How to Resolve the Issue of the Outlook Inbox Not Updating?

The Outlook email service comes just after Gmail in popularity. But sometimes, users find that their mails don't get downloaded on their own. It fails to perform automatic send and receive operations for downloading emails from the Outlook server. If you are also confused as to how to resolve the Outlook inbox not updating problem, there's no need to feel overwhelmed. In this article, you'll find the different troubleshooting steps you can implement for fixing this issue.

Reasons Why Outlook Inbox Not Updating Problem Occurs?

There can be many issues that may hinder Outlook to update your emails. They are given below.
  • A conflict between online and offline items.
  • PST file is corrupted.
  • A very low refresh rate of the inbox.
  • The auto-update functionality has been disabled.
  • Presence of bugs in the Outlook application.
  • Faulty setup of the Outlook account.

 

Ways to Troubleshoot the Outlook Inbox Not Updating Problem

There are many fixes you can implement for resolving this problem. They are given below with clear instructions.

 

Clear offline items

Many accounts configured in Microsoft Outlook have, as default, their cached exchange mode turned on. It helps you to do your work while you are offline. It also increases Outlook's performance. If there is a mismatch in MS Outlook items and the online webmail, the culprit behind it is the corrupted cached data. Clearing them can resolve the issue. Go through these steps.
  • Navigate to the inbox folder and right-tap on the particular folder from where you desire to clear the offline items.
  • Choose 'Properties' from the drop-down menu.
  • Choose the option of 'Clear Offline Items.'
  • Tap 'OK.'
  • In the warning dialog that appears, tap 'OK.'

 

Delete the OST files

MS Outlook client keeps storage and cache of every message, event, and the like in '.ost' file. When you delete this file, you can fix the problem of Outlook inbox not updating. Follow these steps to delete it.
  • Close the Outlook account and exit it fully.
  • Input 'Run' in the search bar.
  • In the run box, type '%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook\.'
  • Hit Enter. You'll see a window of the Outlook folder.
  • Open the .ost file from this folder. Right-tap on this file and choose 'Delete.'

 

Boost the Outlook inbox refresh rate

Another reason why your Outlook inbox is not updating is because of the slow refresh rate of the inbox. You can modify it by following this process.
  • Launch the Outlook program and tap 'File.'
  • Choose 'Options' and then select 'Advanced.'
  • Tap the 'Send/Receive' tab and then scroll to the settings.
  • Choose 'Send/Receive Groups' drop-down and then opt for 'Choose Send/Receive Groups.'
  • Tap 'All Accounts.'
  • Tick the option for scheduling an automatic send/receive.
  • Select the frequency with which you prefer the program to update the folder.
  • After doing all this, click 'Close.'

 

Set up auto-update

Forgetting to set up auto-update for the inbox can also result in the Outlook inbox not updating. Follow these points for setting it up.
  • Start the Outlook application and navigate to 'File.'
  • From there, select 'Options' and then tap 'Advanced.'
  • Scroll down and tap the 'Send/Receive' tab.
  • Next, choose 'Send/Receive Groups.'
  • Tap' Define Send/Receive Groups.'
  • For every account, choose to schedule the automatic send and receive.
  • Change the frequency of the rate of a refresh.
  • Tap' Close.' Your Outlook inbox will refresh itself automatically.

 

Final Words

The problem of Outlook inbox not updating won't trouble you now that you know the causes and troubleshooting techniques. Start by clearing offline items, then delete the .ost files. Enhance the refresh rate of the Outlook inbox and set up auto-refresh by following the instructions explained above. If the problem still prevails, contact Outlook customer support whenever you desire.

 

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