Fix Outlook trying to connect to server on Windows 10
Outlook is a Microsoft software that acts as a personal information manager. It is a file service where you can use email, calendar, and applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. This convenient universal application for all work programs has been on the market for a long time. In addition, Outlook also allows users to go online. However, Outlook members often face issues like Outlook not connecting to the server on Windows 10. If you too are facing the same problem, then you have come to the right place because we are here with our comprehensive guide on how to fix Outlook trying to connect to the server. So, let's move on to the solutions, but first, let's briefly talk about why this particular problem occurs for most Outlook users.
How to fix Outlook trying to connect to server in Windows 10
Outlook is not only an online application, but it also works well offline. Its offline feature allows the user to download and use files on the system when needed. But it might be a flop show in case Outlook 2016 is not connecting to the server. This error occurs for many reasons which are listed below:
- Weak internet connection
- Third party add-ins in Outlook
- Corrupted Outlook Account
- Offline mode enabled
- Outdated version of Outlook
- Damaged files
- Corrupted Microsoft Office installation
- Windows error
Regardless of the reason why Outlook is trying to connect to the server error in Windows 10, there are methods that can help you fix it. The following claimed 12 solutions are arranged in order of their effectiveness and complexity, thus performing them in a given sequence.
Note. The methods described below are performed in the latest version of Outlook for Windows 10.
Method 1: Turn your PC off and on again
The first and foremost method to try before moving on to another is to try powering your system on and off. There is a possibility that Outlook is running due to an unknown shutdown, so restarting the system may solve this problem.
1. If you are using a desktop computer, turn off the router.
2. Then turn off the processor.
3. After about 3-5 minutes, turn on the computer again and check if Outlook is working properly.
4. If you are using a laptop, close all programs and turn off the system.
5. After that, after 3-5 minutes, press the power button again and turn on the system.
6. Now launch Outlook to check if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Troubleshoot your Internet connection
If restarting the system didn't help you, checking your Internet connection can help resolve issues connecting to the Outlook server. If your Internet network is too weak or unstable, it may interfere with your Internet browsing experience in Outlook. Hence, to make sure your internet is ok, follow these steps:
1. Connect a separate device to the same network. Install Outlook on this device and try running the application.
2. Launch a browser on your system, open your mail or view something to check if the internet is working.
3. Switch to a private Internet connection to run the program without problems.
4. Follow our guide to reset your router.
Method 3: Change account security settings
It might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you encounter Outlook cannot find mail server error on your system, but sometimes wrong credentials can also be the reason why this error appears on your screen every time when you try to start Outlook. So make sure that all the account information filled in the app is correct, you can check it with the following steps:
1. Press the Windows key, type Outlook and click Open.
2. Click your name icon in the upper right corner of the Outlook page.
3. Then click View Account.
4. Select UPDATE INFORMATION.
5. Click Change or Remove to add new credentials.
After completing the steps, launch the Outlook application again and check if the server connection error is resolved.
Method 4: disable extensions
There is a possibility that some extensions may not work properly and cause conflicts with Outlook settings, which is why users see Outlook cannot find email server error. In this case, it is suggested to disable the extensions and try to connect again.
1. Open Outlook and go to the "File" tab.
2. Click "Options" here.
3. Select Add-ons from the side menu.
4. Click the "Go to..." button.
5. Here uncheck the boxes for all extensions and click OK.
6. Now launch the Outlook application again and see if the problem with the server is resolved.
Method 5: Repair .pst and .ost files
Repairing damaged or corrupted .pst and .ost files will come in handy to get rid of server connection issues in Outlook. If you're looking forward to it, check out our guide "How to fix corrupted Outlook .ost and .pst data files" and do the same on your system.
Method 6: Repair MS Outlook Application
If nothing has worked for you so far, restoring the MS Outlook application can help you. Due to viruses or bugs, the Outlook application can become corrupted, causing network connection problems. Hence, it becomes crucial that you fix it by restoring it on your system. You can follow the below steps for the same.
1. Press the Windows key, type control panel and click Open.
2. Set View > Large Icons, then click Programs and Features.
3. Right-click Microsoft Office and select the Edit option.
4. Select "Restore" and click "Continue".
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the restore process, and once it's complete, restart the Outlook application.
Method 7: Repair your Outlook account
If the problem of Outlook trying to connect to the server in Windows 10 is still there after repairing the application, then the problem is related to your account and repair is one of the solutions to fix it.
Note. The Restore option is not available for Outlook 2016.
1. Launch the Outlook application and go to the "File" tab.
2. Select the Account Settings… option from the Account Settings menu.
3. On the Email tab, select Restore.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen and complete the repair.
Method 8: create a new account
If nothing worked for you, the last option you have is to create a new Outlook account. This method will help you solve any type of problems related to your Outlook account, so follow the instructions below and add a new account:
1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type outlook /safe and press the Enter key to open the Microsoft Outlook launcher in safe mode.
3. Click "Next" here.
4. Select "Yes" from the options provided and click "Next".
5. Add a new account by entering your credentials and click Next.
6. After setting up the profile, launch the control panel.
7. Set View > Large Icons, then select the Mail option.
8. Select a new account, select "Always use this profile" and click "OK".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why won't my Outlook connect to the server?
Answer There can be many reasons why your Outlook is not connecting to the server, but the main ones are extensions and add-ons that interfere with Outlook and result in an error.
Q2. Can I save files in Outlook even when I'm offline?
Answer Yes, Outlook can be used offline. You can access mail and files without an internet connection.
Q3. How to fix server connection error in Outlook?
Answer The built-in utilities available in the Outlook application can help you fix the server connection error. You will need to access your account settings under the File tab and select Repair to resolve the issue.
Q4. How to reconnect to the server in Outlook?
Answer Reconnecting to the server in Outlook is possible by opening the "Send/Receive" tab and selecting the "Work Offline" option.
Q5. How can I save emails offline in Outlook?
Answer Saving email offline is possible in Outlook by opening the Gmail offline settings and turning on the Enable Offline Mail option.
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It's safe to say that Outlook is indeed an impressive software application from Microsoft that allows you to use multiple programs on the same platform. But this is not the case, there are also many errors in Outlook, one of which is the inability to connect to the server for various reasons. We hope this guide helped you learn how to fix Outlook trying to connect to a server. Let us know which of our methods has been the most helpful for you. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please contact us in the comments section below.