Fix the Outlook sending and receiving error in 4 steps. Check the connection and force a sync. Then shrink large attachments and update a changed password. Full mailbox storage also stops mail in both directions. Microsoft lists no error codes on this page. Steps follow the official page and were not tested here.
Outgoing messages sit in the Outbox and recipients never get them. Incoming mail stops too when the same problem blocks the account.
Facts follow Microsoft Support the article on messages that will not send or receive. Microsoft lists Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2024, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016 and the new Outlook for Windows.
What does the Outlook Sending and Receiving Error Look Like?
- Messages pile up in the Outbox and do not send.
- Recipients do not receive your messages.
- Mail stops arriving when storage is full.
Microsoft names no error code on this page. Codes like 0x80040600 do not appear in the article.
How to Fix Outlook Sending and Receiving Problems?
Microsoft says to try the steps in order.
- Check your internet connection. Open Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome and try microsoft.com or bing.com. When neither site opens, fix the network connection in Windows first.
- Force a sync. Select the View tab and select Sync. This button does not work for third party accounts like Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud or generic POP and IMAP accounts.
- Check for large attachments. Open Outbox and open the stuck messages starting with the oldest. Delete any attachment over 20 MB and attach a smaller file or a link instead.
- Check for a changed password. Select the email account name and select Continue in the pop up. Enter the new password. Generate an app password at your email provider when Outlook asks for one and paste it in place of the account password.
Some providers cap message size. Microsoft states that one large message can stop that message and every message sent after it.
What if Your Mailbox is Full?
According to Microsoft, you cannot send or receive email when your Microsoft cloud storage is full. Check your mailbox storage to see what uses the space.
What does Microsoft Not Say?
- Specific error codes or their meaning.
- Steps for the classic Outlook tab in the text we reviewed, which shows the new Outlook steps.
- Fixes for Outlook for Mac, which has a separate Microsoft page.
- Server side causes at your email provider.
Related reading: how to solve the mailbox full issue in Outlook and how to fix Outlook not showing all emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Outlook Messages Stuck in the Outbox?
Microsoft lists a bad internet connection and a large attachment as common causes. Changed passwords and full storage also stop mail.
How do I Force a Sync in Outlook?
Select the View tab and select Sync. Third party accounts cannot use this button.
How Large can an Outlook Attachment be?
Microsoft says to remove an attachment over 20 MB and send a link instead. Some providers cap message size at a lower value.
Does a Full Mailbox Stop Email?
Yes. Microsoft states that you cannot send or receive email when your Microsoft cloud storage is full.
Does Microsoft List an Error Code for This Problem?
No. Microsoft describes the symptoms and lists four steps with a storage note.
Key Takeaways
- Check your internet connection before any Outlook setting.
- Select Sync on the View tab to force a sync.
- Remove attachments over 20 MB from stuck messages.
- Update a changed password or add an app password.
- Full cloud storage stops both sending and receiving.
Sources and References
Facts follow Microsoft Support.
- Outlook send and receive problems (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com