Allow Forwarding Option Missing in Outlook: How to Fix It

Navigating through Outlook can sometimes feel like a maze, especially when familiar options seem to vanish. Recently, many of us have asked, “Where is the ‘Allow Forwarding’ option?” If you’re unable to locate this option, it might be due to specific settings or the version of Outlook you’re using.

For many of us using Office 365, the ‘Allow Forwarding’ feature appears in Outlook on the Web but is mysteriously absent in the desktop client. This can be frustrating, especially when organizing meetings and trying to control the flow of information. The good news is that there are methods to adjust these settings, though they may require a bit of digging or even a chat with your admin.

If you’re thinking, “Not another tech hurdle!”—we understand. Our collective experience echoes this sentiment, but there’s a silver lining. By tweaking some settings or exploring alternate methods like using the Developer options, we can regain control over email forwarding. We’ll guide you through these steps, ensuring you can make meetings just the way you want them. Trust us; it’s simpler than it sounds.

Allow Forwarding Option Missing In Outlook

Have you ever scheduled a meeting in Outlook only to find the “Allow Forwarding” option MIA? Frustrating, right? We’ve been there too.

Sometimes, this issue occurs because of the Outlook client version. Updating your Outlook can fix it. For instance, versions 1902, 1906, and 1907 had this problem. But version 2008 Build 13127.20296 fixed it.

But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the issue is related to shared calendars. If the “Download Shared Folder” option isn’t checked, you might not see the “Allow Forwarding” option.

Another thing to keep in mind is the Exchange Server version. We noticed that users on Exchange 2016 and 2019 sometimes face this issue, both in the Outlook client and Outlook on the web.

If you’ve tried everything and it’s still missing, there might be a hidden setting. Checking the Developer tab could help. Navigating to the Actions and unchecking the Enabled option under Forward might do the trick.

We’ve seen that Office 365 users mostly have this option, but a few individuals might still face issues.

While these tips might look like a lot, they can save you from pulling your hair out.

And let’s be real, we could all use a little less stress.

Common Causes For The Issue

Often, users find the “allow forwarding” option missing due to specific settings and account policies in Outlook. We’ll break down the primary reasons for this issue.

Outlook Settings

One common cause of the missing “allow forwarding” option is specific settings in Outlook. Sometimes, this option gets disabled due to:

• Developer Tab Not Enabled: Accessing certain forms and settings requires the Developer tab. If it’s not enabled, users might miss out on necessary options. To enable it, navigate to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and check the Developer box.

• Outdated Software: Older versions can lack specific features. We should ensure Outlook is updated to the latest version.

• Form Design Mode: Occasionally, users must manually enable forwarding in the form design mode. Head to Developer > Design This Form, then double-click the Forward action and ensure it’s set to enabled.

Email Account Policies

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with Outlook itself, but with the email account policies set by the service providers or organizations. These policies can control email forwarding options. Key points to consider include:

• Admin Restrictions: In some corporate environments, administrators might disable the forwarding feature to protect sensitive information. If we’re in such an environment, we should check with IT support.

• Shared Calendars: For shared meetings, ensure Download Shared Folder is checked under account settings. Without it, some features, including forwarding, might be missing.

• Service Provider Limits: Some email services might have additional restrictions or steps for enabling forwarding. It’s a good idea to consult the provider’s support documents or customer service for assistance.

Understanding these settings can save users a lot of time and frustration. Make sure to enable the necessary tabs, keep Outlook updated, and check organizational policies to troubleshoot this issue effectively.

How To Enable The Forwarding Option

Let’s focus on two main ways to enable the “Allow Forwarding” option in Outlook: by adjusting settings within Outlook and by contacting your email administrator. These tips should help regardless if you’re using Office 365, Outlook on the web, or the Outlook client.

Adjusting Outlook Settings

To start, open your Outlook client or Outlook for Windows:

1. Click on File in the top left corner.
2. Choose Options from the dropdown menu.

Within Options, navigate to Customize Ribbon:

1. Find and select the Developer tab on the left side.
2. Add it to your ribbon by clicking on Add.
3. Click OK to save changes.

After enabling the Developer tab, go to New Meeting:

1. Click on the Developer tab.
2. Choose Design This Form.

Within the form:

1. Double-click Forward under Actions.
2. Uncheck the Enabled option.
3. Click OK to save settings.

Contacting Email Administrator

If adjusting settings doesn’t work, you may need to get help from your email administrator. This is common if you’re using Office 365 or on an Exchange Server 2019 environment.

Things to ask your email administrator:

1. Permissions: Ensure your account has the proper permissions.
2. Updates: Verify that the latest updates are installed.
3. Shared Mailboxes: Make sure the “Download Shared Folder” option is checked.
4. Custom Settings: Check if there are any custom settings preventing this feature.

For users where the option is still missing, sometimes a specific update may fix the issue. Keep your software updated to the latest version.

We should also ask our administrators to ensure that server settings align with what Outlook requires to display the “Allow Forwarding” option.

Engage in friendly communication with our IT team and explain the problem clearly. This collaboration ensures we’re all on the same page and can solve the issue faster.

Preventing Future Issues

Let’s guide you so this “allow forwarding” problem doesn’t keep us awake at night.🎉

First, we should always stay updated with the latest versions of Outlook. Major bugs often get squashed in those riveting patch notes!

We can also create a cheat sheet for our colleagues. 

I once made the mistake of ignoring updates. My Outlook started acting like a grumpy toddler. Now, I keep a lookout for updates like a hawk! 🦅

Our IT department can set policies to prevent this on a larger scale. When they align Outlook settings with security policies, it saves us multiple individual fixes.

Relying on trusted resources is vital. Microsoft’s official support often has step-by-step guides that can save the day.

By sticking to these tips, we can avoid that frustrating “missing forwarding option” problem. Let’s keep our Outlook running smoothly.

Alternative Solutions

When the “Allow Forwarding” option is missing in Outlook, it can be frustrating. We’ve been there too, scratching our heads over it. Let’s explore ways to work around it and keep our meeting invitations secure.

Check Permissions:
First, we need to make sure our permissions are set correctly. Sometimes, limited permissions can hide certain features like this one. Verify that we have the right permissions to modify meeting options.

Update Your Software:
Keeping our software up-to-date is crucial. An outdated version can sometimes cause features to mysteriously vanish. Make sure we have the latest updates installed.

Let’s say we’re the meeting organizer, and we want to stop recipients from forwarding our invites. There’s always a way to skin this cat. 😺

Use Sensitivity Labels:
Outlook sometimes supports sensitivity labels that can restrict email actions, including forwarding. We can apply these labels to our meeting requests.

Trying out these alternative solutions can save us lots of headaches and help keep our invitations secure from unwanted changes.