Outlook receiving mail but not sending

A frustrating issue! If Outlook is receiving mail but not sending, there could be several reasons for this behavior. Let's troubleshoot together to identify the cause and find a solution.

Check the basics

  1. Internet connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and working properly.
  2. Outlook configuration: Verify that your Outlook account is properly configured and set up.
  3. Account settings: Check your account settings to ensure that the "Send" option is enabled.

Common causes and solutions

  1. SMTP server issues:
    • Check your SMTP server settings to ensure they are correct and functioning properly.
    • Try using a different SMTP server or contact your email provider for assistance.
  2. Authentication issues:
    • Ensure that your username and password are correct and up-to-date.
    • Try re-entering your credentials or resetting your password if necessary.
  3. Outlook add-ins or plugins:
    • Disable any recently installed add-ins or plugins to see if they're causing the issue.
    • Try restarting Outlook in safe mode to disable all add-ins.
  4. Outlook version or update issues:
    • Check for updates and install the latest version of Outlook.
    • Try uninstalling and reinstalling Outlook if you're experiencing issues with a specific version.
  5. Firewall or antivirus software:
    • Check your firewall or antivirus software settings to ensure they're not blocking Outlook's ability to send emails.
    • Try temporarily disabling these programs to see if they're causing the issue.
  6. DNS or network issues:
    • Check your DNS settings to ensure they're correct and functioning properly.
    • Try restarting your router or modem to see if it resolves the issue.
  7. Outlook profile issues:
    • Try creating a new Outlook profile to see if it resolves the issue.
    • Check your Outlook profile settings to ensure they're correct and up-to-date.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

  1. Check the Outlook logs:
    • Open the Outlook logs by going to File > Options > Advanced > Error Reporting.
    • Look for any error messages related to sending emails.
  2. Use the Outlook troubleshooting tool:
    • Go to File > Options > Advanced > Outlook Troubleshooting.
    • Run the tool to identify and fix any issues.
  3. Reset Outlook settings:
    • Go to File > Options > Advanced > Reset.
    • Reset Outlook's settings to their default values.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may want to consider seeking assistance from your email provider's support team or a Microsoft support specialist.