If Outlook 2021 stops working, try restarting the application. This simple step can often resolve connectivity issues.
First, ensure you're connected to the internet. If you're using a VPN, try disabling it to see if that resolves the issue.
Restarting your computer can also help resolve the problem. This will close any unnecessary background processes and refresh your system.
If none of these steps work, check your Outlook settings to ensure they're properly configured.
Troubleshooting Offline Issues
If Outlook is working offline no matter if you disabled the Work Offline mode, then most likely there is a problem with your Outlook setup.
Possible causes include an unstable internet connection, an issue with the Microsoft Exchange server, an issue with the user's email settings, or the user's computer system being out of date.
Outlook can become offline due to the user's antivirus settings, Outlook not being configured properly, or an issue with the user's Outlook data file.
An unstable internet connection can prevent Outlook from connecting to the mail server, resulting in the Offline Mode.
You should check your internet connection to ensure it's stable and working properly.
A corrupt Outlook profile can prevent Outlook from authorizing and connecting to the mail server and result in the Outlook stuck in offline mode problem.
If you're experiencing issues after installing updates, revert or uninstall the updates and check your Outlook.
You should check your antivirus software to see if it's blocking Outlook from connecting to the internet.
Disable or configure the antivirus software accordingly to allow Outlook to connect.
Finally, you should check your firewall settings to ensure that Outlook is not being blocked.
Configure the firewall settings to allow Outlook to connect if it is being blocked.
Once you've checked all of the above, you should be able to get Outlook back online and access your emails.
Recommended read: How to Get Back to Online Mode Elden Ring
Safe Mode and Data Repair
If Outlook is stuck at a "Processing" screen, closing it and starting it in safe mode can fix the issue. Closing Outlook and then pressing Windows+R keys, typing Outlook.exe /safe, and pressing 'Enter' will launch Outlook in safe mode.
To troubleshoot and fix the Outlook stuck in offline mode issue, try starting Outlook in safe mode. This will prevent any add-in from interfering with the normal Outlook operations.
Repairing your Outlook data files with the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANSPST.EXE) can also resolve issues. To use the Inbox Repair Tool, exit Outlook, go to Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) and follow the relevant steps.
If repairing your Outlook data files didn't resolve your issue, moving on to the next step is the best course of action.
Start in Safe Mode
Starting Outlook in safe mode is a great troubleshooting step to resolve issues like the "Processing" screen or being stuck in offline mode. Press Windows+R keys, type Outlook.exe /safe, and press 'Enter' to launch Outlook in safe mode.
This mode prevents any add-in from interfering with normal Outlook operations, allowing you to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Closing Outlook and then launching it in safe mode can resolve the problem.
To start Outlook in safe mode, follow these steps:
- Close Outlook.
- Press Windows+R keys, type Outlook.exe /safe, and press 'Enter.'
By launching Outlook in safe mode, you can try to resolve issues like being stuck in offline mode. Press the Send/Receive button and check the status bar; it should change from offline to online.
Repair Data Files
Repairing your Outlook data files can be a straightforward process. You can use the Inbox Repair Tool, which is installed on your PC when you install Office.
The Inbox Repair Tool scans your Outlook data files and repairs errors. To use it, exit Outlook and go to the Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) option.
This tool can resolve issues with your Outlook data files. If repairing your data files doesn't resolve your issue, you'll need to try a different solution.
Here are the steps to use the Inbox Repair Tool:
- Exit Outlook
- Go to the Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) option
- Follow the relevant steps
Remember, repairing your Outlook data files is a step-by-step process. If you're not sure what to do, you can always refer to the instructions provided.
Error Resolution Methods
You can try resetting the "Work Offline" option to reconnect to the server. This option is available under the 'SEND/RECEIVE' tab in Outlook. Click the 'Work Offline' option to reset work offline mode and reconnect to the Exchange or mailbox server.
Check the status. It should reconnect to the server and display Connected: Exchange Server or similar status in the status bar.
If the above method doesn't work, you can try checking your internet connection. A stable internet connection is necessary for Outlook to function properly.
Reset and Update
To get Outlook 2021 back online, start by checking if you're in Work Offline mode. Click the 'Work Offline' option under the 'SEND/RECEIVE' tab in Outlook to reset work offline mode and reconnect to the Exchange or mailbox server.
If that doesn't work, check for pending updates related to MS Office or Outlook. Sometimes, updates can cause issues, so installing the latest updates might resolve the problem. However, if you're experiencing issues after installing updates, try reverting or uninstalling them.
Your antivirus software might also be blocking Outlook from connecting to the internet. If this is the case, disable or configure the antivirus software accordingly to allow Outlook to reconnect.
Method 1: Reset
Resetting your Outlook connection is often simpler than you think. Click the 'Work Offline' option under the 'SEND/RECEIVE' tab to reset work offline mode and reconnect to the Exchange or mailbox server.
Check the status to see if it reconnects successfully. The status should display 'Connected: Exchange Server' in the status bar if it's working correctly.
If you're still having issues, check your internet connection to ensure it's stable. A stable internet connection is crucial for a successful reconnection.
Check and Install Pending Updates
Updates can sometimes cause issues with programs installed on your Windows OS, so it's essential to check for pending updates related to MS Office or Outlook.
If you're experiencing the issue after installing updates, try reverting or uninstalling them and see if your Outlook works better.
Sources
- https://www.outlook-apps.com/outlook-working-offline-fix/
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/outlook-not-responding-stuck-at-processing-stopped-working-or-freezes-5c313d04-64af-4441-82d2-44e5a43eee5a
- https://www.stellarinfo.com/article/outlook-stuck-in-offline-mode.php?srsltid=AfmBOopM-LKDg4VcHCd5ndz19aCY8CrcTb3ZsHz-7FS-SRDvbhoW_5_6
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/outlook-crashes-or-stops-responding-when-used-with-office-365-bd61bbce-36a5-44d8-a521-9440e5418337
- https://softkeys.uk/blogs/blog/how-to-get-outlook-back-online
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