Outlook stopped downloading/sending emails

Glenna Rossi 5 Reputation points
2026-08-20T18:08:24.9333333+00:00

About a week plus ago Outlook stopped downloading new emails.

The app will open but nothing else.

This is on a desktop computer with Windows 10 plus the free one-year ESU extension

Is this the beginning of the last free updates?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Extended Security Update (ESU)

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-20T18:08:47.6+00:00

    This does not match anything in the provided information about Windows 10 ESU ending or Outlook stopping because of the last free updates.

    What is supported is that recent Outlook send/receive and freezing problems can be caused by known Outlook or Windows update issues, and there are a few direct checks to do:

    1. Check Windows Update fully
      • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
      • Install updates and restart until Windows shows You’re up to date.
      • A known Outlook hang issue affecting POP accounts and PST files was fixed through Windows Update.
    2. Check whether Outlook is busy with a background process
      • In classic Outlook, look at the status bar at the bottom.
      • If Outlook is running another process in the background, wait a few minutes to see whether it recovers.
    3. If Outlook is stuck on “Processing,” start it once in safe mode
      • Close Outlook.
      • Open Start, type Outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter.
      • Close Outlook again, then open it normally.
    4. Install Office updates
      • Outlook freezing or not responding can be corrected by installing the latest Microsoft 365 or Office updates.
    5. Repair Office if Outlook still opens but does not function
      • Close Office apps.
      • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
      • Right-click Microsoft Office and select Change.
      • Run a repair.
    6. Repair Outlook data files if mail still does not sync
      • Use the Inbox Repair Tool as described in the Outlook data file repair guidance.

    If the Outlook profile uses POP or PST files, especially PSTs stored on OneDrive, the January 2026 Windows-related Outlook issue is especially relevant.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 86,990 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-20T18:49:23.59+00:00

    Hi, @Glenna Rossi

    The Windows 10 ESU program should not cause Outlook to suddenly stop sending or receiving email. ESU mainly provides continued security updates for Windows 10.

    To help narrow down the Outlook issue:

    1. Are you using new Outlook or classic Outlook on the computer?
    2. What type of email account is affected, such as Outlook.com/Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, or an ISP/work email?
    3. If you sign in to the email account through its website, can you send and receive emails normally there?

    Also, does Outlook show anything such as "Working Offline," "Disconnected," or "Trying to connect" near the bottom?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. John Jefferson Doyon 86,990 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-20T22:16:38.46+00:00

    I am using new Outlook.. roadrunner.com email (IMAP) from Spectrum internet provider. No error messages or anything at the bottom.

    Thanks for confirming.

    Since this is a Spectrum/Roadrunner IMAP account, first check if you can send and receive normally through Spectrum webmail. If webmail works, the issue is likely with new Outlook rather than Windows 10 ESU.

    Please also verify the IMAP/SMTP settings with Spectrum.

    You can then try repairing or resetting new Outlook from Settings > Apps > Outlook (new) > Advanced options.

    If it still will not sync, you can try classic Outlook instead: https://support.microsoft.com/office/install-or-reinstall-classic-outlook-on-a-windows-pc-5c94902b-31a5-4274-abb0-b07f4661edf5

    If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

    1. Does Spectrum webmail work normally?
    2. What happens after you reset new Outlook and add the account again?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
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