how can i access earlier emails in outlook?

i have opened Outlook and clicked on File, but Account settings does not appear in the list under File

Hi @Walter Blackburn

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

First, may I know which type of account are you using (Exchange for Microsoft account, IMAP, POP for another provider account)?

From my research, Legacy Outlook can sync all emails from the Exchange server, but the number of emails that can be synced can also depend on the storage capacity of your device.

You can try logging out and in again to force a resync.

For IMAP account, maximum available setting for IMAP email synchronization is up to 180 days.

If you want to access older email, try using Outlook Web. You can use Search folder to filter the period of time you want.

Please try and let me know if it works for you.

If not, please provide more information from the question above.

I hope this helps.

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thank you for taking the time to answer. I think the answer is Outlook for Mac.