How to Fix Outlook Trying to Connect to Server on Windows 10
Outlook is not only an online app but it works well offline too. Its offline feature allows a user to download and use files on the system when required. But this can be a flop-show in case Outlook 2016 not connecting to server issue comes up. This error is brought up for many reasons which are given below:
How to Fix Outlook Trying to Connect to Server on Windows 10 Method 1: Power Cycle PC Method 2: Troubleshoot Internet Connection Method 3: Modify Account Security Setting Method 4: Disable Extensions Method 5: Repair .pst and .ost Files Method 6: Repair MS Outlook App Method 7: Repair Outlook Account Method 8: Create New Account
Weak internet connection Third-party add-ins in Outlook Corrupt Outlook account Offline mode enabled Outdated Outlook version Corrupt files Corrupt installation of Microsoft Office Windows error
Irrespective of what reason is behind causing Outlook trying to connect to server error on Windows 10, there are methods that can help you out in resolving it. The following stated 12 solutions are in order of their effectiveness and complexity, thereby performing them in the given sequence. Note: The methods below are performed on the latest version of Outlook on Windows 10.
Method 1: Power Cycle PC
The first and foremost method to try before you move on to another is to try power cycling for your system. There is a possibility that Outlook is acting up because of an unknown shutdown and therefore restarting the system can fix this issue.
If you are using a Desktop, Turn off your router.
Then, power off the CPU.
After about 3-5 minutes, switch on your PC again and check if Outlook is now working properly.
In case you are using a laptop, close all the programs and Shut down the system.
Once done, after 3-5 minutes, press the Power button again and turn the system on.
Now, run Outlook to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Troubleshoot Internet Connection
If restarting the system didn’t work for you then checking the internet connection might be of help in solving Outlook server connecting issues. If your internet network is too weak or not stable, it can be a hindrance while working online in Outlook. Hence, to make sure everything is alright with your internet, follow the steps below:
- Connect a separate device to the same network. Install Outlook on that device and try to run the app.
- Run the browser on your system, open your mail or browse something to check if the internet is working.
- Switch to a private internet connection to run your program without any problem.
- Follow our guide to reboot the router.
Also Read: How to Turn Outlook Email Read Receipt On Off
Method 3: Modify Account Security Setting
This might not be the first thing to cross your mind while confronting Outlook cannot find email server error on your system but sometimes wrong credentials can also be a reason why this error shows up on your screen every time you try to run Outlook. Therefore, make sure all the account information filled in the app is correct, you can ensure this with the help of the following mentioned steps:
Press the Windows key, type Outlook and click on Open.
Click on your name icon at the upper right corner of the outlook page.
Then, click View account.
Select UPDATE INFO.
Click Change or Delete to add new credentials.
Once the steps are performed, run the Outlook app again and check if the server connection error is resolved.
Method 4: Disable Extensions
There is a possibility that some extensions might not be working properly and causing conflicts with Outlook Settings which is why the users have been seeing Outlook cannot find email server error. In this case, it is suggested to disable extensions and try to connect again.
Open Outlook and click on File tab.
Here, click on Options.
Select Add-ins from the side menu.
Click on the Go… button.
Here, uncheck the boxes for all the extensions and click OK.
Now, launch the Outlook application again and see if the server issue is resolved. Also Read: Fix Outlook Password Prompt Reappearing
Method 5: Repair .pst and .ost Files
Repairing damaged or corrupt .pst and .ost files come in handy in getting rid of connection to server issues in Outlook. If you are looking forward to doing so, check our guide on How to Fix Corrupt Outlook .ost and .pst Data Files and perform the same on your system.
Method 6: Repair MS Outlook App
If nothing has worked for you till now then repairing the MS Outlook app can be of help for you. Due to viruses or bugs, the Outlook app can get corrupt causing network connection issues. Hence, it becomes crucial that you fix it by repairing it on your system. You can follow the steps below for the same.
Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click on Open.
Set View by > Large icons, then click on Programs and Features.
Right-click on Microsoft Office and select the Change option.
Select Repair and click on Continue.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair process and once it is done, relaunch the Outlook app. Also Read: How to Turn On Microsoft Outlook Dark Mode
Method 7: Repair Outlook Account
If the problem of Outlook trying to connect to server on Windows 10 still exists after repairing the app, then the issue is with your account and repairing is one of the solutions to fix it. Note: The Repair option is not available for Outlook 2016.
Launch the Outlook app and click on the File tab.
Select the Account Settings… option from the menu under Account Settings.
In the E-mail tab, select Repair.
Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the repair method. Also Read: Fix Outlook App Won’t Open in Windows 10
Method 8: Create New Account
If nothing else has worked for you then the last option that you have is to create a new Outlook account. This method helps you to resolve issues of any type related to your Outlook account, so, follow the instructions below and add a new account:
Press Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type outlook /safe and press the Enter key to open Microsoft Outlook Startup in safe mode.
Here, click on Next option.
Select Yes from the options given and click Next.
Add a new account by filling in the credentials and click Next.
Once the profile is set up, launch the Control Panel.
Set View by > Large icons, then select the Mail setting.
Select your new account, choose Always use this profile and click OK.
Q1. Why is my Outlook not connecting to the server? Ans. There can be many reasons lying behind why your Outlook is not connecting to the server but the prominent ones are extensions and add-ons that hinder the working of Outlook and result in an error. Q2. Can I save files on Outlook even when I am offline? Ans. Yes, the Outlook application can be used offline. You can access mail and files while not being connected to the internet. Q3. How can I fix the connecting to server error on my Outlook? Ans. In-built utilities available in the Outlook app can help you in fixing the connecting to a server error. You would need to access Account Settings in the File tab and select Repair to resolve the issue. Q4. How can I reconnect to the server in Outlook? Ans. Reconnecting to the server in Outlook is possible by opening the Send/Receive tab and then clicking on the Work Offline option in it. Q5. How can I save emails offline on Outlook? Ans. Saving emails offline is possible on Outlook by accessing Gmail offline settings and turning on Enable offline mail. Recommended:
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It is safe to say that Outlook indeed is an impressive software application by Microsoft which enables the use of multiple programs on a single platform. But this is not it, Outlook also comes with many errors, one of which is its inability to connect to the server due to various reasons. We hope that this guide helped you know about how to fix Outlook trying to connect to server. Let us know which one of our methods was the most helpful to you. For any further queries or suggestions, contact us in the comments section below.
