Outlook has disconnected with one of my two Comcast emails

Sounds like Outlook keeps losing the connection token for that Comcast account. Try removing just that account from Outlook, then re-add it fresh under File > Account Settings > Email Accounts. Make sure you use the “Connect with IMAP” option and check “Let me set up my account manually.” Sometimes a full re-auth like that clears the looping sign-in issue.

Dear John McL,  

I understand that you are having trouble with one of your two Comcast email accounts repeatedly disconnecting and requiring a sign-in each time you start Outlook on Windows 11. I am happy to assist you.   

1. Clear Cached Credentials 

Since Outlook keeps asking you to sign in, the first step is to delete the old password Windows is trying to use for your Comcast account.  

1. Close Outlook Completely  

Ensure the Outlook application is fully closed before proceeding.  

• 1.2. Open Credential Manager   a. In the Windows 11 Search bar, type Credential Manager and open the application.
• 1.3. Delete Stored Outlook Credentials   a. Click on Windows Credentials.   b. Scroll down to the Generic Credentials section.   c. Look for any entries that contain Comcast, Xfinity, or your email address, especially those tagged as Outlook or MicrosoftOffice.   d. Click on each relevant entry to expand it, and then click Remove .
• 1.4. Restart and Save New Password   Open Outlook. When prompted, enter your correct password for the Comcast account and ensure you check the box to "Save this password in your password list" or "Remember my credentials."  

2. Verify Comcast Server Settings and Third-Party Access  

If the credentials still don't stick or the account disconnects, confirm that Comcast's security settings allow Outlook to connect and that your account uses the correct, secure settings.  

• 2.1. Enable Third-Party Access on Comcast Webmail    a. Open a web browser and log into your Xfinity/Comcast webmail account.   b. Navigate to Settings.   c. Find the Security or Third Party Access Security section.   d. Ensure the setting to allow external email clients ( Outlook ) to connect is checked/enabled.  
• 2.2. Check/Update Account Settings in Outlook   a. In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.   b. Select the Comcast account and click Change.   c. Verify your server settings match the secure IMAP configuration:  

| Setting | Recommended Value (IMAP) |  

| :--- | :--- |  

| Incoming Mail Server | imap.comcast.net |  

| IMAP Port | 993 |  

| IMAP Encryption | SSL/TLS |  

| Outgoing Mail Server | smtp.comcast.net |  

| SMTP Port | 587 (or 465 if 587 fails) |  

| SMTP Encryption | STARTTLS (or SSL/TLS)  

3. Create a New Outlook Profile   

Since the issue has happened multiple times and affects only one account, the best fix is to isolate the configuration by creating a new profile.  

• 3.1. Open Mail Setup via Control Panel   a. Close Outlook.   b. In the Windows 11 Search bar, type Control Panel and open it.   c. Change "View by" to Large icons or Small icons.   d. Click on Mail.  
• 3.2. Create a New Profile   a. In the Mail Setup window, click Show Profiles...   b. Click the Add... button.   c. Type a new name for the profile . Click OK.  
• 3.3. Add Your Email Accounts   a. The Add Account wizard will open. Add both of your Comcast email accounts to this new profile.  If the automatic setup fails, select "Let me set up my account manually" and use the IMAP settings from Step 2.2.  
• 3.4. Set the New Profile as Default   a. After adding the accounts, return to the Mail Setup window (Show Profiles...).   Under "When starting Microsoft Outlook, use this profile," select: "Always use this profile" and choose your "New Stable Profile."  (Alternatively, choose "Prompt for a profile to be used" to test then set it as the default).   c. Launch Outlook. Confirm both Comcast accounts connect and remain stable.   d. Once confirmed, you can return to the Mail Setup window and remove the old profile.  

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Warm regards