Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Email not sending or receiving. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Email Not Sending or Receiving - Windows 11

Quick Checks (Do These First)

1. Check internet connection - try loading a website

2. Check spam/junk folder - emails may be filtered

3. Check email address - are you using the right address?

4. Check for "Reply" vs "New email" - are you in the right mode?

For Outlook Desktop App

Not Receiving Emails

1. Check send/receive settings:

• Click Send/Receive > Check for New Messages
• Make sure account is enabled for send/receive

2. Check work offline mode:

• If bottom-left shows "Working Offline," click it and select "Work Online"

3. Repair the account:

• File > Account Settings > Account Settings
• Select your account > Repair
• Follow the prompts

Not Sending Emails

1. Check outbox:

• Look in the Outbox folder
• Double-click stuck email, try sending again

2. Check account settings:

• File > Account Settings > Account Settings
• Verify email address and server settings
• Make sure outgoing server requires authentication is checked

3. Check password:

• You may need to re-enter your password
• File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Change

For Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo

Try logging into the web version (mail.google.com, outlook.com, etc.):

• If works there, it's an app issue
• If doesn't work there either, it's an account issue

General Troubleshooting

Clear Cache (Outlook)

1. File > Options > Advanced

2. Scroll to "Outlook start and exit"

3. Click "Empty Auto-Complete List"

4. Also try: C:\Users\[Name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook (delete temp files)

Check Server Status

• Gmail: Check https://downdetector.com/status/gmail/
• Outlook: Check https://downdetector.com/status/outlook/
• If service is down, just wait

Update Outlook

1. Open Outlook

2. File > Office Account

3. Update Options > Update Now

When to Contact Support

• Can't remember password - use password reset
• Account locked - contact email provider
• Getting specific error codes - write them down

Still Having Issues?