How Do I Fix Outlook Stuck on Updating Inbox – A Complete Guide

Summary: If your Outlook Stuck on Updating Inbox, it could be caused by an issue with your Internet connection or a problem with your Outlook account. However, this article focuses on manual and professional methods to fix this issue.

Outlook 365 is a well-known email client that can be used on desktop and laptop computers. The Outlook mailbox server was storing a copy of mail items on the local machine rather than the user’s primary mailbox.

However, some users face Outlook stuck trying to connect because of an issue with two-way synchronization. So, Outlook cannot update the inbox data because synchronization is failing.

Do you have an issue with Outlook Inbox not being updated properly or Outlook stuck on loading profile? There are a few reasons and methods you can do to solve it.

Why is My Outlook Stuck on Updating Inbox

1. Slow or Unstable Network Connection: Outlook may become stuck when attempting to synchronize with the server if your internet connection is slow or unreliable.
2. Incorrect Email Settings: Incorrect email settings or log in details may also prohibit Outlook from connecting to the server.
3. Outlook Data File is Corrupt: If the Outlook data file is corrupt, Outlook may become stuck while trying to synchronize with the server.
4. Outlook Software Conflict: An Outlook software conflict occurs when another program or service is running on your computer. Antivirus software can stop Outlook from connecting with the server.
5. Damaged Add-ins: The Outlook add-in may have become corrupted. In such cases, it will not function properly or may cause errors.
6. Outlook Mailbox Storage: If your mailbox is full, having limited mailbox storage can be a problem. You may need to delete some emails or make some storage.

However, these are some causes why Outlook stuck on updating inbox. Now, we will discuss the possible methods to manually checking for updates. Before trying any method, we recommend backup Outlook emails to hard drive.

Methods to Force Outlook to Update a Mailbox

There are various methods to troubleshoot the Outlook 365 email inbox. You can use the following methods to force Outlook to update a mailbox: 

Method 1: Check Internet Connection

Are you having trouble logging in to your Office 365 account or getting emails? Likely, it’s a problem with the internet connection. If you’re experiencing this issue, ensure you have a good connection and that your Outlook is up and running. Sometimes due to poor internet connectivity Outlook server can’t respond, and Outlook is stuck on updating inbox.

There are diverse steps you can attempt to fix the issue.

1. Restart Internet router: Unplug the router from the power outlet for thirty seconds and plug it back in. This action will reset the router and help you to deal with any networking problems.
2. Check cables: Check the cables going from the router to the modem and the cable from the modem to the wall outlet.

The internet connection is good, but you can’t access emails successfully. It may be because of an issue with your Outlook client. Now, we will discuss how to fix Outlook stuck on updating inbox using this different method. Additionally, some users face Outlook not automatically updating shared mailbox you can read this post and fix them.

Method 2: Disable the Antivirus Software

In some circumstances, Outlook conflicts with a third-party program, such as an antivirus, and may encounter issues. If your antivirus software is not Outlook-friendly, you face problems with Outlook. One of the many issues you could face is an outdated mail folder.

Be sure to read any instructions or warnings that are provided before disabling the software, as it can leave your system vulnerable to malicious attacks.

To disable the Antivirus Software – Open the software from the system tray (near the clock) or from the Windows Start Menu. From there, look for an option to disable or turn off the protection.

Note: If Outlook folders updating start, you can exclude Outlook processes, OST file and Outlook folder locations from the antivirus.

Method 3: Check Outlook Email Settings

Outlook Email Account Settings is an essential setting. That many users face a problem while trying to use Outlook. They can’t send or receive emails due to improper settings. It can cause a lot of problems, such as Microsoft Outlook stuck on updating inbox. It’s necessary to take some steps to fix this so you can continue using Outlook.

1. Launch the Outlook application.
2. Now, Click on the File option and then Account Settings.
3. Under Account Settings and again tap on Account Settings.
4. Here, you want to select the appropriate email account and click on Change.
5. Tap on the More Settings option.
6. Check and ensure that all email account settings are set up correctly.

Here’s a guide related to Outlook search not working.

Method 4: Disable IPv6 Network Setting

A problem with Outlook Synchronization conflicts due to IPv6. This problem can occur when using a VPN or a different proxy server for sending and receiving emails. It is advised to disable the IPv6 address settings. And check if the Outlook 365 stuck on updating inbox is fixed or not.

1. Press the Window Key+R to open the run command box.
2. Now, type the Control and hit the enter button.
3. Click on the Internet and Network and Sharing Center.
4. Tap on the Change Adapter Settings>Ethernet or Wireless adapter.
5. Choose the Properties option.
6. Remove the tick from the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
7. Hit the OK button.
8. Now, restart the Outlook application and check the Outlook update folders.

If Outlook stuck on updating this folder is not fixed. After applying this, you could try another method.

Note: IPv6 network settings refer to the configuration of a network device for IPv6 communication. This includes the IPv6 address assigned to the device, the default gateway address, and the subnet mask used to define the network. It also includes network settings such as DNS server addresses and router advertisements.

Method 5: Disable Cached Exchange Mode

When Outlook stuck on processing, this error occurs due to a server issue. However, to troubleshoot this error disable the Cached Exchange Mode, restart Outlook, and enable it again.

1. Start the Outlook program and click on the File>Account Settings>Account Settings option.
2. Select the Office 365 email account you want to change and click Change.
3. Remove or uncheck the tick from the Use Cached Exchange Mode option.
4. Hit the Next button and restart the Outlook program.

Note: Cached Exchange Mode is a feature of Microsoft Outlook. This allows users to work with their Exchange data offline. When it is enabled, Outlook stores a local copy of the user’s mailbox on the user’s computer, which is synchronized with the mail server when the user is connected. This allows users to access their mailbox data even when they are not connected to Exchange Server. When Outlook disconnected from exchange server, you can face the emails sending and receiving error.

Method 6: Repair the Microsoft Office Program

1. Open the Control Panel on your system.
2. Pick and Click on the Microsoft Office program from the programs list.
3. Opt for the Repair option and hit on the Continue button.

After successfully repairing the program, you can restart the system. and check the Outlook updating inbox stuck problem is fixed. If you want to know Focused Inbox in Outlook you can read this post.

Method 7: Create a Fresh Outlook Profile

1. Click on the Mail icon, then select show Profiles.
2. Now, tap on the Add button.

1. Give a profile name and hit the OK button.

1. Under the Add account wizard, enter the Office 365 credentials.

1. Outlook will establish a connection to the server and begin the synchronization process. Check to see if all mail folders have been updated after the sync.

Note: Outlook Profiles is a storage file of the Outlook application. It includes the details of accounts, mail folders, rules, contacts, calendar settings, signatures, and other related information. Outlook Profiles allow you to move between several accounts. However, Outlook Folders Not Syncing on Windows due to corrupt Outlook file.

Method 8: Recreate the OST File

1. Hold the Window Key and Press R (Win+R). It opens the Run dialog box.
2. Enter the %localappdata%/Microsoft/Outlook and click the OK button.
3. You can click on your profile to locate the OST file location and choose the Open File Location.
4. Once the file has been found. Save the OST file somewhere on a system.
5. After that, delete the default O365 OST file.
6. Now, restart Outlook. It automatically creates a new OST file.
7. Outlook will synchronize all mail items after creating a new OST. Depending on your mailbox size, this may take some time to complete.

The above method can help to fix the Outlook stuck on updating inbox. It allows Outlook to update the Inbox and Outbox folder promptly. If Outlook PST cannot be found you can read this post.

Recreating an OST file is necessary when the original file is corrupted. There are a lot of reasons for corruption, such as system crash, virus attacks, or data loss. It allows users to recover and access their emails, contacts, tasks, and calendar events, eliminating the need to recreate these items individually.

However, you should check that all emails are backed up and accessible via the new OST file. You can utilize the OST Converter to convert OST files into PST format if any mail is missing.

Conclusion

Finally, we solved the problem of Outlook stuck on updating inbox errors. This error can occur due to email client, system, or being unable to access data from Outlook mailbox server due to issues with Outlook OST data file. If this occurs, users should take action to fix an Outlook updating inbox not receiving emails. However, our experts have already discussed the optimal way to update Outlook stuck mailbox.