If your Microsoft Outlook is not receiving emails, you're not alone. From misconfigured account settings to server-side issues, there are several reasons why your inbox might stay empty. This expert-written guide will walk you through every possible cause—and its fix—to get your email flowing again.

Common Causes Why Outlook Is Not Receiving Emails

• Incorrect IMAP/POP or SMTP settings

• Antivirus or firewall interference

• Corrupt Outlook profile

• Email rules moving emails to other folders

• Server issues with your email provider

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Verify Email Account Settings

 

Navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select your email, click Change, and verify the IMAP/POP and SMTP settings. Incorrect configurations can stop emails from arriving.

2. Check Internet and Server Status

 

Ensure your device is connected to the internet and visit your provider’s service status page (like Gmail or Outlook.com) to check for outages.

3. Review Junk & Other Folders

 

Sometimes, valid emails land in Junk or Other folders. Review them and mark legitimate messages as “Not Junk.”

4. Disable Faulty Add-ins

 

Start Outlook in Safe Mode (outlook.exe /safe). If emails appear, go to File > Options > Add-ins and disable the faulty ones.

5. Check Rules & Alerts

 

File > Manage Rules and Alerts. Look for rules that automatically delete or move emails. Disable any suspicious ones.

6. Repair PST/OST Data Files

 

Use SCANPST.EXE from your Office installation directory to repair corrupted Outlook data files.

7. Create a New Outlook Profile

 

Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add. Set the new one as default and check if emails are received.

8. Disable Antivirus Temporarily

 

Some antivirus software blocks Outlook. Temporarily disable it and test Outlook. Don’t forget to turn it back on.

9. Update Microsoft Outlook

 

File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now. Bug fixes in updates can resolve underlying issues.

10. Contact Support

 

If you’ve tried everything and still no luck, it’s time to call our experts at (877) 220-0628 for help.

Final Words

Outlook not receiving emails can be a real headache, especially when you depend on timely communication. But with the steps above, you’re well-equipped to resolve the problem yourself. Need help? Don’t hesitate to call our support team.