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Last updated: July 24, 2026

How to configure Outlook/ Office on MacOS through app preferences using MDM?

This guide explains how to configure Outlook or Office preferences on macOS devices through ManageEngine MDM by creating and deploying a custom configuration profile. Admins create the profile under Device Mgmt > Profiles > Create Profile > MacOS > Custom Configuration, then upload an XML/plist file defining managed preference keys for com.microsoft.office, such as DisableImport and AutomaticallyDownloadExternalContent. The full list of supported Outlook preference keys is available from Microsoft's documentation.

Description

Configuring Outlook or Office on MacOS through ManageEngine MDM involves creating a configuration profile with the necessary settings and then deploying it to the target devices.

Steps

  • On the Product Console, click on the Device Mgmt tab and navigate to Profiles.
  • Click on Create Profile and choose MacOS.
  • Click on Custom Configuration present at the bottom of the profile payloads.
  • Upload the XML file.
    Sample XML file:
 
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>PayloadContent</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>PayloadContent</key>
            <dict>
                <key>com.microsoft.office</key>
                <dict>
                    <key>Forced</key>
                    <array>
                        <dict>
                            <key>mcx_preference_settings</key>
                            <dict>
                                <key>DisableImport</key>
                                <true/>
                                <key>AutomaticallyDownloadExternalContent</key>
                                <integer>0</integer>
                            </dict>
                        </dict>
                    </array>
                </dict>
            </dict>
            <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
            <string>com.mdm.83c9f6e8-ef4b-4974-b83b-b2e7fe79b75c</string>
            <key>PayloadType</key>
            <string>com.apple.ManagedClient.preferences</string>
            <key>PayloadUUID</key>
            <string>83c9f6e8-ef4b-4974-b83b-b2e7fe79b75c</string>
            <key>PayloadVersion</key>
            <integer>1</integer>
        </dict>
    </array>
    <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
    <string>Managed Preference</string>
    <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
    <string>com.mdm.54e23577-3424-4092-a9b4-a5e5af88fd52</string>
    <key>PayloadType</key>
    <string>Configuration</string>
    <key>PayloadUUID</key>
    <string>54e23577-3424-4092-a9b4-a5e5af88fd52</string>
    <key>PayloadVersion</key>
    <integer>1</integer>
</dict>
</plist>
Note: Outlook preference keys can be found here. DisableImport and AutomaticallyDownloadExternalContent are the sample keys added in the above code.
  • Click on Save.
  • Click on Publish. Now, the profile has been created successfully.
  • Assign the profile to the respective devices and monitor them.
    • Frequently asked questions
    How do I set managed Outlook/Office preferences on macOS devices?
    Create a Custom Configuration profile under Device Mgmt > Profiles > Create Profile > MacOS, upload an XML/plist file that defines managed preference keys under the com.microsoft.office domain (such as DisableImport and AutomaticallyDownloadExternalContent), then save, publish, and assign the profile to the target devices.
    Where can I find the full list of Outlook preference keys I can configure?
    The full list of supported Outlook preference keys for macOS is published in Microsoft's own deployment documentation, linked directly from the note in this profile's configuration steps.
    Is this configuration only available on macOS devices?
    Yes, this custom configuration profile method is documented for macOS devices managed through Mobile Device Manager Plus.