Share this article
Improve this guide
Microsoft Outlook Contacting the Server for Information [Fixed]
8 min. read
Published onOctober 9, 2024
published onOctober 9, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Have you encountered a Microsoft Outlook error saying “Contacting the server for information?” Read on to fix this annoying error right now.
The Outlook desktop app intermittently shows a message when you open email attachments, media, or update the mailbox. It’s trying to check with the server for further data to grant you access to the content you need.
This message is normal once in a while. However, if you repeatedly face the same warning, there are some DIY troubleshooting approaches you can follow for a quick resolution.
Why Is Microsoft Outlook Contacting the Server for Information?
Here are the most common causes of this error:
How To Fix Microsoft Outlook Contacting the Server for Information
Now, let me show you the simple methods you can follow to fix this annoying error message for good:
Basic Checks
Try the following quick fixes before moving ahead with more time-consuming ones:
Use Outlook for the Web App
When you need to access an email and its attachments right now but the ‘Microsoft Outlook: Contacting the server for information’ error is stopping you, do the following:
Clear the Outlook Cache
Disable Syncing With Microsoft Exchange
Use Cached Exchange Mode
If you’ve already been using thenon-cached Microsoft Exchange mode, you can try turning this setting on.
Simply follow all the steps mentioned in the previous method.
When you arrive at theExchange Account Settingsdialog box, checkmark the box for theUse Cached Exchange Mode…setting.
Click the sliderin theDownload email for the pastsection anddrag it to the left sideto reduce the cut-off tothree days.
ClickNextand hitDoneon the window that pops up to save the setting.
Remove Any Additional Email Accounts
If there’s more than one Microsoft or third-party email account set up in the Outlook desktop app, try removing all except the one you’re currently using. Keep the account where you’re facing the ‘Microsoft Outlook: Contacting the server for information’ error. Here’s how:
Tweak the Trust Center Settings
A safety setting disallows images and other media to load on all incoming emails, especially those coming fromnew email domainsorthird-party servers. If it’s enabled, the error often shows up.
Here’s how to disable it in the Trust Center:
Close OutlookfromTask Managerandre-opento check if you resolved the issue.
Launch Outlook in Safe Mode
Outlook Safe Modedisables all integrations and add-ins. It’s one of the best ways to determine if any third-party orMicrosoft Office add-inis the root cause behind this error message. Here’s how to launch it:
If the issue is fixed after accessing Outlook in Safe Mode, you should uninstall the most recent add-in. Or, you might need to remove all of the installed add-ins. Here’s how to do that:
Repair the Outlook Installation
This method involves repairing the whole Microsoft 365 installation if you’re using the latest Microsoft Office software package. For earlier editions, the steps are almost the same. However, you’ll get to repair only Outlook instead of all MS Office apps. Now, follow these steps:
Update to the New Outlook Desktop App
If you’re okay to move to theNew Outlookexperience, follow these steps:
If you don’t wish to use the new app even if that fixes the issue, skip this method and move on to the next.
Remove and Re-Add the Primary Email
Raise a Service Request From Microsoft 365 Admin Center
If you’re the admin of your Microsoft 365 subscription or domain, follow these steps to raise a support ticket:
Summary
These are some of the proven ways to fix the ‘Microsoft Outlook: Contacting the server for information’ error on a Windows PC.
Were you able to resolve the issue by following them? Do you know of a better method than the ones I’ve listed? Comment below to share your experience.
More about the topics:Microsoft Office,Microsoft Outlook
Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity, troubleshooting hardware and operating systems, gaming, and all things Windows.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity and all things Windows related.
