Summary
This article provides some common fixes for Outlook Desktop App for both Windows and Mac users.
Environment
Windows Outlook Desktop App on Windows and MacOS.
Table of Contents
Issue - Unable to Connect to Email
If Outlook Desktop fails to connect, try these steps before escalating the issue to the ET&S Help Desk.
Resolution - Unable to Connect to Email
If you are unable to connect or are prompted for your password repeatedly attempt the following tasks in order. After finishing one task, if it does not resolve the issue, move on to the next.
Task 1: Check for Updates
Instructions
For Windows Users:
Step 1 - Open your Outlook Desktop App and go to "File".
Step 2 - Select "Office Account".
Step 3 - Select "Update Options" and choose "Update Now".
Step 4 - Check your Windows system updates as well.
Step 5 - After updating, restart your machine.
For MacOS Users:
Step 1 - Open your Outlook Desktop App and go to "Help" at the top.
Step 2 - Select "Check for Updates".
Step 4 - Check your MacOS system updates as well.
Step 3 - After updating, restart your machine.
Result
Your Microsoft Outlook Desktop App should be connected. If not, try other fixes given below. See also Microsoft support article - Update Office for Mac automatically
Task 2: Remove and Reconnect Microsoft Accounts
Instructions
Step 1 - Remove the Microsoft account you are logged into.
- For Windows Users
- Open your Outlook Desktop App and go to "File".
- Select "Account Info" and choose "Your Accounts"
- Select your account, then select Manage.
- Scroll down and select Remove
- For MacOS Users
- Open your Outlook Desktop App. Select "Outlook" on the top, then select "Preferences".
- Select "Account".
- Under the accounts listing, select your USNH account and click the minus (-) button at the bottom of the list.
Step 2 - Restart your machine.
Step 3 - Adding your account back again.
- For Windows Users
- Open your Outlook Desktop App and go to "File".
- Select the "Add Account" from the top left.
- For your email address, enter your username@usnh.edu (fully qualified username, for example: jbd2519@usnh.edu).
- For MacOS users
- Open your Outlook Desktop App. Select "Outlook" on the top, then select "Preferences".
- Select "Account".
- Under the accounts listing click the plus (+) button at the bottom of the list.
- At the Welcome Screen, Click "Add Email Account".
- For your email address, enter your username@usnh.edu (fully qualified username, for example: jbd2519@usnh.edu).
Result
Your Microsoft Outlook Desktop App should be connected. If not, try other fixes given below.
Task 3: Running Microsoft SARA
Instructions
Step 1 - Visit the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant webpage.
Step 2 - Locate a scenario that best describes your situation.
Step 3 - Check out the "Recommended Solution" from the Microsoft.
Result
Your Microsoft Outlook Desktop App should be connected. If not, try other fixes given below.
Task 4: Rebuild Your Outlook Profile
Instructions
Step 1 - After running Microsoft SARA, you can re-add or rebuild your Outlook profile.
Result
Your Microsoft Outlook Desktop App should be connected. If not, try other fixes given below.
Task 5: Uninstall and Reinstall Office
Instructions
Step 1 - Follow these instructions to uninstall your Office applications.
Step 2 - Follow these instructions to install your Office application.
Step 3 - Sign in with your username@usnh.edu (fully qualified username, for example: jbd2519@usnh.edu), password, and MFA as required.
Result
Your Microsoft Outlook Desktop App should be connected. If not, contact the ET&S help desk for further assistance.
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Issue - Recover Deleted Items
If you have accidentally deleted important items, such as mail, contacts, calendar items or a public folder/public folder items, then you may be able to recover them by using tools within Microsoft Outlook.
Resolution - Recover Deleted Items
Task: Restore from Deleted Items
Instructions
Step 1 - To recover deleted items on both Windows and MacOS, follow the instructions in Outlook: Recovering Deleted Items
Result
Your deleted items will be restored.
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Task: Create an Email Distribution Group
Instructions
Step 1 - Follow these instructions to create an email distribution group.
Step 2 - Send your email using the distribution group.
Result
You have successfully created a Email Distribution Group. The maximum number of distribution group members is 100,000 members, and the recipient rate limit is 10,000 recipients per day.
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Issue - Pop up with Error Message
You may see one of the following errors in a pop-up message on your screen. See below for the corresponding resolution.
Message 1 - Microsoft Exchange Administrator has made a change that requires you to restart Outlook.
Message 2 - The file you're attaching is bigger than the server allows.
Resolution - Pop up with Error Message
Message 1 - Microsoft Exchange Administrator has made a change that requires you to restart Outlook.
Message 1 Resolution - Simply quit and restart Outlook, this message should disappear.
Message 2 - The file you're attaching is bigger than the server allows.
Message 2 Resolution - The max file attachment size for USNH emails is 35 MB. If you need to send a file larger than that, save it in OneDrive and send a sharing link instead.
You can always submit a support request, please fill out the USNH Provided or Licensed Software Support webform with as much detail as possible, or contact the Technology Help Desk team on your local campus.
Result
The error message should disappear.
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Workarounds
- It is always recommended to try another device, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone with your USNH credentials, to check if issues persist.
- The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant works by running tests to figure out what's wrong and offers the best solution for the identified problem. It can currently fix Office, Microsoft 365, or Outlook problems. If the Support and Recovery Assistant can't fix a problem for you, it will suggest next steps and help you get in touch with Microsoft support.
Further Readings
Office 365: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Outlook: Creating a new user profile for Outlook Desktop App on MacOS
Outlook: Creating a new user profile for Windows Outlook Desktop App
Microsoft Licensing: Uninstalling your Office Applications
Microsoft Licensing: Installing/Logging into Microsoft Office
Email: Sending Limits and Restricted Senders
Outlook: Managing Email Distribution Groups
Microsoft Support - About the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
Microsoft Support - Update Office for Mac automatically
Microsoft Exchange - Sending Limits - from Microsoft.com
Need additional help?
Submit an Email Services support request with as much detail as possible, or visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.
For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:
Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!