Why is Outlook not syncing?
Why is Outlook not syncing? Fix Outlook Email, Calendar, Contacts, and Microsoft 365 Sync Problems
–>Quick Answer:
Outlook may stop syncing because of OST corruption with IMAP or Exchange, damaged Outlook profiles, Microsoft 365 or App Password authentication failures, Gmail IMAP delays, iCloud conflicts, VPN interruptions, antivirus filtering, or Exchange Server connection issues.
Hi folks, this is my #1 request of all my Outlook calls. Outlook may stop syncing for 1000 reasons, but for you, it’s only probably only one and we need to figure that out. I’m a Microsoft Outlook Expert and I can help you with this request. I also work as a Microsoft 365 IT consultant.
This post will be about IMAP. For POP click here, Exchange click here and Google Workspace click here.
First, if you are using your email with IMAP configuration in Outlook, that list is way longer than a POP or Exchange account. Look in your Outlook and find out how your email is configured.
Let’s start by figuring out your account types.
- Go to FILE in the upper left corner
- Click on Account Settings and it will drop down and click on Account Settings again.
- You will see how your emails are configured: POP, IMAP, Exchange or MAPI (Google Workspace)
- If not IMAP, use these reference links POP click here, Exchange click here and Google Workspace click here.
Common Reasons Outlook Stops Syncing IMAP
- Corrupted Outlook OST File (the OST is at its limit of 50 gigs)
- Damaged or corrupted Outlook Profile (very common, you will see “This Computer Only” folders)
- Mailbox needs refreshing/remapping (common for Network Solutions, HostGator, BlueHost)
- App Password required
- Antivirus (McAfee can do this more than any other)
- VPN is the biggest problem lately
- DNS Problems (misconfigured MX records)
- Domain issues (you need to update DNS for email delivery, or check to see if the bill is paid)
- Outlook Add-In Problems (rare but can happen on occasion)
Now you know the “whys” and hopefully this will help you try to figure it out, I can help too if you’d like to schedule an appt.
Keep in mind that IMAP synching can be a longer request to complete. Typical is 1-2 hours of billable time and many calls. I will also back up all your data and complete a full onboarding before starting. This is important to do and also something amateurs don’t often do. Hiring an experienced Outlook master technician like me will get the job done using best practices. Side note: Often clients opt to move to a Microsoft Exchange server instead of repairing their Outlook profile. This will be covered in your onboarding.
Category: New Outlook
About the Author (Author Profile)
Lisa Hendrickson is the owner of Call That Girl. She is an Outlook Expert and Microsoft 365 Consultant.Subscribe
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