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

Last updated: July 24, 2026

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
<?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](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/mac/preferences-outlook#allow-only-corporate-mailboxes-to-be-added). **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.