Fix Outlook Emails Stuck in Outbox Issue Instantly

  Ashwani Tiwari
Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On February 10th, 2026
Reading Time 7 Min Read

Are your Outlook emails stuck in outbox when sending, or is the email stuck in outbox Outlook? If yes, then not to worry, this is a very common problem faced by regular users of MS Outlook. In this article, we will discover the best and most effective methods to resolve if your Outlook messages are staying in outbox.

If you’re using MS Outlook from very start, then you might know that one of the most frustrating issues faced by Outlook users is when email messages get stuck in Outbox. If someone tries to send emails, it mostly ends up in Outbox instead of Inbox folder and becomes stuck there. It means Outlook freezes when sending an email, even if a user has clicked on the send/receive button.

Now, if you’re thinking about how to fix Outlook emails stuck in outbox. This article will explain the reasons behind these errors. Also offer instant solutions to fix them, which enhances the workflow and productivity of Outlook.

Why are Emails Getting Stuck in my Outbox Outlook?

Here are multiple reasons mentioned below for messages staying up in the outbox:

  1. If MS Outlook is set to work offline mode, it can prevent messages from being sent.
  2. An unstable or weak internet connection can disrupt communication between Outlook users and the mailing server (IMAP).
  3. When your Outlook mailbox is full, you might not be able to send a new email.
  4. If you have installed third-party antivirus or firewall software, then it might temporarily restrict your outgoing emails.
  5. Some faulty or wrongly installed Outlook add-ins can interrupt sending messages.
  6. If the mailbox contains repeated emails, then it can reduce the sending performance of MS Outlook.
  7. If your data file is corrupted, it may prevent Outlook from sending emails.

Let’s walk through advanced solutions to fix Outlook email stuck in Outbox error.

How to Fix Outlook Emails Stuck in Outbox When Sending?

In the following section, we’re going to explain easy and simple ways to resolve the issue. Here are the methods given below:

  • Check If Outlook is in Offline Mode
  • Restart Microsoft Outlook
  • Check Network Connectivity
  • Reduce Attachments Size
  • Send Messages in Safe Mode
  • Check Mail Server Settings (IMAP)
  • Turn Off Antivirus/Firewall (Temporarily)
  • Recover Your Data File (OST/PST)
  • Update Outlook to Latest Version

Let’s understand these solutions quickly with explanations.

#1: Check If Outlook is in Offline Mode

If you have set up your MS Outlook in offline mode, then it will not send the emails. So, one needs to switch it to online mode.

Follow these steps:

  1. Launch MS Outlook.
  2. Navigate to Send/Receive Tab.
  3. Switch to Online Mode if work offline button is turned on.

#2: Restart Microsoft Outlook

  • If your Outlook has some glitches or issues with your system, then quit your Outlook and launch it again.
  • You can do same with your system and check if the bug got cleared.

#3: Check Network Connectivity

  • Always verify the stability of your internet connection.
  • Ensure you’re working on a high-speed internet connection; if not, then poor stability can disrupt the message-sending process and can lead to emails stuck in outbox Outlook.

#4: Reduce Attachment Size

Steps to follow:

  1. Open your stuck mail present in Outbox.
  2. If your attachments are large, then quickly eliminate them.
  3. Otherwise, you can compress it into a ZIP folder.
  4. Finally, tap on Send button again.

This will speed up Outlook performance by lessening message sending time.

#5: Send Messages in Safe Mode

One can effectively send your mail in safe mode without any interference from add-ins.

Steps to follow:

  1. Click on Windows+R, and type Outlook/safe
  2. Press Enter button and try sending email again.

safe

Using this method will help you detect faulty add-ins that are causing Outlook emails stuck in outbox problem.

#6: Check Mail Server Settings (IMAP)

  • If using Outlook with an incorrect setting, then it is a major reason for Outlook emails getting stuck in outbox.
  • You should validate your IMAP settings by checking the SMTP server name and port number, and other authentication settings.

#7: Update Outlook to Latest Version

Ensure you have Outlook version up to date. If not, then update by following these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and go to File, and tap on Account Settings.
  2. Click on Office Account, then press Update Options.
  3. Finally, press Update Now button.

It can take some time to update to new edition, after completion launch your Outlook again.

#8: Turn Off Antivirus (Temporarily)

  • If firewall is enabled, then quickly turn off both settings. It can detect outgoing messages and restrict them.
  • This helps to recover your mailing workflow.

You can turn it on after checking the mailing security.

#9: Recover your Data File (OST/PST)

If your Outlook data files are severely corrupted or damaged, then we recommend using SysTools Outlook Recovery Tool, which immediately removes all types of corruption from the Outlook data file, and it can fix Outlook email stuck in outbox issue without any hassle. It recovers all data items from the Outlook mailbox, such as emails, contacts, and calendars.

Let’s know how this professional tool works.

Step Guide to Fix Outlook Emails Stuck in Outbox
  1. Download and run the aforementioned software on your system.
  2. run

  3. Click on Add file to import email file from your software.
  4. add

  5. This offers dual option, which is Select and Search file.
  6. dual

  7. Tap on Advanced Option to scan corrupted Outlook data file.
  8. advance

  9. Finally, Press Export Button to recover output file.
  10. repair

How to Prevent Emails Stuck in Outbox Outlook Error?

Follow these best practices for avoiding this recurring Outlook emails stuck in outbox error in the future:

  1. Always keep your mailbox size within the storage capacity.
  2. Try not to send messages containing large attahcment file.
  3. Disable any third-party installed add-ins.
  4. Ensure you’re working on latest version of MS Outlook or your system.
  5. Always use advanced and expert-recommended software for better results.
  6. Habitually delete duplicate emails in Outlook for a clean mailbox.

Note: If your mailbox has duplicate items, which are making excessive mailbox storage capacity. Instead of opting manual method, try a professional solution like SysTools Outlook Duplicates Remover Tool, as it’s reliable and an excellent utility for long-term results.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve discussed how to resolve if your Outlook emails stuck in outbox using both manual and advanced solutions. This problem usually occurs when your Outlook file becomes corrupted or damaged using faulty add-ins or synchronising files multiple times. Choosing a manual method for recovering your data file is not a wise decision. So, for a safe data recovery, we recommend using the advanced solution mentioned above.

FAQs on Outlook Emails Stuck in Outbox Error

Q.1 How Do I Fix a Stuck Email in Outlook Outbox?
A. Disable Outlook from offline mode, verify your internet connectivity, repair your file if it got corrupted, and finally send your message again.

Q.2 Why are My Emails Getting Stuck in Outlook Outbox?
A. If your messages stay in outbox, then quickly check for incorrect account settings, any large file containing attachments, or corrupt files.

Q.3 How Do I Fix a Stuck Email in My Outlook Outbox on Mac?
A. One can turn off offline mode, ensure that network connection is stable, or if some method fails to work, then make a new account on MS Outlook.