Outlook continues to download the same emails over and over and over

Question

Outlook continues to download the same emails over and over and over. I delete them, empty the delete folder and they come back again.

Answer 1

Hi Edward Burchnall

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I know how frustrating it is when the same emails keep reappearing even after you delete them.

To help me guide you more specifically, can you please let me know:

• The account type shown in Outlook (POP or IMAP/Exchange), and
• Whether you recently installed Windows updates around mid‑January 2026?

In the meantime, here's what I recommend you should do next:

1. If the account is POP, check for a known Windows update issue (Jan 2026)

Microsoft documented a specific issue where classic Outlook POP profiles with PST files can hang and re-download emails after Windows updates released Jan 13, 2026, and it’s now marked Fixed via an out‑of‑band Windows update KB5078127.

Please check this official Microsoft article to confirm whether your setup matches the affected scenario and follow the recommended fix: Classic Outlook profiles with POP accounts and PSTs hang after Windows updates on January 13, 2026 - Microsoft Support

2. Repair the Outlook data file

A corrupted PST/OST file can also cause emails to reappear. Run SCANPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) and let it repair your Outlook data file.

Official guide: Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) - Microsoft Support

3. Repair the Outlook profile

Microsoft’s official guidance for sync issues like this is to run the Repair option for the Outlook profile: In Outlook, select File > Account Settings > Account Settings > select account > Repair

Official guide: Fix your Outlook email connection by repairing your profile - Microsoft Support

I truly hope this helps! Please feel free to let me know how it goes and thank you for your understanding.

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