Outlook Not Updating Inbox: How to Fix It Quickly

If you notice Outlook not updating inbox or failing to show new emails, follow the steps below to fix it fast. This problem can happen in both the classic and new Outlook versions. Sometimes Outlook is stuck updating inbox or doesn’t refresh automatically, which can block important messages.

Luckily, there are several fixes you can try to restore Outlook synchronization and get your inbox working again.

What can I do if my Outlook inbox is not updating?

1. Disable Cached Exchange Mode

1. Click Outlook’s File tab.
2. Press the Account Settings button.
3. Click Change on the Account Settings window.
   
4. Disable (deselect) the Used Cached Exchange Mode option.
   
5. Press the Account Settings window’s Next button.
6. Click OK on the dialog box that says you need to restart Outlook.
   
7. Then restart your Outlook software.

2. Delete (rebuild) Outlook’s OST file

1. Launch the Run dialog accessory (the quickest method for opening that app is to press Windows + R).
2. Then input this directory location in the Open box: %localappdata%/Microsoft
3. Click OK to bring up a Microsoft folder.
   
4. Open the Outlook subfolder from there.
5. Right-click Outlook’s OST data file to select Delete.
   

3. Disable third-party antivirus software

1. Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray.
2. Select a disable or turn off option.
   
3. Go to Outlook and check if the problem is still there.
4. If it’s not adjust your antivirus settings and add Outlook to the exclusions list.

Read more about this topic

• Here’s Temporary Fix for Outlook Issue Blocking Encrypted Emails
• Microsoft Fixing Outlook Email Problems Triggered by Exchange Online Issue

4. Disable IPv6

1. Open Run’s window.
2. Input this Network and Sharing Center Run command and click OK: control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter
3. Then click that Control Panel applet’s Change adapter settings navigation option.
   
4. Right-click your internet connection adapter and select Properties.
   
5. Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox.
   
6. Select OK to apply the new setting.

5. Repair the MS Office Suite

1. Bring up Windows 11’s or 10’s search box. Pressing Windows + S will open that search tool.
2. To find Programs and Features, input appwiz.cpl in the search box.
3. Click appwiz.cpl to bring up the Control Panel’s uninstaller tool.
   
4. Select your MS Office application listed within Programs and Features.
   
5. Press its Change button.
6. Select the Repair radio button if you’re using Office 2016. Office 365 users should select the more thorough Online Repair option.
   
7. Click the Repair or Continue button.

6. Manually Update Outlook Folders

If Outlook is not updating inbox automatically, force a manual refresh.

Steps:

1. Go to the Send/Receive tab.
2. Click Send/Receive All Folders.
3. Wait until synchronization completes.
4. Check if your inbox now shows new emails.

This is a quick way to bypass auto-sync issues when Outlook is stuck.

7. Verify Mail Server Settings

Incorrect account settings may leave Outlook synchronization status stuck updating inbox.

Steps:

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. Select your email account and click Change.
3. Verify incoming/outgoing server names and ports.
4. Save and restart Outlook.

Correct server details ensure Outlook can sync your mailbox properly.

8. Update Outlook Application

Using an outdated version may cause Outlook not syncing problems.

Steps:

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Office Account.
2. Click Update Options > Update Now.
3. Wait for updates to finish installing.
4. Restart Outlook and check your inbox.

Updating eliminates bugs and improves synchronization.

9. Remove and Re-add Your Account

If none of the above works, re-adding the account can reset syncing.

Steps:

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. Select your account and click Remove.
3. Restart Outlook.
4. Add your account again using correct login details.

This often fixes Outlook not refreshing with new emails.

Is there a better email client than Outlook?

There are certainly quite a few alternatives to Outlook. Thunderbird and Mailbird are two of the most notable alternative email clients. Our email client software guide provides further details about those applications and others.

There aren’t any guaranteed solutions for Outlook’s inbox not updating since potential causes are varied. However, the resolutions outlined here are among the more likely Outlook inbox fixes.

Outlook’s Inbox Repair tool (otherwise SCANPST.EXE) may also help some users fix the inbox not updating. This Microsoft webpage provides guidelines for repairing data files with SCANPST.EXE.

To avoid any email syncing issues in the future, you can create a unified Inbox view in Outlook for seamless email management.

Many also reported that the Inbox button is not working in Outlook, but we have a guide that addresses this issue.

Outlook inbox won’t update: wrapping up

Following the steps above you should be able to fix this annoying issue that causes your inbox to be out of sync.

Like other common issues, like the Outlook inbox changing view by itself or sender name not showing, a few simple tweaks and a little bit of patience will go a long way.

Do you have any questions about fixing Outlook not updating its inbox? If so, feel free to add them below in the comments box.

FAQs