This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(307.2, 52%, 39%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EAU%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Until this morning I've been happily using categories: created my own, assign and change them regularly. Suddenly under Categorize I can't assign categories. The only option is to edit categories (which works) but can't assign to email nor calendar entries. Help please. When I do go to Edit Categories, it shows my account as IMAP -- but it is NOT, it is POP.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(156.8, 43%, 25%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EJ%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
I am having the same issue after updating Outlook. This appears to be a bug that was introduced in the update. When can we expect Microsoft to fix this? Being unable to use categories is a huge problem for my workflows.
#bugs
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(147.20000000000002, 36%, 24%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EDW%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Same for me. With categories the Calendar function becomes much less robust and forces consideration of alternatives (i.e. gmail).
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(252.8, 37%, 34%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EDS%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
I use MSO 16 for Mac. There is no option to to reset MSO 365 in MSAU!
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(172.8, 57.99999999999999%, 26%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hi Amy, the same thing happened with categories for me too today, just after I updated my Mac to macos Tahoe version 26.1. and I can't resolve it either!
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(32, 2%, 13%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EJH%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Can you address issue for IMAP users also?
Also when I go into edit categories they are all there as previously, but just don't show to be selected.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(144, 88%, 23%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EDL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
This a crucial feature for my business and one of the main reasons I use outlook over the MAC calendar. Time to ditch Microsoft?
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(265.6, 68%, 35%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECG%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Same issue, has this not been resolved yet ?
I did nothing about this issue and the update to 16.103.2 (25112216) three days ago fixed the problem!
Well done to us for flagging it (hahah)
The rollback workaround as posted above from Amy U works! (Thank you).
For MacBook users be sure to delete Outlook.app (step 3) or the fix won't work. Here's the link for previous updates: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(211.20000000000002, 39%, 30%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Děkuji, funguje perfektně a moc díky i za odkaz. :-) konečně mám zpět kategorie.
This worked for me and solved the problem.
But it's not really a long-term solution is it? Unless you never want to update Outlook again. Logical that if an update renders something useless, removing update should restore functionality. Perhaps I'm seeing it too simplistically - but I want updates AND categories. Crazy?
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(22.400000000000002, 43%, 12%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EEK%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It didn't work for me. This is intensely frustrating. I didn't want or need anything more than the legacy version was already providing me. The new version has caused endless frustration and pointlessly wasted more hours than I can count.
I just got off chat w/Microsoft Support. They said they ARE working on a fix to this issue. They will update me when fixed, but no ETA.
They also sent me a link to install the previous version. It worked. All my previous emails kept their categories too. The ONLY steps I needed to do:
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(160, 91%, 25%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ERB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hi,
That’s really good news, and I’m glad you were able to get a clear answer from Support. Thank you for reaching out.
Kind regards,
Thank you for this update. And -- where do we find the link (to the previous versions)? Thanks.
I can't access the link anymore, but you can get it from Support.
Ok, thank you.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(233.6, 91%, 32%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EDM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Use this link
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac
As listed above make sure to turn off auto update before hand.
Download the Nov 4, 2025 version.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(195.2, 23%, 28%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3END%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Did anyone else try this and didi it work?
I turned off autoupdate, and reverted to previous Outlook. Yes, it worked.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(316.8, 2%, 40%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ERR%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The problem was been solved after I followed the steps above, thank you Sir!
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(256, 13%, 34%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EFB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After reading this post and having a lengthy online chat with Microsoft, I've been told
"I would like to inform you that the previous information that you provided me about the update of your Mac OS. You’re correct about that categories are no longer available for Gmail accounts in Outlook for Mac after the recent update. Previously, Outlook for Mac allowed local-only categories for IMAP accounts, but the latest update (combined with macOS Tahoe 26.1) removed that workaround. That’s why the “Categorize” button disappeared."
Not happy Jan!
Yes, I got a similar reply from Chat GPT - but without all the time-wasting suggestions for work-arounds! Also interesting that an even their final comment is incorrect - the button has not disappeared - it just doesn't work. How strange to remove something that many of us used for no obvious benefit in trade-off.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(224.00000000000003, 84%, 31%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EDD%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
So, this is "working as designed"?!?!
That is completely infuriating. Especially when it is done with no prior warnings or comments and as noted above when there doesn't appear to be a good reason for removing something that users are actively using.
Despite many frustrations with Outlook - especially on the Mac - I have resisted moving to another email platform solely because of the availability of Categories, even though it was clunky and time consuming to keep them aligned across my two computers.
This appears to be the straw that breaks the camel's back for me, which will now allow me to bail to a better email platform - of which there are several for Gmail - with a clear conscience, even though I will have to develop a new work flow routine.
Thanks for nothing Microsoft.
.....
After a lengthy online chat and a lot of unhelpful suggested actions from Microsoft, I've been able to partially resolve the problem. I have the Categories list but my mail no doesn't show the previously added categories. Support says sync takes 12-24 hrs .... let's see.
I've reverted to a previous version of Outlook for Mac. Link to a download a previous version can be obtained from Microsoft support.
Once you have the link, delete the Outlook app from your Mac and install the previous version. During set up, you'll be prompted to search for updates. Don't do it!
Even though you're using Gmail, in Outlook set up select "not Google", otherwise Outlook uses exchange setting and that stuffs everything up. A pop up window will open. There you can choose IMAP/POP and enter the correct server settings.
So annoying that early in my support chat I mentioned the Settings but was "assured" Outlook now sets everything up automatically. And, it seems, incorrectly.
I''l update this post if/when I receive the promised phone call from senior tech to discuss the shortcomings of this new version of Outlook.
Oh, and please disable Microsoft Autoupdates, otherwise the Categories will disappear again!
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(313.6, 57.00000000000001%, 40%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EHM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
I am having the problem with Calendar--don't use Outlook mail--and I haven't updated to Tahoe. So there must be more to it, or something else completely.
Calendar is part of Outlook.
I just installed Outlook 16.103.2 on my Mac running Sequoia 15.7.2 and it appears that the ability to select Categories is back. I haven't tried all the Categories related actions, but the basic one to assign a Category to an email works. Thank heavens! And I really have to compliment Microsoft in what I view as a pretty rapid fix.
Categories are back on my Tahoe Mac with Outlook 16.103.2 installed. However, I'm having some as yet unexplained crashes of Outlook now. Not quite sure what is triggering them yet.
Same here, except I'm still running Sequoia 15.7.2. I agree also that this was a pretty quick fix. I was afraid to try a lot of the suggested solutions because I've had lots of problems using Outlook and thought I might not be able to sign in after signing out. I use the calendar almost exclusively, and the inability to assign categories required a lot of close scrutiny so that I didn't miss anything.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(259.20000000000005, 7.000000000000001%, 35%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EML%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Where did you get the update? I am guessing it is not for MAC. Thanks in advance.
This IS ONLY for Mac. Just turn on your automatic updates, or go to help | updates the application.
I went to HELP in outlook and opened updates, The window showed I had auto updates checked and it immediately started to update Outlook but the progress bar for installation started and quickly stalled. I stopped it, I have OS Sequoia 15.6.1. I think I will let others beta test for awhile.
Apparently, Outlook 16.103.2 is not compatible with OS Sequoia 15.6.1
I have Sequoia 15.6.1 and my problem was removed with the latest update. Here's where you find the MAU application:
Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app
Darius - really? did the installation of the OUTLOOK update stall like it appeared to do for me? (perhaps I was too impatient)
I had the same problem as everyone else: saw the categories but couldn't select/assign them. The problem went away after the latest update was installed!
Hi,
You can try this: reset Outlook’s feature database, since updates can occasionally scramble the internal settings that control things like categories. To do that, close Outlook fully, open the Microsoft AutoUpdate app (you can find it quickly by searching for it in Spotlight), then go to Advanced > Reset Microsoft 365 Apps and follow the prompts. This won’t remove your emails or accounts, it simply rebuilds Outlook’s internal configuration so any glitches introduced during the upgrade can clear themselves out. Once it finishes, reopen Outlook and check whether the Categorize option works again.
Kind regards,
No option to reset under advanced.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(176, 68%, 27%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ESM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Not being able to set Categories to my emails to organise everything as before had driven me mad and with not enough information and since all this had happened without my knowledge and confirmation, it was awful. The solution by Randy Baroja put everything back as it was. Thanks.
