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Outlook not sending or syncing: what to check
When Outlook stops sending or receiving, the first job is to find out whether the problem is Outlook on your computer, your mailbox, or your internet connection.
Find out where the problem is
- Open a website to check that your internet connection works.
- Sign in to your mail in a web browser. For Microsoft 365 that is Outlook on the web at outlook.office.com.
- If your mail is up to date on the web, the mailbox is fine and the problem is Outlook on your computer.
- If the web is also missing mail or will not send, the problem is the mailbox or the service, and you should call your IT support.
Fixes for Outlook on your computer
- Look at the bottom of the Outlook window. If it says Working Offline, open the Send / Receive tab and click Work Offline to turn it off.
- Open the Outbox. A message with a very large attachment can block everything behind it. Delete it, or move it to Drafts and send a smaller version or a link to the file.
- Close Outlook completely, wait a moment and open it again. If that does not help, restart the computer.
- Check for updates: in Outlook go to File, then Office Account, then Update Options.
- If Outlook asks for your password again and again, sign out of Office and sign back in, or ask your IT support to check your account.
Check your mailbox is not full
A full mailbox stops sending and receiving. In Outlook, File then Info shows how much space is left. Empty Deleted Items and move or delete old messages with large attachments.
Still stuck?
Download the remote support tool from our remote support page and call us on +264 83 376 4016, Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00. You can also email info@microtechnamibia.com.