Outlook has been a great email management system for a decade, and the best part is both personal and businesses have used it as a common emailing platform.
Managing emails and other features on Outlook must connect to the Outlook Exchange Server. But, Outlook throws errors when users try to connect with the server, preventing them from using the Outlook service.
If you are one of them stuck with the same error on Outlook, don’t worry! You are not alone who is sailing in the same boat.
Here, I will walk you through some proven and tested methods to fix the error issue within a few minutes. So, are you ready to resolve the error issue?
Okay, let’s get started without further ado.
Why Does Outlook Not Connecting to Server Error Occur?
Outlook cannot connect to the server due to poor network connection, corrupted outlook account, enabling offline mode on Outlook, or corrupted data files. Also, the error can occur from third-party extensions, outdated applications, corrupted office installations, or problematic PC.
Outlook cannot connect to the server is a typical error on Outlook. Many Outlook users repeatedly reported encountering the error issue while trying to connect to the server.
Due to some technical reasons, the issue occurred that I mentioned earlier. I will briefly describe these reasons to know more about the causes. So, let’s get started.
Here are the possible significant reasons for Outlook not connecting to the server:
Poor Network Connection
A poor network connection is one of the primary reasons Outlook does not connect to the server. If your network connection is problematic and unstable, it’s impossible to connect with the Outlook server.
Corrupted Outlook Account
When the Outlook account is corrupted, it prevents the connection with the Outlook Exchange server. The corrupted Outlook account discourages you from using your account to log into the mail server.
Check out our separate post on disable Outlook deleting confirmation message.
Corrupted Outlook Data Files
Another primary reason for Outlook not connecting to the server is corrupted data files. Due to the corrupted data files, Outlook can not update the application’s data. Outlook can not connect to the server due to the lack of updating data.
Enabling Offline Mode
If you are using an Outlook account with Offline Mode, that means you are using your account without an internet connection. So, you are disconnected from the server and unable to receive any emails from the Outlook Exchange server.
Outlook Extensions
Third-party Outlook extensions are one of the leading causes of Outlook not being connected to the server error issue on Outlook. Sometimes, the problematic and buggy extensions create the error issue.
Outdated Outlook App
Outdated or obsolete applications have various bugs and glitches that create different issues while using the application. If your Outlook application is outdated, there is a chance to encounter the server not connecting error to Outlook.
Also, check out our separate post on how to view message headers in Outlook.
How to Fix Outlook Not Connecting to Server Error
Outlook sets it apart from other managing abilities to arrange meetings, manage calendars, save contacts, share files, organize projects, and more. Outlook has long been known as a dependable and secure email management tool.
Are you unable to connect to the server? Don’t be upset. We’ve got you covered.
There are some proven and tested methods to fix your Outlook, which cannot connect to the server error. Following these methods, you can readily solve your server connectivity issue. Let’s dive deep to see how these methods help you resolve the issue.
Here are the methods to fix Outlook not connecting to server error:
1. Check the Internet Connection
First thing first, check out the internet connection to ensure the internet connection is stable and the speed is good. A good internet connection helps you connect to the server without any issues.
But, if your internet connection is not as good as expected, your Outlook account can not connect to the Outlook Exchange server.
Use the online internet speed checker tool to check your network connection speed. If the result is unsatisfactory and the connection is unstable, reboot your router to solve the network connection problem.
If rebooting your Wi-Fi router cannot solve your internet connection problem, contact your internet service provider (ISP) and inform them about your issue to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Here’s a complete guide on how to add email signature in Outlook.
2. Restart Outlook
If your internet connection is good, but the Outlook server is not connected, try restarting your Outlook application.
Before applying any advanced methods, try to perform a simple restart of your Outlook application. Restarting the application may resolve your problems effortlessly. Sometimes it works like instant magic. So, do it without any uncertainty.
3. Check the Outlook Status
Check your Outlook account status to ensure your account is online. If your account is offline, you can’t connect to the server. Check the account status and enable the online mode to solve your server connection error.
Here are the steps to check the Outlook status:
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Select the Send/Receive tab.
- Check the account status. If the Work Offline is selected, your account is set offline.
- Click on the Work Offline option to disable the offline mode. Now, you are set with Online mode.
- Try to establish the connection to the server to check whether your problem is solved.
4. Recheck your Outlook Credentials
The first advanced method to fix your Outlook server connection error is to recheck your Outlook account credential.
An incorrect account credential or username can create the server connection error issue on your Outlook. So, make sure your Outlook account credential or username is correct. If not, remove the incorrect one and enter the proper account credentials.
Here are the steps to recheck your Outlook credentials:
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Navigate to the File >> Info to open the Account Information tab.
- Click on the Account Settings drop-down menu and select the Account Settings option.
- You can add and remove the account or change existing connection settings in the Account Settings window.
- Select your account from the window and click on the Remove button to remove your account.
- Click on the New button and re-enter your account credential to log in to your Outlook account.
- Try to establish the connection to the server to check whether your problem is solved.
Also check our exclusive tutorial on how to change client-only Rule to server in Outlook.
5. Repair the Outlook Account
You may try to repair your Outlook account to resolve the server connection error issue. Some users claimed this simple fix helps them fix their server connection error problem.
Here are the steps to repair your Outlook account:
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Navigate to the File >> Info to open the Account Information tab.
- Click on the Account Settings drop-down menu and select the Account Settings option.
- You can repair the account or change existing connection settings in the Account Settings window.
- Select your account from the window and click the Repair button to repair your account.
- Try to establish the connection to the server to check whether your problem is solved.
Follow our guide to fix Outlook can’t create file error when opening attachment.
6. Use SSL Encrypted Connection
You must use an SSL encrypted connection to connect to a Microsoft Exchange server. Microsoft doesn’t allow connection to the server without using the SSL encrypted connection. Follow the instructions below to do so.
Here are the steps to repair your Outlook account:
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Navigate to the File >> Info to open the Account Information tab.
- Click on the Account Settings drop-down menu and select the Server Settings option.
- Click on the drop-down menu next to the Encryption method and choose the SSL/TLS option.
- Click on the Next and click Save to apply the changes.
7. Rebuild Outlook Data File
Another effective method to fix your server connection error is rebuilding your Outlook data files.
If your Outlook data file is corrupted, you may face the Outlook server connection issue. Creating new Outlook data files helps you to resolve your problem.
Here are the steps to rebuild your Outlook data files:
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Navigate to the File >> Info to open the Account Information tab.
- Click on the Account Settings drop-down menu and select the Account Settings option.
- Select the Data Files tab and click on the Open File Location.
- Rename or remove your data files from the folder.
- Restart your Outlook application. The application will automatically create the new data file.
- Try to establish the connection to the server to check whether your problem is solved.
8. Disable Extensions
Sometimes corrupted Outlook extensions can create the Outlook not connected to the server error on your computer.
If you are using extensions on your Outlook account, try to disable the extensions one by one and try to connect to check whether your problem is solved or not.
9. Update Outlook
Try to update your Outlook application to resolve your Outlook server connection issue. Updating the application can fix your problem if the problem occurs of any bugs or glitches.
Here are the steps to update your Outlook application:
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Navigate to the File >> Office Account tab to open the Account tab.
- Click on the Update Options drop-down menu next to the Office Updates.
- Select the Update Now option to start the update process.
Final Thoughts
What makes it unique from other email managers is the capability to schedule meetings, manage calendars, store contacts, share files, organize tasks, and more. For a long time, Outlook has proven itself as a reliable and secure email managing platform.
Like other applications, sometimes Microsoft Outlook creates some unusual error issue. Outlook not connecting to server error is one of them. If you are encountering this issue, follow the steps that I described earlier in this post to resolve your problem.
That’s all, folks. Hope you find this post helpful for you. If you like, share with your friends.
See you next one. Good Bye!
