recieve the following error in Outlook

Question

Task 'Synchronizing subscribed folders for <Mod remove PII> @gmail.com.' reported error (0x800CCC0E) : 'Outlook cannot synchronize subscribed folders for <Mod remove PII> @gmail.com. Error: Cannot connect to the server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'

Answer 1

Hi Jeff Herges,  

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

From your description, Outlook is encountering a connection-related synchronization issue when attempting to refresh the IMAP “subscribed folders” for your Gmail account in Classic Outlook for Windows.

To troubleshoot this efficiently, please try the steps below in order:

1, Check your Office build and apply the Gmail consent fix

There is a documented Gmail setup scenario in Classic Outlook where this exact “Synchronizing subscribed folders…0x800CCC0E” message can continue if the Gmail permission prompt wasn’t fully granted during the browser sign-in. The support article also notes this is addressed starting with Current Channel Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168) and provides a Retry sign-in option: Unable to add a Gmail account to classic Outlook - Microsoft Support

1. Check your Office version/build: About Office: What version of Office am I using?
2. Update Office as needed so you’re on a build that includes the fix.
3. Back in Outlook, when prompted for Gmail sign-in, select Retry and make sure you allow the permission that includes: “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.”

2, Verify Gmail IMAP is enabled

Since this is a Gmail IMAP sync task, please confirm IMAP is enabled in Gmail’s settings and that your Gmail account is not blocking sign-in from the mail app. Google provides the steps here: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7126229?hl=en

If you use 2-step verification, Google may require an app password in some configurations: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833?hl=en

Disclaimer: These are non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.    

3, Re‑check Gmail server settings in Outlook

Please review the incoming and outgoing mail server settings for your Gmail account in Outlook, as incorrect server names, ports, or encryption methods can prevent Outlook from connecting successfully during IMAP folder synchronization.

In Outlook, confirm that:

• The incoming server (IMAP) is configured to use SSL/TLS with the correct server name and port
• The outgoing server (SMTP) uses TLS/STARTTLS, with authentication enabled and the correct port

After confirming the settings, restart Outlook and test Send/Receive again to see if the synchronization message changes.

4, Isolate local Outlook factors (new profile; optional Safe Mode / security software test)

The next best isolation step is testing whether the issue is tied to the current Outlook profile or an add-in/security filter.

• Create a new profile (Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add), then add only this Gmail account and test sync.
• If you temporarily disable antivirus/firewall mail scanning to test connectivity: please re-enable protection immediately after the test to keep the device protected.

Please try the steps above and let me know what you observe. I’ll be happy to help you review the next steps based on the results.

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