Outlook Won’t Connect? Fix It Now with These Expert Tips

Outlook is unable to connect to the network? You’re not alone. Many Windows users are reporting it. But the good news is that you can fix it. Here is a list of solutions that have proven useful to many users.

8 fixes to try

You may not have to try them all. Just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

1. Check your Internet connection
2. Restart your computer
3. Turn off the Work Offline mode
4. Update Outlook
5. Repair your Outlook account
6. Remove unnecessary Outlook add-ins
7. Rebuild the Outlook data file
8. Reinstall Office 365

Fix 1: Check your Internet connection

When connection problems occur, checking out your network status should always be your go-to option.

Now, try opening another application that requires Internet access to function. If that application fails, too, then you’ve found the core problem. Check this article to troubleshoot your network issue.

If the application is working fine, read on and try the fix below.

Fix 2: Restart your computer

In some cases, the Outlook connection issue is caused by software conflicts. If you’re running multiple programs on your PC, chances are that one of your application conflicts with Outlook and causes it to fail.

Ensure there are no unsaved files before you proceed.

Restart your computer to wipe away the current state of the software and clear memory. Then, reopen Outlook to test your issue.

If the problem continues to occur after the reboot, go ahead with the fix below.

Fix 3: Turn off the Work Offline mode

Outlook may also disconnect from the Internet because users accidentally turned on the Offline mode. Although it’s rare, you should not rule out the possibility. Follow the instructions below:

1) RunOutlook .

2) Click theSend / Receive tab. Next, verify that theWork Offline mode is turned off.

If the background of theWork Offline button is dark-grey, that means the Work Offline mode is active. You’ll need to turn off the mode by clicking the button once.

If the Work Offline mode is already disabled, move on to the next fix.

Fix 4: Update Outlook

Sometimes, an outdated version of Outlook may be the cause of your issue. In this case, an update is very likely the solution to it. Here is how to do it:

1) RunOutlook .

2) ClickFile .


3) ClickOffice Account , and then clickUpdate Options.

4) ClickUpdate Now.

If there is no update available, or if Outlook still won’t connect, check the fix below.

Fix 5: Repair your Outlook account

Incorrect account settings may also trigger the Outlook connecting problem. To keep Outlook running smoothly, you need to verify that your account settings are correct. Here is how to do it:

1) RunOutlook .

2) ClickFile .

3) ClickAccount Settings , and then clickAccount Settings in the drop-down menu.

4) Selectyour account , and then clickRepair .

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5) ClickNext, and then follow the on-screen instructions to repair your account.

After the process is complete, reopen Outlook and check if it runs smoothly. If your problem persists, try the next fix.

Fix 6: Remove unnecessary Outlook add-ins

Faulty add-ins running on top of Outlook can also affect its functionality. To check if your issue is caused by a specific add-in, follow the instructions below:

1) RunOutlook .

2) ClickFile .

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3) ClickOptions .

4) ClickAdd-ins.

5) Verify theManage option is set toCOM Add-ins . Then, clickGo .

6) Uncheck the box next to the non-essential add-ins to disable them. Then, clickOK.

Some add-ins may be essential for Outlook to work. So, don’t uncheck any add-ins that you’re not familiar with.

Reopen Outlook to see if this worked for you. If your problem still exists, try the next fix.

Fix 7: Rebuild the Outlook data file

Corrupted or damaged Outlook data files can also cause this problem. In this case, rebuilding the Outlook data file can fix it. Follow the instructions below:

1) RunOutlook .

2) Click theFile tab.

3) ClickAccount Settings , and then clickAccount Settings in the drop-down menu.

4) Click theData Files tab . Then, selectyour account and clickOpen File Location .

5) If you find an**.ost file** in the current window, right-clickthe file , and then clickRename .

If you see a**.pst file** instead, skip this fix and check Fix 8 below.

6) Change the file name extension to**.old** for the .ost file.

7) Reopen Outlook and wait for it to rebuild your data file.

This process may take several minutes or even an hour, depending on the number of Outlook files you have. Please don’t close Outlook while it’s rebuilding your data file.

If your problem persists, check the fix below.

Fix 8: Reinstall Office 365

If none of the above fixes helped, reinstalling Office 365 is very likely the solution for you. Here is how to do it:

1) On your keyboard, press theWindows logo key and type control . Then, click Control Panel .

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2) Under View by , clickCategory. Then, click Uninstall a program .

3) Right-click Microsoft Office 365 , and then click Uninstall .

4) Go to Office 365 official website and clickSign in to sign in your account.

5) ClickInstall Office , and then clickOffice 365 apps to download Office 365.

6) Open thedownloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Office 365 again.

Hopefully, one of the fixes above has helped resolve your problem. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.

• Outlook
• Windows 10
• Windows 7
• Windows 8