Why Is My Outlook Email Not Updating Automatically? (Quick Fix Guide)
If your Outlook emails are not updating automatically, you’re not alone. Many Microsoft 365 users face this problem, where Outlook doesn’t sync new emails unless refreshed manually. In this FixTechGuide article, we’ll explain the reasons behind the issue and how you can fix it in just a few steps.
Common Causes of Outlook Not Updating Automatically
Outlook relies on background synchronization with your mail server. When it stops working, these are usually the reasons:
- Offline Mode – Outlook accidentally switched to Work Offline.
- Sync errors due to corrupted OST or PST files.
- Incorrect server settings in IMAP or Exchange configuration.
- Disabled Send/Receive settings in Outlook preferences.
- Antivirus or firewall restrictions blocking email sync.
1. Verify That Outlook Is Online
The most common reason Outlook stops updating is when it’s set to Work Offline. To fix:
- Open Outlook.
- Go to the Send/Receive tab.
- Check if Work Offline is highlighted — if yes, click it to reconnect.
Once back online, Outlook will immediately start syncing your mailbox with the server.
2. Manually Trigger Send/Receive
If Outlook is online but still not updating, force synchronization manually:
- Go to Send/Receive → Send/Receive All Folders.
- Wait for the status bar to show “All folders are up to date.”
If emails start appearing, your automatic schedule may be disabled — see the next step.
3. Enable Automatic Send/Receive Schedule
Outlook automatically checks for new mail at set intervals. If this setting was disabled, here’s how to fix it:
- Open Outlook and go to File → Options → Advanced.
- Under Send and Receive, click Send/Receive....
- Check “Schedule an automatic send/receive every 5 minutes.”
- Save and restart Outlook.
4. Clear and Rebuild Outlook Cache
Corrupted cache files can block new messages. To clear them:
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press Windows + R, type
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook, and hit Enter. - Locate and delete the .ost file (Outlook will recreate it).
Reopen Outlook — it will rebuild the mailbox cache and fetch the latest messages.
5. Repair Your Outlook Data File
If your data file is damaged, Outlook can fail to update automatically. Use Microsoft’s built-in Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST):
- Go to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ - Find and open SCANPST.EXE.
- Select your Outlook data file and start the repair.
6. Check Mail Server Settings
Incorrect IMAP or Exchange configurations can block sync. Confirm your settings match your provider’s official setup. For example:
- IMAP: Port 993 with SSL/TLS enabled
- SMTP: Port 587 with STARTTLS enabled
If you recently changed your password or enabled 2-factor authentication, update credentials in Outlook’s account settings.
7. Disable Conflicting Antivirus or Firewall
Security software can sometimes block Outlook’s connection to the mail server. Temporarily disable it and see if the issue resolves. If it does, whitelist outlook.exe in your antivirus settings.
8. Repair Microsoft Office Installation
Finally, a corrupted Office installation can interfere with Outlook’s syncing process. To repair:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
- Select Microsoft Office and click Modify.
- Choose Online Repair and follow the prompts.
Conclusion
When Outlook email stops updating automatically, it’s usually a configuration or cache issue. By following the steps above, you can quickly restore real-time syncing on Windows. If the issue persists, FixTechGuide offers professional support tools that automatically scan and correct Outlook sync problems securely.