Top 6 Troubleshooting Steps To Fix 'Outlook cannot connect to server' Error

Outlook has been the gold standard of email clients, and prized possession of Microsoft. It is an excellent information manager, enhanced with features like storing notes, calendars, and tasks.

It is quite simple to use, even easier to create an account or log in to an existing one. The mobile app also allows for seamless switching between multiple accounts. However, all these features do not make it immune to a few glitches. The “Outlook cannot connect to server” error is one of those.

In this blog, we will cover the various ways by which you can fix the server error and get back to work in a short span of time. Let’s get started.

Methods to Fix the Outlook Cannot Connect to Server Glitch:

Method 1: Ensure Correct Credentials

You need to cross-check whether the login details filled by you are correct. It happens if you have changed the password but forgot to log in again. To resolve it:

• Open Outlook on your system;
• Go to the option of "File > Info > Account and Social Network Settings > Account settings";
• Now choose your account from the dialog box, remove it and re-enter your correct account credentials, then log in.

 

Method 2: Verify the Outlook Online Status

Outlook provides you an option to open it and view your emails while staying offline. Check the Outlook status bar at the bottom of the window. If it displays the message "Working Offline" or "Disconnected", it means you are disconnected from the server. To resolve:

• Open Outlook and click on the “Send/Receive" tab;
• Now click on the "Work Offline" option to reconnect your Outlook.

 

Method 3: Check the Network Connection Status

The offline error might appear if your system is not connected to the internet. To resolve this

• Check the connections, ports, and wires if you’re using a wired connection;
• Disconnect and connect your system if you’re using a wireless connection;
• Open a different webpage or site to ensure that there isn’t a problem with the Outlook server or with the network.

 

Method 4: Use SSL to Connect Microsoft Exchange Server

To utilize the SSL to connect the Microsoft Exchange server, follow:

• Open Outlook and go to “File > Info > Account and Social Network Settings > Account settings";
• Choose your email account and tap on the "Change" button;
• Click on the "More Settings > Advanced" tab;
• Finally, select “SSL” as a type of encrypted connection and click on "OK".

 

Method 5: Repair Your Outlook Account

There are various reasons for which your Outlook account can get damaged. Thankfully, there is a simple way to repair your account. All you need to do is:

• Launch Outlook and then go to “File > Info > Account and Social Network Settings > Account settings”;
• Here you will see a Repair button, and click on it;
• You will need to enter your credentials, then click on the Next button;
• Now Outlook will automatically make a connection with the server and diagnose the problem if there is any.

Method 6: Disable Extra Extensions

Extensions are quite helpful with regard to many functions, however, there are some which might cause a few problems. Here is the procedure for removing unnecessary extensions:

• Launch the Outlook application;
• Go to "File > Options > Add-ins”;
• Now click on the "Go" button, uncheck all the extensions on the list, and hit on the "OK" button to apply the changes;
• Restart Outlook once the changes are applied.

Bonus Method: The above-mentioned ways should fix your issue. However, if you are still facing the Outlook cannot connect to server error, then you can uninstall Outlook from the Control Panel > Uninstall a Program option and then reinstall it from the official Microsoft website. Once installed, log in with your credentials and you’re good to go.