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Outlook Will Not Connect to Exchange Server But Internet Works

  Mark Regan
Mark Regan
Published: June 20th, 2025 • 7 Min Read
Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client by professional and individual users but often face frustrated issues like Outlook not connecting to the server but the internet works, after password change, in Microsoft 365, Exchange Server or in new Outlook. This error prevents Outlook from sending and receiving emails, syncing calendars, or accessing shared mailbox folders. It can occur due to incorrect account settings, network issues, corrupted data files or even server issues. In this guide, we will explain all effective methods, causes to fix New Outlook won’t connect to the server.
Table of Content Hide
  1. Common Causes of Connection Failures
  2. Essential Fixes for Outlook Not Connecting to Server
  3. Advanced Fixes for Outlook Not Connect to Server
  4. How to Repair and Convert OST file to Fix Outlook Cannot Connect to Server?
  5. Common Queries
  6. Observational Verdict

Common Causes of Connection Failures

  • Misconfigured email server, port or encryption types can block Outlook from establishing new connections.
  • Weak internet, misconfigured firewalls, or active VPNs can interfere with Outlook’s ability to connect.
  • If your email server or Microsoft Exchange won’t connect then Outlook can’t connect to the server.
  • If Outlook data files are corrupted then Outlook cannot start or connect properly.
  • Running an outdated version of Outlook can cause compatibility issues with modern servers or encryption.
  • Corrupt or Third party Add-ons can prevent Outlook from connecting to the server.

Essential Fixes for Outlook Not Connecting to Server

If Outlook does not connect to the server then follow the approaches as we have stated below. These methods often resolve these issues without needing advanced troubleshooting.

Method 1. Check Your Internet and Network Connection

  1. Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
  2. Switch from WIFI to LAN if possible.
  3. Restart your modem or router.

Method 2. Verify Account Credentials & Server Settings

  1. Navigate to file and click on Account Settings and choose Account Settings in the drop down menu.Click on Account Settings
  2. Check email address, server name, port numbers and encryption settings.
  3. Re-enter your password if prompted.

Method 3. Restart Outlook and Computer

  1. Press CTRL+Shift+Esc and right-click on Outlook.
  2. Press End Task and restart computer.

Method 4. Update Outlook and Install Windows Update

  1. Open Outlook and navigate to the file.Open Outlook
  2. Click on Account Settings and press on Update options.Click on Account Settings
  3. Now, choose Update Now.
  4. Press Win+S and type update then click on Enter.
  5. Now, Press on Check for updates if any update is found then install it.

Method 5. Disable VPN, Proxy, or Firewall Temporarily

  1. Disconnect from any active VPN.
  2. Temporary disable third-party firewalls and antivirus.
  3. Check the Control Panel and click on Internet Options.Open Control Panel
  4. Now, Select connection and press on LAN Settings.

Method 6. Start Outlook in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins

  1. Press Win+R and type Outlook.exe /safe and press Enter button.Type Outlook safe
  2. Now navigate to file then click on options in the list.Click on options
  3. Tap on Add-ins and select COM Add-ins and press Go.Click on Add-ins
  4. Select faulty add-ins and remove them.
    Remove suspicious add-ons

Advanced Fixes for Outlook Not Connect to Server

If its not done by perform essential fixes then you can go with Advanced fixes as we have shared below:

Solution 1. Inspect and Repair Outlook Data Files
  1. Locate ScanPST path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXERepair Outlook data file
  2. Delete or rename OST file – Outlook will recreate it upon restart.
  3. Default location: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
Solution 2. Recreate or Repair Outlook Profile
  1. Open the Control Panel and click on Mail(Microsoft Outlook).Click on Mail(Microsoft Outlook)
  2. Click on Add and create a new profile and set your email account.Click on Add
  3. Set the new profile as default.
Solution 3. Test Autodiscover and Exchange Server Connectivity
  1. Use Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer.
  2. Test Autodiscover, Exchange ActiveSync, or Outlook Anywhere.
Solution 4. Enable SSL/TLS and check Proxy Settings
  1. In Account Settings, ensure Encryption is set to SSL/TLS.
  2. Check the Control Panel and click on Internet Options and press on Connections.
  3. Hit on LAN Settings and use a proxy server if required.
Solution 5. Repair or Reinstall Outlook/Office
  1. Go to the Control Panel and click on Programs.Open Control Panel
  2. Press on Programs and features and select Microsoft Office.
  3. Hit on Change and choose Quick Repair or Online Repair.
Solution 6. Compact or Rebuild OST File
  1. Navigate to file and click on Account Settings.Click on Account Settings
  2. Hit on Data files and press on Settings then tap on Advanced.
    Click on data files
  3. Select Outlook data file settings and hit on Compact OST File.
How to Repair and Convert OST file to Fix Outlook Cannot Connect to Server?

If you have tried a manual solution but it doesn’t work then it happens due to a corrupted OST file. So, we recommend you to choose BitRecover OST Converter as this software offers valuable results and can convert batch OST files without losing any information.

Steps to Fix Outlook Cannot Connect to Server But Internet Works
  1. Download and run Automated Software on your system.
    Outlook cannot connect to server fixer
  2. Click on Convert configured Outlook mailbox data and press Next button.
    Configured Outlook mailbox data
  3. Preview to select OST mailbox folders as you wish to convert and hit on Next button.
    Select OST mailbox folder
  4. Choose the PST file in the list of Saving options and browse PST filters as needed.
    Choose PST file
  5. Select advanced filters and choose the destination path as per user comfort.
    Choose filter options
  6. Click Next to fix Outlook cannot connect to the server.
    Outlook cannot connect to server solved
Why Recommend This Tool?
  • After repair you can’t import OST to Outlook, so you need to convert OST to PST to import healthy data in Outlook.
  • This software is specially optimized with advanced algorithms to make it a reliable tool for all professional and individual users.
  • You can also import OST to Thunderbird, Microsoft 365, Exchange Server, and all IMAP Supported email platforms.
  • With this wizard, you can also use filter options such as create PST year wise, exclude folders, skip empty folder, date range, to, receive, subject, organizer, root folder, use Microsoft Graphs, Mails, calendars, contacts, create Exception log etc.
  • This software is specially designed for all users as it can auto detect OST file from default location and also offers a feature to browse OST file from any custom location.
Common Queries

Why is My Outlook Not Connecting to the Server?

My Outlook not connecting to the server happens due to incorrect account settings, network issues, server outages, corrupted OST file, or blocked port by firewalls, VPNs or antivirus software.

What Do you Do When Outlook Says it Cannot Connect to the Server?

Restart Outlook and your PC, check your connectivity, start Outlook in safe mode, verify server settings, disable VPN/firewall, and repair your Outlook data file if needed.

How do I Force Outlook to Sync with the Exchange server?

Click on Send/Receive and update the folder or send/receive all folders. You can also right click on the mailbox and press on the Update folder and restart Outlook in Cached Exchange Mode.

How do I Manually Connect Outlook to Office 365?

Open Control Panel and click on Mail and press on Add Profile enter your Office 365 email and use Microsoft 365 discover settings. Sign in with your credentials to complete setup manually.

Why is Outlook Disconnected But the Internet is Working?

It may have happened due to server issues, offline mode, corrupted data files, or VPN/firewall restrictions. Check the Send/Receive tab to check Outlook is online and verify server access.

Observational Verdict

In this post, we have shared all reliable techniques to fix Outlook not connecting to the server. From quick fixes to advanced solutions each solution described to help you Fix Outlook won’t connect to the server. If you are using Exchange Server, Office 365 or any other IMAP platforms. If none of the manual methods work, then opt for an automated approach as it offers accurate results and no risk of losing any data.