Copy the Auto-Complete List to Outlook

Copy and import an .nk2 file to a Outlook

Step 1: Copy the Auto-Complete file from the old computer

  • The default folder is a hidden folder. The easiest way to open the folder is to use the command %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook in the Windows Search box.
  • Look for the Auto-Complete List (.nk2) file.
  • Copy the file to the new computer using a USB memory stick or save to a network folder.

Step 2: Copy the Auto-Complete file to the new computer

  • On the new computer, in Control Panel, click or double-click Mail.
  • The easiest way search for Control Panel in Windows, and then in the Search box at the top of window, type Mail.
  • The Mail icon appears after Outlook starts for the first time.
  • Click Show Profiles.
  • Note the name of the profile. You will need to change the .NK2 file name to match the name later.
  • Copy the .nk2 file to the new computer. The easiest way to open the folder is to use the command %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook in the Windows Search box (or, browse to C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Outlook).
  • After the file is coped to the folder, right-click the file, click Rename, and change the name to match the profile name.

Step 3: Import the Auto-Complete List

  • To import the .NK2 file, you must start Outlook with a special one-time command.
  • Type outlook /importnk2 in the Windows Search box and then press Enter.
  • Restart Outlook and the auto-complete List should now have the entries from your other computer.
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