Outlook Is Not Receiving or Sending Email

Outlook Is Not Receiving or Sending Email

When Outlook stops sending or receiving email, the issue is usually a connection problem between Outlook and Microsoft 365. Common causes include network interruptions, an expired password, a stuck Outlook profile, or a corrupt local data file. Most of the time, this can be resolved without contacting the helpdesk.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check your internet connection. Open a web browser and navigate to any website. If the browser loads, your connection is working. If not, troubleshoot your network first.
  2. Check Outlook's connection status. Look at the bottom-right corner of the Outlook window. If it says "Disconnected" or "Trying to connect", Outlook is not communicating with the server.
  3. Restart Outlook. Close Outlook completely (check that it is not still running in the system tray near the clock), then reopen it.
  4. Try Outlook on the Web. Go to outlook.office.com and sign in. If email works there but not in the desktop app, the issue is with your local Outlook installation.
  5. Repair your Outlook profile. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, select your email account, and click Repair. Follow the prompts and restart Outlook.
  6. Restart your computer. A full restart clears temporary issues with networking and background services that Outlook depends on.

If the Problem Persists

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, submit a ticket. Include what you have already tried and whether Outlook on the Web is working. This helps us diagnose the issue faster.

Still stuck? Submit a ticket and a CMO IT Services technician will assist you.

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