Outlook Not Sending or Receiving Emails? Here’s How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
If Outlook is not sending or receiving emails, you’re not alone — this is one of the most common issues Outlook users face. Whether you’re missing important work messages or your emails are stuck in the Outbox, this guide will walk you through the top fixes for Outlook email problems so you can get back on track quickly.
FIXES & GUIDES
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Before diving into settings, make sure you have a stable connection.
Open a web browser and try loading a website.
If the page doesn’t load, restart your router or connect to a different network.
A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the main reasons Outlook won’t send or receive emails.
2. Make Sure Outlook Is Not in Offline Mode
If Outlook is in Work Offline mode, it won’t sync messages.
Go to Send/Receive in the Outlook ribbon.
Click Work Offline to disable it if it’s highlighted.
3. Verify Your Account Settings
Incorrect mail server settings can cause Outlook email sending and receiving errors.
Open File > Account Settings > Account Settings…
Select your account, then click Change.
Confirm the incoming (IMAP/POP) and outgoing (SMTP) server settings match your email provider’s documentation.
4. Clear the Outbox
Emails with large attachments or corrupted files can block outgoing messages.
Go to the Outbox folder.
Delete stuck emails or save attachments elsewhere before resending.
5. Update Microsoft Outlook
Outdated software can cause Outlook sync problems.
Go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
6. Repair the Outlook Data File
Corruption in your PST or OST file can stop email delivery.
Close Outlook.
Search for SCANPST.EXE in your Windows search bar.
Run the Inbox Repair Tool and follow the prompts.
7. Check With Your Email Provider
If the problem continues, your provider’s email servers may be down or your mailbox could be full.
Visit your provider’s status page.
Contact support for confirmation.
Pro Tip:
If you use Outlook for work, your IT help desk may need to reset permissions, adjust mailbox size limits, or clear sync errors on the server side.
Final Thoughts
When Microsoft Outlook won’t send or receive emails, it’s usually caused by connection issues, incorrect settings, or a small software glitch. Following the steps above will solve most problems without needing to reinstall Outlook or lose your data.
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