Contacts and Calendar from iCloud missing or not synching after upgrading to Windows 10 or Outlook 2016

I’m using iCloud with Outlook to synch my Contacts and Calendar with my iPhone and iPad. This all worked without any issues until I upgraded to Windows 10.

When I try to open my Contacts or Calendar folder, I now get the error:

The set of folders cannot be opened. The information store could not be opened.

I also no longer have the iCloud buttons on the Ribbon to Refresh, see any Notifications or Share Calendar.

How can I get iCloud to work again with Outlook on Windows 10?

iCloud buttonOlder versions of iCloud (version 4.1 and previous) have some compatibility issues with Windows 10 and sadly also affects Outlook functionality.

iCloud version 5.0 added support for Windows 10 and iCloud version 5.1 added support for Outlook 2016 (both 32-bit and 64-bit). Currently, iCloud has already switched to version 7 releases.

However, even when you have the latest version of iCloud installed, it may not work directly after upgrading to Windows 10 or applying a major Windows 10 update. Luckily, and with a little bit of persistence, you can get iCloud to work again and get it to sync with Outlook as well.

The set of folders cannot be opened. The information store could not be opened.
iCloud folders may give an error when trying to open them after upgrading to Windows 10.

Note 1:
You can see which version of iCloud you are using by opening the iCloud application and looking in the top-right corner.

Note 2:
Still using Outlook 2007? Then you must set a Registry value to make iCloud work as well. For details see: iCloud and Outlook 2007 support; APLZOD.DLL error. The set of folders cannot be opened.

Method 1: Sign out-> Sign in

If you’re lucky, and already up-to-date, simply signing out of iCloud and then signing back in is all you have to do to get it to work again.

  1. Make sure Outlook is closed.
  2. Open iCloud; Open the Start Menu and simply type “iCloud” should return “iCloud Desktop app” as a result.
  3. Press the Sign out button.
  4. When prompted whether you want to keep a copy of your iCloud contacts, calendar and tasks, choose: Delete from computer.
  5. Wait a few minutes for all changes to be applied.
  6. Sign in to iCloud again.
  7. In iCloud, select the option to sync Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks.

iCloud - Sign In Screen (click on image to enlarge)
Signing out of iCloud and then signing back in might be all you need to do to get iCloud to sync with Outlook again. (click on image to enlarge)

Method 2: Complete iCloud re-install, repair and reconfiguration

Unfortunately, sometimes a bit more rigor is involved. However, aside from time-consuming, it is still a fairly simple process.

  1. Open your Account Settings in Outlook
    • Outlook 2007
      Tools-> Account Settings…
    • Outlook 2010 / 2013 / 2016 / 2019 / Office 365
      File-> Account Settings-> Account Settings…-> tab Data Files
  2. Select the iCloud data file (*.aplzod) and press Remove. Confirm that you are sure to remove this Outlook Data File.
    • You don’t need to remove the iCloud IMAP account but if you do, make sure you export all the content that is stored in folders that are marked with “This computer only”.
  3. Close Outlook.
  4. Open the iCloud Control Panel via the Start Menu and, if still selected, uncheck the option: Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks with Outlook.
    • If only Mail is selected, you can continue to the next step as well.
  5. Download and install the latest version of iCloud from the Apple website.
    • When you already have the latest version installed, choose the Repair option.
  6. Reboot when being prompted to do so by the iCloud installer.
  7. Open the iCloud Control Panel via the Start Menu and select the option: Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Task with Outlook. This will reconfigure iCloud with Outlook and immediately start the sync process. 
    • If this is a new installation of iCloud, iCloud may prompt you to run a repair on the iCloud installation again and reboot.
  8. Start Outlook and verify that your iCloud data and buttons are now available again in Outlook.

When you’ve already configured your iCloud IMAP account in Outlook, re-enabling iCloud Contacts, Calendars and Tasks sync in Outlook can be done via a separate info link at the top. (click on image to enlarge)
When you’ve already configured your iCloud IMAP account in Outlook, re-enabling iCloud Contacts, Calendars and Tasks sync in Outlook can be done via a separate info link at the top. (click on image to enlarge)

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