1. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure your internet connection is stable and strong:
- Test your connection by loading websites or other online services to confirm that the issue isn’t related to connectivity.
- If the connection is unstable, try switching to a different network (like a mobile hotspot) to check if it resolves the issue.
2. Repair Corrupted Outlook Data Files (PST/OST)
Outlook’s data files might become corrupted, causing sync issues:
- Open ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) on your computer to repair corrupted PST or OST files.
- This tool is located in the Office installation directory and can help fix common file corruption issues affecting synchronization.
3. Update Outlook and Windows
An outdated version of Outlook or Windows could cause compatibility issues:
- Go to File → Office Account → Update Options → Update Now to update Outlook to the latest version.
- Also, ensure that Windows Updates are up to date by going to Settings → Update & Security.
Keeping both systems updated ensures compatibility with the latest email server protocols.
4. Create a New Outlook Profile
A corrupt Outlook profile can be a significant cause of syncing errors:
- Open Control Panel → Mail → Show Profiles.
- Click Add to create a new profile and reconfigure your email account.
- After creating the new profile, set it as the default and restart Outlook to test if the issue is resolved.
5. Verify Your Email Account Settings
Incorrect server settings can prevent Outlook from connecting to the mail server:
- Double-check your email account settings, including server names (IMAP, SMTP), port numbers, and encryption methods.
- Consult your email provider for the correct configurations and ensure SSL/TLS settings are properly configured.
6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
Sometimes antivirus or firewall software can block Outlook from accessing the server:
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software and test if the issue is resolved.
- If it works, add Outlook to your security software’s exception list to prevent future issues.