The following table provides information and tips for entering advanced IMAP settings. To access these settings from the primary IMAP Account preferences dialog box, click the Advanced button, and then click the Server tab.

Option

Description

Download headers only

With this preference turned on, only message headers are automatically downloaded to your computer. Therefore, large messages (and any attachments) are downloaded only if you select them in the message list. However, when you are offline, you cannot read the message bodies or attachments.

Except in Inbox

Enable this option to download message headers only for folders other than the Inbox.

Sync all IMAP folders every x minutes 

Use IMAP IDLE if the server supports it

 Use this preference to set a server connection schedule.

If this preference is available for your e-mail service and you select it, Outlook automatically updates your IMAP folders continuously. IMAP IDLE eliminates the need for you to run the Send & Receive command for the account.

Disconnect from server after x minutes

Discontinue the connection with the server after a specified amount of time.

IMAP Root Folder

If your e-mail service requires this, you can specify the path of the root mailbox on the server that contains all your mail folders.

See also

IMAP account basic settings

IMAP account folder settings

Digital signing and encryption settings

Show or hide IMAP folders

Set up email in Outlook for Mac 2011

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