This article discuss the Outlook error that you can face due to server connectivity. Through this post, we will try to fix “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” Error.
Outlook is the most popular email client ideal for email management. Like other software, Outlook is not immune to errors. One of the common issues is not being able to connect to server. This error can interrupt your workflow and communication. If you are also troubled by this error, then don’t worry it can be fixed with a few simple clicks. Read the complete article and fix the Outlook error.
Before we move ahead, let’s know what type of error we are facing and then we will fix the issue.
When you receive an Outlook Cannot Connect to Server error message, then it means that Outlook is unable to connect with the email server. You can receive this error due to different reasons such as incorrect server settings or problems with the server. It also specifies that there may be an error in the IMAP or POP server setting.
Why is My Outlook Not Connecting to the Exchange Server?
If your Outlook is not connecting to server, then there can be several reasons. This type of error can halt your workflow and delay your communication. There are various other errors you can face where Outlook is not receiving emails or many others.
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- If your internet connection is not stable and slow, then you will face a server connectivity error.
- When configuring an email account to Outlook, incorrect server settings can cause the error.
- Outdated software can also have issues while connecting to email servers.
- Synchronization issue also cause this error.
- Corrupted data files or profiles affect severe connectivity.
- Antivirus or Firewall can also block the sever connectivity due to security issues.
How to Fix “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” Error?
Now we’ll look at the different solutions that troubleshoot the email not connecting to server error.
Update Software
Microsoft regularly comes up with new updates. Thus update your Outlook application on a regular basis. Since in new updated features, there are advance features and security measures. For that go to File >> Office Account >>Update Options >> Update Now option.
Server Setting Error
Sometimes while configuring your email account with Outlook, you may make error in the server setting. Incorrect Server settings can also cause Outlook cannot connect to the server error. Follow the steps to update the server settings –
- In Outlook go to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
- Select your email account and click on the Change option.
- Check the IMAP/POP port number or server address, if incorrect, then enter the correct value.
- Verify your username and password.
Check Server Connectivity
If you are getting the server connectivity error, then you must test its connectivity. Follow the steps to test it –
- In Outlook Settings windows choose your email account.
- In More Settings go to the Connection tab and check “Connect to Microsoft Exchange using HTTP“.
- Click on Exchange Proxy Settings and enter the correct value. At last, click on the “Check Connection” option.
Outlook Profile Corrupted
If your Outlook profile is corrupted, then you can also face a server connectivity error. If it’s the issue, then you need to add your account again.
- In Outlook, go to File >> Account Setting >> Account Setting.
- Then, Select the email account and click on the Remove button.
- Now you need to add the account again, go to File >> Add Account.
- Now enter your email address and click on the Connect button. Then type your password.
- Finally, hit on the Finish button.
Disable Add-Ins
Every software allows its users to install add-ins to their account for advanced functions. However, sometimes these add-ins hamper the software work and you can face some errors. Thus, in that case, you need to disable all the add-ins. To do that, go to File >> Options in Add -ins label, select COM-Add-ins and click on the Go button. Then Uncheck all the options leaving only one option and clcik on the OK button. Repeat the same process and find the add-ins that are causing this error.
Disable Antivirus/Firewall
Sometimes, the antivirus software installed in your system blocks your Outlook connection with the server. Thus, temporarily disable the software and see if the error is solved or not. If the issue is solved, then add Outlook as an exception in your security software to allow its access.
Run Outlook in Safe Mode
You can open your Outlook application in safe mode and try the solve the error. For that, press the Windows+R key and type Outlook.ex/safe and run the query. If your Outlook opens and works smoothly, then the add-ins causing the Outlook cannot connect to server error. After that, close the safe window and start your Outlook in normal mode.
These are the few steps to solve the email not connecting to server error in Outlook. You can try all the solution and fix the error. However, before that, we suggest you to save your complete mailbox data locally for safety reasons. However, if your Outlook data file is corrupted, then you can repair OST file for Outlook 2019, 2016 and all other versions. For that ypu can use the SysConverter for OST tool on your Windows OS. You can try the demo version of the software to know its working.
Final Words
Here in this blog, we discuss the “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” error and different solutions to fix it. You can apply any of the solutions and fix the error. If you are still facing the error, connect to an IT professional or connect to Microsoft customer support.