Also, using an outdated version of Outlook, firewall blocks, or problematic add-ins can contribute to this issue. Now that you know the causes lets discuss the solutions.
1. Power Cycle your Computer
Before trying other solutions, restart your computer and router to clear any error configurations. These devices can occasionally enter error states due to bad updates or unexpected shutdowns. Routers, in particular, often remain in error states until they are power cycled. Note: Make sure to save your work before proceeding.
2. Check Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for Outlook’s communication with email servers. If your network is down or unstable, Outlook cannot send or receive emails, resulting in connection errors. By checking the internet connection, users can determine whether the problem is caused by local network issues. Before resetting the router, note down its configurations, as these will be lost upon reset. Every ISP saves specific settings on your router. To find your router’s IP address, check the back of the device, its packaging, or search online using the router model. The IP address is often something like ‘192.168.1.2’.
3. Turn Off Work Offline
Turning off “Work Offline” mode in Outlook helps the app reconnect to your email server. This mode stops Outlook from using the internet, so it can’t send or receive emails. Even if your internet connection is good, Outlook will act offline if this mode is on. Disabling it lets Outlook connect to the server again, fixing any connection problems caused by being offline by mistake.
4. Check for Updates
Check for available updates for both Outlook and Windows. Typically, Office 365 updates automatically through Microsoft Updates. However, if you’ve postponed or canceled these updates, Outlook may not be on the latest version. Updates often address bugs and introduce new features, so we’ll begin by ensuring both Outlook and Windows are up to date.
4.1. From Outlook App
4.2. From Windows Settings
5. Repair Outlook Account
Incorrect account settings or corrupted data files can disrupt Outlook’s connection to the email server. Outlook’s repair tool scans for inconsistencies and corrects settings like authentication details or synchronization errors, helping to restore the connection. This process prevents the need for manual reconfiguration by aligning your account with the server’s settings.
6. Disable Extensions
Sometimes, Outlook’s connection problems are caused by third-party extensions. Disabling these add-ins can help identify if they are disrupting the connection between Outlook and the email server. Extensions might conflict with Outlook’s core processes, interrupting email synchronization. By turning them off, you can troubleshoot whether add-ins are blocking the connection and restore Outlook’s normal functionality.
7. Rebuild Outlook Data File
A corrupted or oversized Outlook data file (PST or OST) can cause connection issues with the email server. Rebuilding the file creates a new, error-free data structure, allowing Outlook to function correctly. This process helps Outlook reconnect using uncorrupted data, reducing synchronization errors and improving performance. It doesn’t delete your emails but ensures the file handling them is clean and error-free. Now we can proceed with rebuilding your Outlook Data File:
8. Repair Outlook
If Outlook still doesn’t work, try repairing it with the built-in feature. If that fails, uninstall and reinstall Office 365 from the Microsoft website, using your product key or login credentials. This can fix persistent issues by restoring Outlook to default settings. Note: In the process of reinstalling, you might be required to have the installation executable with you as well as the product key.
