Having trouble connecting to your email from Outlook on your desktop? Follow these steps to let Outlook diagnose and fix errors in your Outlook mail profile that might be causing the issue.

All Outlook Data Files (.pst) and Offline Data Files (.ost) are listed along with the name of the account the files are associated with. If you cannot open your Outlook data file or suspect that the file is damaged, use the Inbox Repair tool (scanpst.exe) to repair errors in the file.

Learn how to update Microsoft Office on PC and troubleshooting tips for installing Office updates.

Download the offline installer from your account portal. To download the offline installer, go to www.office.com. If you're not already signed in with the Microsoft account associated with your copy of Microsoft 365 or Microsoft 365 do that now.

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track. Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)

You can set up your work or school account on the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android or iOS. Important: If you already set up your work or school account in the Microsoft Authenticator app, you don't need to do it again. Go to the Security info page using the steps above.

If Office activation fails, you'll see Unlicensed Product or Non-commercial use / Unlicensed Product in the title bar of your Office apps, and most features of Office are disabled. To restore all features of Office, you'll need to fix the problem that's causing activation to fail.

Some Office 2019, Office 2016, and Office 2013 products come with a product key. If yours did, before installing Microsoft 365 for the first time, sign in with an existing or new Microsoft account and enter your product key at office.com/setup. Redeeming your key is what links your account with Microsoft 365 so you only have to do this once.

The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant can help you automatically diagnose and fix a range of Outlook problems. You will need to download the application to your local computer, sign in with your home, work, or school account and select the issue you want help with.

When Microsoft Excel detects a corrupted workbook upon opening, it automatically starts File Recovery mode and attempts to repair the workbook. If File Recovery mode doesn’t start, try using this manual process to recover your workbook: Click File > Open. Click the location and folder that contains the corrupted workbook.