You can't open a shared calendar in Outlook 2016 for Mac

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Outlook 2016 for Mac, Outlook for Microsoft 365 for Mac

Original KB number:   3007307

Symptoms

When you open your Calendar in Microsoft Outlook 2016 for Mac, the Open Shared Calendar button on the ribbon is unavailable.

Screenshot shows that the Open Shared Calendar button on the Calendar ribbon is unavailable.

Additionally, when you point to Open on the File menu, the Calendar option is unavailable.

Screenshot shows that the Calendar option is unavailable.

Cause

This issue occurs if the Group similar folders, such as Inboxes, from different accounts check box is selected and the Hide On My Computer folders check box is cleared in General Preferences.

Screenshot shows that the Hide On My Computer folders check box is cleared in General Preferences.

Workaround

To work around this issue, use one of the following methods:

  • Select the Exchange folder in My Calendars.

    1. Open the calendar.

    2. Expand My Calendars to display the Exchange mailbox calendar, the On My Computer calendar, and calendars that are associated with any other accounts that are open in Outlook for Mac.

    3. Select the Exchange check box.

      Screenshot shows that the Exchange check box is selected.

      After you do this, the Open Shared Calendar button on the ribbon is available.

  • Open another user's Calendar.

    1. On the File menu, point to Open, and then select Other Users Folder.

      Screenshot shows several options including the Other User's Folder option under Open on the File menu.

    2. Search for and then select the user whose calendar you want to open.

    3. In the Folder Type box, select Calendar.

      Screenshot of the Open Other User's Folder window with the Calendar option selected in the Folder Type.

    4. Select Open.

  • Change the preferences settings that are related to the On My Computer folders.

    1. On the Outlook menu, select Preferences.

    2. Select General.

    3. Clear the Group similar folders, such as Inboxes, from different accounts check box.

      Note

      If you're using Outlook 2019 for Mac, clear the Show all mail account folders check box.

    4. If you want, select the Hide On My Computer folders check box.

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