Home  »  Blog  »  fix  »  How to Fix Outlook Not Connecting to Exchange While Internet Is Working?

How to Fix Outlook Not Connecting to Exchange While Internet Is Working?

Ritu Roy | fix How to's Outlook outlook error Software Technology | 7 minutes read | Modified on: 03-07-2025
outlook not connecting to exchange

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients among both professionals and individual users. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter frustrating issues. One such problem is “How to Fix Outlook Not Connecting to Exchange While Internet Is Working“. This issue can arise after a password change while using Microsoft 365, Exchange Server, or the new Outlook interface.

When Outlook can’t establish a connection, users are unable to send or receive emails, sync calendar events, or access shared mailboxes, disrupting day-to-day communication and productivity. The root causes may vary, including incorrect account settings, network-related problems, corrupted Outlook data files, or even server-side issues.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of the problem and walk you through effective solutions to fix the error when New Outlook won’t connect to the server even though your internet connection is active.

Common Causes of Outlook Connection Failures

If Outlook won’t connect to the Exchange Server even though your internet is working, one or more of the following issues might be the cause:

  • Misconfigured email server names, port numbers, or encryption types can block Outlook from making a successful connection.
  • A weak or unstable internet connection, misconfigured firewall settings, or interference from an active VPN can disrupt Outlook’s ability to connect to the server.
  • If the Microsoft Exchange server is down or unreachable, Outlook won’t be able to establish a connection.
  • Damaged data files can prevent Outlook from starting or connecting to your mailbox properly.
  • Running an old version of Outlook may cause compatibility problems with newer Exchange servers or modern security protocols.
  • Corrupt or third-party add-ins can interfere with Outlook’s normal functionality, including server connectivity.

Essential Fixes for Outlook Not Connecting to the Server

If Outlook is unable to connect to the server even though your internet appears to be working, try the following essential fixes. These basic steps often resolve the issue without requiring advanced troubleshooting:

Method 1: Verify Your Internet and Network Connection

Start by ensuring your internet connection is stable and functional:

  • Confirm that your device is connected to the internet and can access websites or other online services.
  • If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired LAN connection for a more stable and faster connection.
  • Restart your modem or router to refresh the network and clear any temporary glitches.

Method 2: Verify Account Credentials & Server Settings

Incorrect login details or misconfigured server settings can block Outlook from connecting. Here’s how to verify them:

  1. Open Outlook, go to the File tab, and click on Account Settings, then choose Account Settings again from the dropdown.
  2. Select your email account and click Change.
  3. Double-check the following details:
    • Email Address
    • Incoming/Outgoing Server Names
    • Port Numbers
    • Encryption Method (SSL/TLS)
  4. If prompted, re-enter your password to reauthenticate.

Make sure these settings match those provided by your email or Exchange server provider.

Method 3: Restart Outlook and Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches:

  1. Press CTRL + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Locate and right-click on Outlook.exe, then select End Task.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Reopen Outlook and check if it successfully connects.

Method 4: Update Outlook and Install Windows Updates

Running outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with mail servers. Follow these steps to update both Outlook and Windows:

Update Outlook:

  1. Open Outlook and go to the File tab.
  2. Click on Office Account or Account Settings, then choose Update Options.
  3. Select Update Now to install the latest Outlook updates.

Update Windows:

  1. Press Win + S, type Update, and hit Enter.
  2. Click on Check for Updates.
  3. If any updates are available, download and install them.

Keeping both Outlook and Windows up to date ensures compatibility with Exchange servers and security protocols.

Method 5: Temporarily Disable VPN, Proxy, or Firewall

Network security tools or tunneling software like VPNs can sometimes interfere with Outlook’s connection to the server. Here’s what to do:

  1. Disconnect from any active VPN services.
  2. Temporarily disable third-party firewalls or antivirus software.
  3. Open Control Panel > Internet Options.
  4. Navigate to the Connections tab and click on LAN Settings.
  5. Uncheck any enabled proxy server options unless required by your network.

Re-enable your firewall or antivirus after testing to maintain system security.

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

Faulty or incompatible add-ins may prevent Outlook from connecting. Launching Outlook in Safe Mode can help isolate the issue.

  1. Press Win + R, type Outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter.
  2. Once Outlook opens in Safe Mode, go to File > Options.
  3. Click on Add-ins in the left panel.
  4. At the bottom, next to Manage: COM Add-ins, click Go.
  5. Uncheck or remove any suspicious or third-party add-ins.
  6. Restart Outlook normally and check the connection status.

Advanced Fixes for Outlook Not Connecting to Server

If the basic troubleshooting methods haven’t resolved the issue, it may be time to move on to more advanced solutions. These fixes address deeper configuration, profile, or data file issues that can prevent Outlook from connecting to the server.

Solution 1: Inspect and Repair Outlook Data Files

Corrupted OST or PST files can disrupt Outlook’s ability to connect.

  1. Locate the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXE
  2. You can also delete or rename the existing OST file. Outlook will automatically recreate a new one upon restart.
    Default location: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\

Solution 2: Recreate or Repair Outlook Profile

Corrupted Outlook profiles are a common cause of connection issues.

  1. Go to Control Panel > Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
  2. Click Add to create a new profile and set up your email account.
  3. Under Always use this profile, select the newly created profile and click Apply.

Solution 3: Test Autodiscover and Exchange Server Connectivity

Use Microsoft’s diagnostic tool to verify server connectivity.

  1. Visit the Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer.
  2. Run tests for Autodiscover, Exchange ActiveSync, or Outlook Anywhere to identify any misconfigurations.

Solution 4: Enable SSL/TLS and Check Proxy Settings

Improper encryption or proxy settings can block Outlook’s connection.

  1. In Account Settings, ensure the encryption type is set to SSL/TLS.
  2. Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > Connections tab.
  3. Click on LAN Settings and configure a proxy server if required by your network.

Solution 5: Repair or Reinstall Outlook / Microsoft Office

Repairing or reinstalling Outlook can fix application-level errors.

  1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Select Microsoft Office, then click Change.
  3. Choose either Quick Repair or Online Repair and follow the prompts.

Solution 6: Compact or Rebuild OST File

Oversized OST files can lead to performance and connectivity problems.

  1. Open Outlook > File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  2. Go to the Data Files tab, select your data file, and click Settings.
  3. Under the Advanced tab, click Outlook Data File Settings.
  4. Choose Compact Now to reduce the file size.

How to Repair and Convert OST File to Fix “Outlook Cannot Connect to Server” Error

If you’ve already tried manual troubleshooting and Outlook still fails to connect, the issue might be caused by a corrupted OST file. When OST files become damaged, Outlook may crash, freeze, or show connection errors, even if your server and internet are working fine.

To resolve this, it’s often best to repair or convert the OST file into a more stable and accessible format like PST.

Recommended Solution: Use a Third-Party Tool

When manual solutions fail, CubexSoft OST Converter is a reliable, professional-grade tool designed to repair andconvert OST files to PST and other formats. This helps in restoring access to your data without data loss.

Key Features of the software:

  • Converts corrupted or orphaned OST files to PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, and more.
  • Supports batch conversion without losing email formatting or metadata.
  • Recovers and exports all mailbox components — including emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments.
  • No need to install Outlook to perform the conversion.
  • Compatible with all versions of Windows and Microsoft Outlook.

Steps to Convert OST File to PST Using a Professional Tool

  1. Download and install CubexSoft OST to PST Converter on your Windows system.
  2. Launch the tool and click on Add File(s) or Add Folder to load your OST files.
  3. Select the desired output format, such as PST.
  4. Choose the destination path for saving the converted files.
  5. Click on Convert to begin the process.

Once the OST file is converted to PST, you can import it into Outlook using the Import/Export wizard, restoring access to your emails and resolving the connection issue.

Common Queries

1. Why Is My Outlook Not Connecting to the Server?

This issue can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

  • Incorrect email account settings (server name, port, encryption)
  • Network issues or unstable internet
  • Server outages (Exchange or Office 365)
  • Corrupted Outlook data files (OST)
  • VPNs, firewalls, or antivirus software blocking Outlook’s connection

2. What Should I Do When Outlook Says It Cannot Connect to the Server?

Try the following steps:

  • Restart Outlook and your computer
  • Check your internet connection
  • Start Outlook in Safe Mode
  • Verify server and account settings
  • Temporarily disable VPN, firewall, or antivirus software
  • Repair corrupted OST files using ScanPST or a third-party tool

3. How Do I Force Outlook to Sync with the Exchange Server?

  • Go to the Send/Receive tab and click Send/Receive All Folders
  • Right-click your mailbox folder and choose Update Folder
  • Make sure Outlook is in Cached Exchange Mode and restart the app

4. How Do I Manually Connect Outlook to Office 365?

  1. Open Control Panel > Mail > Add Profile
  2. Enter your Office 365 email address
  3. Use the Microsoft 365 Autodiscover settings
  4. Sign in with your credentials to complete the configuration

5. Why Is Outlook Disconnected Even Though the Internet Is Working?

This could happen due to:

  • Outlook being in Offline Mode
  • Exchange server being temporarily down
  • Corrupted OST files
  • Blocked connection by a VPN, proxy, or firewall
  • Go to Send/Receive > ensure “Work Offline” is not checked and verify server accessibility

Observational Verdict

In this guide, we’ve covered a complete set of practical and advanced solutions to fix Outlook not connecting to Exchange server. Whether you’re using Exchange Server, Office 365, or any IMAP/POP3 email platform, these troubleshooting steps are designed to resolve connectivity errors efficiently.

If none of the manual methods work, it is advisable to use a reliable OST repair or conversion tool like CubexSoft OST to Outlook Converter. It ensures safe recovery and migration of your email data without the risk of data loss.