how to fix Outlook error code 0X800CCC0E cannot connect to server

Question

On one Outlook account I have, as of 3 days ago I now constantly receive this error message and no emails can get through;

Task 'Synchronizing subscribed folders for **@swla.co.uk.' reported error (0x800CCC0E) : 'Outlook cannot synchronize subscribed folders for ****@swla.co.uk. Error: Cannot connect to the server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'

This is me contacting Gmail as my server is imap.gmail.com to sort tis problem out.

Please help!

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

You’re not alone, many users started seeing this issue recently with Gmail accounts in Outlook.

Microsoft is already aware and investigating it. They also shared a workaround here: https://support.microsoft.com/office/users-get-errors-0x800ccc0e-0x800ccc0f-synchronizing-gmail-and-yahoo-accounts-in-classic-outlook-e5a7b684-7c5c-4848-ab2d-d48291451f67

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You can also try the "Manual Workaround" provided in this Microsoft article:

https://support.microsoft.com/office/unable-to-add-a-gmail-account-to-classic-outlook-4d9530c5-3f40-4e6d-9b45-4477f160828f

Please follow the steps under "Manual Workaround" and then restart Outlook after completing them.

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I really hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

Error 0x800CCC0E with an IMAP account indicates Outlook cannot connect to the mail server. For an IMAP Gmail account, use these steps to troubleshoot based on documented causes and workarounds:

1. Verify account credentials and IMAP settings

• In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings….
• Select the affected IMAP account and choose Change or Server Settings.
• Confirm:
  • Incoming server is the correct IMAP host (per your provider’s instructions).
  • Username (full email address) and password are correct.
• If the account still does not work, contact the email provider to confirm the exact IMAP/SMTP server names, ports, and whether SSL/TLS is required, then update Outlook to match. Some providers require SSL and/or non‑default ports.

2. Check for app‑password issues (IMAP with app passwords) If the IMAP provider uses app passwords (common when multi‑factor authentication is enabled):
3. Sign in to the mail provider’s webmail.
4. Go to Account Information > Security and create a new app password for IMAP/Outlook.
5. In Outlook:
   • Select File.
   • Under Account Information, choose the IMAP account.
   • Select Account Settings > Server Settings.
   • Paste the new app password into the Password box.
   • Select Next, then Done. If the previous app password was invalid or revoked, this resolves connection errors such as “connection to the server was interrupted” and related IMAP failures.
6. Check firewall / network / proxy If Outlook cannot reach the IMAP or SMTP servers at all:

• A firewall on the ISP or local network may be blocking the mail ports.
• A proxy configuration may be required.

Actions:

1. If using Outlook on Mac, or similar network conditions on Windows, ask the ISP or network administrator whether outbound IMAP/SMTP ports are blocked and, if so, whether an alternative SMTP server or port is available.
2. If an alternative SMTP server is provided, enter it in Tools > Accounts > Outgoing server (for Mac) or in the account’s Outgoing mail server (SMTP) settings (for Windows).
3. If the network requires a proxy server to reach the mail server, configure the mail proxy in the system’s network settings as provided by the network administrator.
4. Confirm the mail server is online If the account previously worked and suddenly stopped:

• The mail server itself may be temporarily unavailable.
• Contact the email provider or administrator to confirm the IMAP service status.

5. Address IMAP connection interruptions and TLS 1.3 (Windows) If Outlook shows related errors like “The connection to the server was interrupted” or “Your server unexpectedly terminated the connection,” there are two documented workarounds:

Workaround #1 – Fix the app password (already covered above)

• Create a new app password in the provider’s web portal.
• Update the password in Outlook under File > Account Settings > Server Settings.

Workaround #2 – Disable TLS 1.3 on Windows 10 If using Windows 10 and TLS 1.3 is enabled, it may cause IMAP/POP connection interruptions:

1. Open Regedit (Start > type Regedit > Enter).
2. Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
3. If a TLS 1.3 key exists under Protocols:
   • Right‑click Protocols and select Export to back up the current settings.
   • Delete the TLS 1.3 key and its subkeys.
4. Restart Outlook; if sync still does not work, restart Windows. After this change, the Protocols key should no longer show any TLS 1.3 entries, and Outlook should use earlier TLS versions that are known to work.

If, after these steps, the account still cannot connect, provide the email provider’s confirmed IMAP/SMTP settings and whether app passwords or special security options (SSL/TLS, ports) are required, then re‑check each of those in Outlook.

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References:

• Outlook IMAP or POP server unexpectedly terminated the connection, and the server was interrupted
• I can't send or receive messages with Outlook for Mac