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How to Download Only the Headers for Large Messages in Outlook

Save time and space by downloading headers only in Outlook

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 24, 2022 Reviewed by Lisa Mildon Reviewed by Lisa Mildon Southern New Hampshire University Lisa Mildon is a Lifewire writer and an IT professional with 30 years of experience. Her writing has appeared in Geekisphere and other publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Rawpixel / Unsplash Tweet Share Email MS Office Outlook Word Excel Powerpoint

What to Know

In Outlook, go to Send/Receive tab > Send/Receive Groups > Define Send/Receive Groups. Choose group.Send/Receive Settings > select a POP3 account > under Folder Options, select Inbox.Select Download complete item including attachments. Enter desired threshold size. This article explains how to download only the headers for large messages in Outlook Mail. Instructions apply to accounts in Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, and Outlook for Microsoft 365. Beginning with Outlook 2013, downloading only headers is not available for IMAP and Exchange accounts.

Download Only the Headers for Large Messages in Outlook

Here's how to set up Outlook to automatically download only the subject, sender, and other minimal data for large messages that exceed a specified size: Open Outlook Mail. Go to the Send/Receive tab. In the Send & Receive group, select Send/Receive Groups. Select Define Send/Receive Groups. In the Send/Receive Groups dialog box, choose the desired group. Select Edit. In the Send/Receive Settings dialog box, select a POP3 account from the Accounts list. Select the Include the selected account in this group check box. Under Folder Options, select the Inbox folder. Select Download complete item including attachments. Select the Download only headers for items larger than check box. Enter the desired threshold size. The default is set at 50KB. Repeat steps 9 through 12 for each folder that is set up to receive incoming email. Select OK.

Get the Rest of the Message

Now when you select Send/Receive, Outlook downloads only the header information for messages that exceed the threshold size. Getting the full emails is easy, as is deleting messages right at the server without downloading them in full. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Tweak When Outlook Sends and Receives Emails How to Recall an Email in Outlook How to Forward an Email as an Attachment in Outlook How to Continue a Draft in Outlook Mail on the Web Learn How to Properly Redirect an Email in Outlook How to Purge Deleted Outlook Email How to Fix It When Outlook Rules Are Not Working How to Hide Strikethrough Messages in Outlook How to Export Emails From Outlook How to Print Your Outlook Address Book How to Increase the Outlook Attachment Size Limit How to Schedule Email in Microsoft Outlook How to Streamline Conversations in Outlook How to Access Yahoo Mail With Outlook How to Use the Outlook Ribbon How to Access Archived Emails in Outlook Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies