How to Fix “Outlook Not Connecting to Server” Issue – In 5 Steps

The error “Outlook not connecting to server” can be frustrating, especially if you depend on Outlook for email communication. This issue may prevent you from sending or receiving emails. Also, it could be caused by various reasons, including network issues, misconfigured settings, or software glitches. However, this blog will help to resolve this issue with a few troubleshooting steps. The given methods will provide smooth and secure recovery of your Outlook data.

Top Reasons Why “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” Error Occurs

There could be several reasons why Outlook is unable to connect to the server. Here are some of the key reasons:

• Misconfigured IMAP, SMTP, or POP3 server settings can prevent Outlook from connecting to the server.
• An unstable internet connection can disrupt Outlook’s ability to connect to the server.
• A corrupt Outlook can cause connection problems by preventing proper synchronization with the server.
• Incorrect SSL or TLS settings may prevent Outlook from establishing a secure connection.
• Using an older version of Outlook can lead to connecting issues with the server.

Several Ways to Fix Outlook Not Connecting to Server Issue?

If you are facing this error, there are several effective ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. These methods range from simple solutions like checking your internet connection and verifying server settings. It provides more advanced steps, such as repairing your Outlook profile manually or using a professional tool. By following these steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and restore smooth email functionality in Outlook.

Method 1: Close and Restart MS Outlook 

The simplest way to fix the “Cannot Connect to the Server Outlook” issue is to close and restart Outlook. This helps resolve temporary glitches or hangs that may prevent a connection to the mail server.

Steps to Close and Reopen Outlook:

1. Close MS Outlook completely.
2. Wait a few seconds to ensure it shuts down fully.
3. Finally, reopen Outlook and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Method 2: Check the Network Connection and Reboot the PC.

1. Firstly, ensure your device is connected to a stable internet network.
2. Try other online apps to verify the connection.
3. If the connection is fine, restart your PC to refresh network settings.

Method 3: Verify Your Email Account Settings in MS Outlook

1. Firstly, open Outlook and click on File.
2. Now, press Account Settings >> Account Settings.
3. Then, select your email account and click Change.
4. Ensure the IMAP, SMTP, and other server settings are correct.
5. Click on Next >> Finish and restart Outlook to check if the issue “Outlook Not Connecting to Server” is resolved.

Method 4: Disable Conflicting Outlook Add-ins

1. Again, open Outlook and click File >> Options.
2. Now, Select Add-ins from the left menu.
3. At the bottom, click on Go >> COM Add-ins.
4. Uncheck the boxes for any add-ins that may be causing the issue, and click OK.
5. Restart MS Outlook and check if the issue is fixed.

Method 5: Verify Exchange Server Connectivity

1. Start with Outlook and click on File.
2. Afterward, select Account Settings >> Account Settings again.
3. Now, choose your email account and click Change.
4. Afterward, in the Server Settings section, click Test Account Settings.
5. Outlook will run a test to check if it can connect to the Exchange server.
6. If the test fails, check your internet connection or contact your email provider for server status.

Method 6: Enable SSL to Connect to the Exchange Server

1. Open Outlook and press File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
2. Select your email account and click Change.
3. Click on More Settings, then press the Advanced tab.
4. Under Server Port Numbers, check the box for SSL to enable a secure connection.
5. Ensure the port numbers are set correctly:

Incoming mail (IMAP): 993

Outgoing mail (SMTP): 465 or 587

6. Click OK, then Next, and restart Outlook to check the connection.

Method 7: Set Up the Exchange Server Proxy Connection

1. Open Outlook and go to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
2. Now, select your email account and click Change.
3. Then, click on the More Settings >> Connection tab.
4. Check Connect to Microsoft Exchange using HTTP.
5. After that, click on Exchange Proxy Settings.
6. In the Proxy Settings, enter the Exchange server address.
7. Select Basic Authentication or NTLM Authentication, depending on your organization’s setup.
8. In the end, click OK, then Next, and restart Outlook to apply the settings.

Method 8: Delete and Set Up a New Outlook Profile

1. Firstly, close MS Outlook.
2. Now, click Control Panel and select Mail.
3. After that, select Show Profiles.
4. Select your current profile and click Remove

 Note: ensure you have backed up important data first.

5. Then, click Add to create a new profile and give it a name.
6. Once the new profile is created, select Prompt for a profile or set the new profile as the default.
7. Lastly, open Outlook with the new profile to check if the Outlook Not Connecting to Server issue is resolved.

Method 9: Check for Outlook Updates

1. Again, open Outlook and click File in the top-left corner.
2. Select Office Account from the menu on the left.
3. Under Product Information, click on Update Options.
4. After that, select Update Now from the dropdown menu.
5. Outlook will update and install them automatically.
6. Once the update is complete, restart Outlook and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Method 10: Repair Outlook Account to Fix “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server”

1. Open Outlook and go to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
2. Now, select your email account from the list.
3. Click on Repair at the top of the window.
4. Outlook will begin to fix any configuration issues with your account.
5. Once the repair process is complete, click Next, then Finish.
6. Lastly, Restart Outlook and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Method 11: Clear Cached Credentials to Fix “Outlook Not Connecting to Server”

1. Firstly, open the Control Panel and select User Accounts.
2. Now, click on Credential Manager.
3. Under Windows Credentials, locate any saved credentials.
4. Afterward, click on the entry to expand it, then select Remove.
5. Close the Credential Manager and restart your computer.
6. Open Outlook and re-enter your login credentials when prompted to reconnect.

Method 12: Check for Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Connection

1. Disable your firewall or antivirus software to check if it is blocking Outlook’s connection.
2. To disable the firewall, go to Control Panel >>System and Security.
3. Now, select Windows >> Turn Windows Defender Firewall Off.
4. For antivirus software, open the application and disable real-time protection or temporarily disable the firewall/antivirus features.
5. After disabling, restart Outlook and check if the issue persists.

Method 13: Rebuild Outlook Data File

1. Firstly, close MS Outlook completely.
2. Now, open the Control Panel and select Mail.
3. Click Show Profiles and select the profile you want to modify.
4. After that, tap Data Files and select your current Outlook data file.
5. Press Open File Location, then close Outlook 
6. Then, delete the data file from your system.
7. Reopen Outlook, and it will automatically create a new data file.
8. Reconfigure your account settings, and the new data file should rebuild your mailbox and fix any connection issues.

Challenges of Manual Troubleshooting

1. Manual troubleshooting can be time-consuming if multiple steps are required.
2. It may require technical expertise, making it challenging for non-experts.
3. Also, it does not provide a guarantee for 100% fixing this error.
4. Not all methods work for every situation, and there are chances of losing data.
5. Improper configuration may lead to data loss if not handled correctly.

Method 14: Effective Method to Fix “Outlook Not Connecting to Server”

Manual methods can not always provide a comprehensive solution for resolving Outlook connection issues. In such cases, use an OST File Recovery Tool to repair corrupted Outlook OST files. It offers a faster and more reliable solution to fix your Outlook account. Additionally, this tool is specifically built to repair and optimize Outlook’s performance with minimal effort and risk. 

Simple Steps to Repair Your Outlook Account:

1. Firstly, launch the OST File Recovery Tool on your PC.
2. Now, click on Open to add corrupted OST files.
3. Then, choose Recovery mode and use advanced features. Click OK.
4. After that, click on Save and choose Saving Path.
5. Finally, define the location to save the resultant file and click OK.

Conclusion

While manual methods can help fix Outlook not connecting to server issues, they may not always address more complex problems. However, using a professional tool provides a quick and more reliable solution to fix this error. It ensures a smooth experience and minimizes the risk of data loss or incomplete fixes. Moreover, you can try the free demo version of this tool for better understanding.

Related Post : Outlook Mac Not Syncing with Gmail.

Frequently Asked Questions :

1Q. Why is Outlook not connecting to the server?

Ans: Outlook might not connect for several reasons. These include wrong account settings, network issues, outdated software, or server problems.

2Q. How do I fix the Outlook connection error?

Ans: You can fix the issue by trying a few troubleshooting steps. Start by restarting Outlook. Then, check your account settings. Also, make sure your network connection is working. Furthermore, if this issue is still not resolved, there is a chance that your Outlook OST file will be corrupted. Use the recommended tool to fix corrupt OST files.

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