Fix Outlook not connecting to Server on Windows computer

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Fix Outlook not connecting to Server on Windows computer is one of the best information managers using which you can send and receive emails. However, after updating the system to the latest version, many users are struggling to connect outlook to the server. Due to this issue, users are not able to send, receive, refresh or even download any new email. So, if you are encountering the same problem, continue with this troubleshooting guide to fix the issue.

Outlook not connecting to Server on Windows PC

If you’re having trouble connecting Microsoft Outlook to a server on Windows 10, here are a few things you can try.

  1. Restart Outlook
  2. Check the Internet
  3. Recheck your Credentials
  4. Check the Outlook Status
  5. Use SSL Encrypted Connection
  6. Repair the Outlook Account
  7. Rebuild Outlook Data File
  8. Turn Off Extensions
  9. Update Outlook

Now, let’s check out all the solutions in detail.

Microsoft Outlook cannot connect to the server

1] Restart Outlook

The first thing you can try is restarting Outlook. Sometimes, a temporary glitch can stop Outlook from connecting to the server. In this case, restarting Outlook may fix the problem. You can also reconnect to the internet and open Outlook. Now check if the problem is fixed.

2] Check the Internet

The weak internet connection can be a problem you face. You can’t do anything other than wait until your internet is back. You can reboot your router, in case you are using it as your internet source. You can even contact your ISP if the problem continues for a long time.

3] Recheck your Credentials

If you have entered the wrong username or password when logging in for the first time, Outlook may not be able to connect to the server. To fix this, make sure you have entered the correct credentials.

  • Launch Outlook on your system.
  • Click on the File option present on the top left corner of the screen.
  • Click on the dropdown icon present with the Account Settings.
  • Choose Account Settings from the list of options.
  • Tap on your email account and choose the Remove option.

Now that you have finally removed the existing account from Outlook, go to File and choose the Add account option. Be sure to enter the correct ID and password this time.

Read also: view more on Microsoft Exchange hyperlink missing in Outlook

4] Check the Outlook Status

The next thing you should check is whether Outlook is online or not. If Outlook is offline, you can’t connect it with Microsoft servers. To check the Outlook server status, follow these steps.

  • Open Outlook on your system.
  • Click on the Send/Receive tab.
  • Work Offline:Click the “Work Offline” option to work without an internet connection.

Now, Outlook will check for a connection with the Microsoft servers. If the problem persists, please check your connection or try again later.

5] Use SSL Encrypted Connection

In order to connect to the Microsoft Exchange server, you will need to use an SSL encrypted connection. Follow the steps below to connect to the server.

  • Launch Outlook.
  • Click on the File option in the top left corner.
  • Tap the dropdown icon next to Account Settings.
  • Click on Server Settings.
  • The encryption method should be changed to SSL/TLS.
  • Click on Next > Done.

6] Repair the Outlook Account

The best part about Microsoft Outlook is the option to easily repair different email providers in the app. So if you’re facing a server problem, you can go to the repair process to fix the problem. To do so, follow these steps.

  • Open the Outlook app on your device.
  • Click on the File option in the top left corner.
  • To change your account settings, tap the dropdown icon under the “Account Settings” option.
  • From the list of options, choose Account Settings.
  • In the window below, select your Gmail account.
  • Tap on the “Repair” option.

Once you have completed these steps, restart your system and open Outlook. Check to see if the problem is fixed.

7] Rebuild Outlook Data File

If your Outlook is having trouble connecting to the server, one potential fix is to rebuild your Outlook data file. By default, Outlook saves all your data in an external file. However, if this file becomes corrupted, it can cause problems connecting to the server. rebuilding your Outlook data file may help resolve the issue.

  • Launch Outlook. Open “Account Settings” from the “File” menu. Go to the “Data Files” tab.
  • Email accounts that are not able to connect to the server.
  • Choose Open File Location.
  • Now, rename the outlook data file associated with the mail address causing problems.

Open Outlook and wait until it rebuilds the data file. Once done, check if the server problem is fixed or not.

8] Turn Off Extensions

If you’re having trouble connecting to Outlook, it might be because you have extensions installed. Try turning off your extensions to see if that fixes the problem.

To do so, follow the below steps-

  • Open Outlook > File > Options.
  • Click on Add-ins.
  • Tap on the Go option, and uncheck all the installed extensions.
  • Click on OK to save the settings.

Launch Outlook and check if the problem persists.

9] Update Outlook

Sometimes an outdated app can be the reason behind different issues, including the one you are currently facing. To update Outlook, follow the steps below.

  • Launch Outlook > File.
  • Click on the Office Account option present on the left panel of the screen.
  • Tap on the dropdown arrow present under Update options.
  • Choose the Update Now option.

Microsoft will now look for any available Outlook update. If found, it will automatically update Outlook.

Why Outlook is not connecting to server on Windows?

There are a few reasons Outlook may not be able to connect to a server on Windows. This can be caused by a weak internet connection, being in offline mode, having third-party addons installed, corrupted data files, misconfigured encryption connections, or outdated apps.

How do I reconnect Outlook to server?

Just tap on the Send/Receive tab to reconnect Outlook to the server. Then click on Work Offline to reconnect to the server.

How do I fix a disconnected server in Outlook?

There are multiple ways to fix disconnected servers in Outlook. You can re-enable the work offline mode, restart Outlook, rebuild the data files, and repair Microsoft office. If none of the solutions worked, you can recreate your profile.

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