.3) and download the standalone “Outlook” package installer (PKG).
Step 3: Install and Disable Auto-Updates
Run the .pkg installer to reinstall Outlook. Once the installation is finished, open Outlook. Crucially, to prevent the bug from returning, you must disable automatic updates:
- Go to Help > Check for Updates.
- Uncheck the box labeled “Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date.”
Step 4: Verify the Fix
Open any email in your inbox and click “Reply.” You should now see the original message thread and history appear correctly in the compose window.
Temporary Workarounds (No Downgrade Required)
If you are unable to install software due to administrative permissions, try these temporary alternatives to view your email history:
- Use Outlook Web Access (OWA): Log in via your browser (e.g., outlook.office.com). The web version is unaffected by this client-side Mac bug.
- Manual Copy-Paste: Manually copy the previous email text and paste it into your reply before sending.
- Attach Item: Use the “Attach Item” feature to include the original email as an attachment to preserve the full context.
Resources & Community Discussions
Keep track of the official patch status by following these primary sources and community threads: