How often online outlook checks for mail

Outlook, both the desktop and web versions, uses a technology called "push" or "pull" to check for new emails. The frequency of checking for new emails depends on several factors, including:

  1. Settings: You can adjust the frequency of email checking in your Outlook settings. For example, in Outlook Web App (OWA), you can go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Sync email > Sync frequency and choose from options like "Every 15 minutes", "Every 30 minutes", or "Every 1 hour".
  2. Account settings: The frequency of email checking also depends on your email account settings. For example, if you're using an Exchange account, your organization's IT department may have set a specific sync frequency.
  3. Device and network: The frequency of email checking can also be affected by the device and network you're using. For example, if you're using a mobile device with a slow internet connection, Outlook may check for new emails less frequently to conserve data.
  4. Outlook version: The frequency of email checking may vary depending on the version of Outlook you're using. For example, Outlook 2016 and later versions use a more efficient sync mechanism that checks for new emails less frequently.

Here are some general guidelines on how often Outlook checks for new emails:

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the actual frequency of email checking may vary depending on your specific situation.