Overview
If you are using Outlook Client for Mac or Outlook 365/OWA (online), you may find that when you create new calendar meetings, an "online meeting" option is automatically added, which defaults to Teams if you're using Outlook for Mac or Skype if you're using Outlook online. This can lead to confusion, especially if you're trying to set up a calendar event as a Zoom and/or in-person meeting.
This guide explains how to manually switch off this Microsoft default for Outlook for Mac or Outlook 365/OWA (online). Instructions for Outlook Client for Windows PC are not included, as it does not experience this issue.
Removing the Teams default in Outlook for Mac
Quick guide
Step 1: Adjust the setting in Outlook OWA/365 (online)
Before you can adjust this setting in Outlook for Mac, you'll need to go into your online Outlook settings:
- Go to https://usc.edu/office365.
- In the top right corner of the page, click on the gear icon.
- Click on View all Outlook settings.
- The Settings window opens. In the left-hand menu, click on Calendar > Events and invitations.
- Deselect the checkbox, Add online meetings to all meetings.
- Click on Save.
- You can now close the Settings window.
Step 2: Adjust the setting in Outlook for Mac's preferences and restart Outlook
- Open Outlook for Mac.
- At the top, go to Outlook > Preferences.
- Click on Calendar.
- Make sure that the checkbox is deselected for "Add online meeting to all meetings."
- Restart Outlook for Mac. Outlook should no longer automatically add a Teams option when you create new Outlook calendar meetings.
Removing the Skype default in Outlook 365/OWA (online)
Quick guide
- Go to https://usc.edu/office365.
- In the top right corner of the page, click on the gear icon.
- Click on View all Outlook settings.
- The Settings window opens. In the left-hand menu, click on Calendar > Events and invitations.
- Deselect the checkbox, Add online meetings to all meetings.
- Click on Save.
- You can now close the Settings window. Outlook should no longer automatically add a Skype option when you create new Outlook calendar meetings.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Go to https://usc.edu/office365.
- In the top right corner of the page, click on the gear icon.
- Click on View all Outlook settings.
- The Settings window opens. In the left-hand menu, click on Calendar.
- Click on Events and invitations.
- Deselect the checkbox, Add online meetings to all meetings.
- Click on Save.
- You can now close the Settings window. Outlook should no longer automatically add a Skype option when you create new Outlook calendar meetings.