Outlook Troubleshooting Guide

1. Completely Close and Reopen Outlook

Many Outlook issues occur because Outlook is still running in the background after being closed.

• Close Outlook.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Look for Microsoft Outlook or OUTLOOK.EXE.
• If it is still running, select it and click End Task.
• Open Outlook again.

2. Restart Your Computer

A full restart clears temporary issues with Outlook, Microsoft 365 and Windows.

• Save your work.
• Restart your PC.
• Open Outlook again.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

• Confirm Wi-Fi or network cable is connected.
• Open a website to verify internet access.
• If using VPN, disconnect and reconnect if necessary.

4. Make Sure Outlook Isn't Offline

• Open Outlook.
• Select Send / Receive.
• Ensure Work Offline is NOT enabled.

5. Check if Emails Are Being Received Elsewhere

Log into Outlook Web Access.

• If emails appear online but not in Outlook, the issue is likely Outlook syncing.
• If emails don't appear online either, the issue may be mail flow or delivery related.

6. Check Junk Email and Focused Inbox

• Check the Junk Email folder.
• Check Deleted Items.
• Check the Other Inbox if Focused Inbox is enabled.

7. Start Outlook in Safe Mode

This disables add-ins and helps identify plugin problems.

• Press Windows + R
• Type outlook /safe
• Press Enter

8. Disable Outlook Add-ins

• Go to File → Options → Add-ins.
• Select COM Add-ins.
• Disable unnecessary add-ins.
• Restart Outlook.

9. Check Your Password

• Verify your Microsoft 365 password.
• Try signing in to Outlook Web.
• If prompted repeatedly, your credentials may need refreshing.

10. Clear Stored Credentials

• Open Control Panel.
• Open Credential Manager.
• Remove Microsoft Office or Outlook credentials.
• Restart Outlook.
• Sign in again.

11. Repair Your Outlook Profile

• Open Control Panel.
• Select Mail.
• Open Email Accounts.
• Choose Repair.
• If necessary, create a new Outlook profile.

12. Check Microsoft 365 Updates

• Install Windows Updates.
• Update Microsoft Office.
• Restart your PC.

13. Check if Microsoft Services Are Down

If multiple users are experiencing the same issue, Microsoft services may be unavailable temporarily.