How to Fix “Email not sending” in Outlook
- Cehlan Sparks
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to send an important email, only for Outlook to refuse to cooperate. Whether it’s a simple connectivity problem or a setting that needs adjustment, there are several common reasons why Outlook might fail to send emails. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some quick troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue and get your email working again.
Ensure Outlook is Online
Outlook may be in offline mode. To check:
Go to the Send/Receive tab and look for the Work Offline button.
If the button is highlighted, click it to switch Outlook back to online mode.
Try sending your email again once Outlook is online.
Check Your Internet Connection
Outlook needs a stable internet connection to send emails. Without it, your emails can’t reach their destination. Here’s how to check if your connection is the problem:
Test your connection by browsing a website or using an app.
If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, try switching to a wired connection or a different Wi-Fi network to see if that resolves the issue.
Restart your router or switch networks if needed.
Verify Your Email Account Settings
Incorrect email account settings can prevent Outlook from sending emails. This often happens if your SMTP or IMAP/POP settings are misconfigured. Here’s how to check and correct your account settings:
Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
Select your account, then click Change
Review the server settings (SMTP for outgoing mail and IMAP/POP for incoming mail) and ensure they match the recommended settings from your email provider.
If you’ve changed your password recently, update your credentials in this section as well.
Clear Outbox and Restart Outlook
Sometimes, emails get stuck in the Outbox, preventing new emails from being sent. Here’s how to clear stuck emails and refresh Outlook:
Go to the Outbox folder
Delete any emails stuck in the Outbox.
Close and restart Outlook to refresh settings.
Disable Add-ins That May Be Causing Issues
Outlook add-ins can enhance functionality, but they can also interfere with email sending. If you suspect an add-in is the problem, try disabling them:
Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
Under Manage, select COM Add-ins, then click Go
Uncheck all add-ins to disable them and click OK.
Restart Outlook and try sending an email. If it works, enable add-ins one by one to identify the culprit.
Check for Software Updates and Restart Your Device
Keeping both Outlook and your operating system up to date is crucial for smooth operation. Here’s what you should do:
Go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now to update Outlook.
Additionally, ensure your operating system is up to date. For Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Once updates are installed, restart both your computer and Outlook to resolve any temporary glitches.
Run Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still facing issues, Microsoft’s Support and Recovery Assistant tool can help diagnose and fix common Outlook problems.
Here’s how to use it:
Navigate to Microsoft.com and download the Support and Recovery Assistant
Launch the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any issues with Outlook.
After the tool completes its scan, follow any recommended steps to resolve the issue.
If none of the above solutions work, it may be a server-side issue or a more complex problem requiring expert help. Here’s when you should reach out for professional support.
Cloudigan IT Solutions is here to help. Reach out for expert troubleshooting to get your email working smoothly. We’d also love to hear your feedback — did these steps help?
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