Resolved: “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” Error in 2024

The error message “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” typically indicates that Microsoft Outlook, the email client application, can not establish a connection with the email server. This error prevents Outlook from syncing with the email server, which can lead to an inability to send or receive emails, access folders, or synchronize data.

“Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook Window. The set of folders cannot be opened. The file

C:\Users\richa\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\richard.berry@sunderland.ac.uk –  Profile OST cannot be accessed. You must connect to Microsoft Exchange at least once before you can use your Outlook Data file (OST).”

How Does This Error Cause?

The “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” error can occur due to various reasons, and understanding these causes can help in troubleshooting and resolving the issue effectively:

1. Network Issues: Poor or disrupted internet connectivity can hinder Outlook’s connection to the email server.
2. Incorrect Settings: Misconfigured or inaccurate server settings within Outlook, such as server addresses, ports, or security settings, can prevent the connection.
3. Server Problems: The email server might be experiencing downtime, maintenance, or other technical issues, causing Outlook’s connection failure. As a result, it causes the Microsoft Outlook Cannot Connect to the Server error. 
4. Software or Firewall Interference: Antivirus software, firewalls, or other security programs might block Outlook’s access to the server, leading to the error.
5. Outdated Software: Using an outdated version of Outlook can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with the server configurations.
6. Profile or Add-in Issues: Corrupted Outlook profiles or conflicting add-ins/extensions can interfere with the connection.
7. TCP/IP Stack Issues: Problems with the TCP/IP protocol stack on the computer can sometimes cause connectivity problems between Outlook and the email server.

Understanding the specific cause of the Outlook Not Connecting to Server error is essential for troubleshooting and resolving the issue effectively. By identifying and addressing the underlying problem, users can restore Outlook’s connection to the email server and resume email functionality.

8 Ways to Fix Outlook Cannot Connect to Server.

Encountering the “Microsoft Outlook will Not Connect to Server” error can disrupt your communication flow, hindering your ability to send and receive emails. This frustrating issue often arises due to various factors, from network connectivity problems to configuration errors. However, resolving this error is possible by following a series of troubleshooting steps and applying effective fixes.  

#1. Open Outlook Again 

Sometimes, Outlook can have a little hiccup that stops it from talking to the server. If that happens, a quick fix you can try is to close Outlook and open it again. Please ensure your internet connection functions appropriately, and then try reopening Outlook. See if that helps to fix the problem.

#2. Verify And Go Through The Internet Connection

Sometimes, if the internet is not strong, Outlook might’ve difficulty connecting. If that’s the case, there isn’t much you can do except wait for the internet to get better. You could try turning off and on your router. If the problem lasts a while, you might want to call the people who give you the internet, like your internet company, to see if they can help.

#3. Verify Your Outlook Credentials 

If you’ve put in the wrong username or password, Outlook might not connect to the server. It can happen when you’re logging in for the first time. To fix this Outlook Cannot Connect to Server error:

• Open Outlook.
• Click on ‘File’ at the top left.
• Then click on ‘Account Settings.’
• Choose ‘Account Settings’ again from the list.
• Pick your email account and press ‘Remove.’

That’s it! You’ve removed your account from Outlook. Now, go back to ‘File,’ choose ‘Add account,’ and this time, be sure to put in the correct username and password.

#4. Check Your Outlook Account Status 

Another thing to check is if Outlook is online. If it’s not, it won’t connect to Microsoft servers. Here’s how to check:

• Open the Outlook application on your local screen.
• After that, look at the top section and find ‘Send/Receive.’
• Now, click on it.
• Check if ‘Work Offline’ is selected.
• If it is, click it again. It will help Outlook connect to Microsoft servers.
• See if that solves the problem.

#5. Opt For The SSL Encrypted Connection

To connect to the Microsoft Exchange server, you should use a special type of connection called SSL encryption. Here’s how to do it:

• First, open the Outlook application on your computer.
• Afterwards, click on ‘File’ at the top left.
• Then, find ‘Account Settings.’
• Further, click on ‘Server Settings.’
• Change the encryption method to ‘SSL/TLS.’
• Lastly, click the ‘Next’ button and then ‘Done.’

Now, see if that helps fix the Outlook Cannot Connect to Server problem.

#6. Reboot Your Computer and Router

If Outlook isn’t working, a simple trick that often helps is turning things off and on again. You can try this with your computer and internet box (router) in this order:

• First, turn off your computer.
• After that, turn off your router. Look at the router instructions if you aren’t sure how.
• Wait a bit, then turn the router back on.
• Wait for the router to restart entirely and connect to the internet.
• Turn your computer back on.
• Open Outlook and see if it’s working appropriately now.

#7. Check Updates in Outlook And Windows

Sometimes, if Outlook or your computer’s Windows system isn’t up to date, it can cause problems while connecting to the server. To fix this, you can check for and install updates for both Outlook and Windows.

For Outlook updates:

• First, open the Outlook application on your local machine.
• After that, click on the ‘File’ tab.
• Then, choose ‘Office Account.’
• Further, click on ‘Update Options.’
• Select ‘Update Now.’
• Let Office search for updates and install them.

For Windows updates:

• Click on the Search icon.
• Type ‘Updates’ and select ‘Check For Updates.’
• If any updates are found, they’ll download and install.
• Restart your computer to apply the updates.
• Try using Outlook again to check if the connection problem is fixed.

The above solution will resolve the Outlook Cannot Connect to Server error. If not, opt for the other solutions. 

#8. Repair Outlook Account 

Sometimes, your Outlook account settings can become corrupted. It can cause Outlook to stop working correctly. There is a tool within Outlook that can help you to repair these settings. Using this tool may help to fix problems with Outlook not connecting to the server.

To fix your Outlook account:

• First, launch the Outlook application.
• Then, click on ‘Info.’
• After that, find ‘Account Settings.’
• Click on ‘Account Settings’ again.
• Pick the account that’s causing problems and click ‘Repair.’
• Click ‘Repair’ again.
• If it works, you’ll see a message saying the account is fixed.

If repairing the account didn’t help:

• First, open the Outlook application.
• After that, click on ‘Info.’
• Then, find ‘Account Settings.’
• Click on ‘Account Settings’ again.
• Click on the account you want to remove.
• Click ‘Remove.’
• It will reset your account to default settings.

Remember, before removing your account, you can save your Outlook messages as a backup.

The above solutions will resolve the Microsoft Outlook Cannot Connect to the Server error. But sometimes, when Outlook files get broken, it can cause the ‘Outlook not connecting to server’ problem. In this situation, you might need to fix the broken OST file. To do this, you’ll need an efficient tool that can find these damaged or corrupted files on your computer, check them, and fix them. You can directly opt for the Cigati OST File Recovery Software. It will solve the corruption. 

End Notes

Encountering the “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” error can disrupt your workflow. However, following these troubleshooting steps can often resolve the issue and restore Outlook’s functionality. Remember, identifying the underlying cause is crucial in applying the appropriate solution. If the problem persists, seeking professional assistance ensures a prompt resolution, allowing you to resume your email communication seamlessly.

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