What causes windows mail app not receiving or sending email on Windows?

Common causes of windows mail app not receiving or sending email include: Account password changed but not updated in Mail app, Sync settings set to manual or infrequent interval, Antivirus or firewall blocking email server connections, Two-factor authentication requiring app-specific password, Mail app cache corrupted, Windows privacy settings blocking Mail app access.

How do I know if I have windows mail app not receiving or sending email issues?

Common symptoms of windows mail app not receiving or sending email include: Mail app shows "Your account settings are out of date", No new emails appearing despite having unread mail, Emails fail to send with generic error, Mail app crashes or shows blank window, Attachments won't download or open, Email notifications stopped appearing.

Fix Windows Mail App Not Receiving or Sending Email

Symptoms

You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:

•Mail app shows "Your account settings are out of date"
•No new emails appearing despite having unread mail
•Emails fail to send with generic error
•Mail app crashes or shows blank window
•Attachments won't download or open
•Email notifications stopped appearing

Common Causes

⚠Account password changed but not updated in Mail app
⚠Sync settings set to manual or infrequent interval
⚠Antivirus or firewall blocking email server connections
⚠Two-factor authentication requiring app-specific password
⚠Mail app cache corrupted
⚠Windows privacy settings blocking Mail app access

Solutions

Solution 1: Fix Account Sync

1Open Mail app > click the gear icon > Manage Accounts
2Click the problematic account
3Click "Change mailbox sync settings"
4Set sync frequency to "As items arrive" for fastest delivery
5Click "Done" then check if new mail appears
6If "out of date" error: delete the account and re-add with current password

Solution 2: Fix Gmail in Windows Mail

1Gmail with 2FA requires allowing Windows Mail:
2Go to Google Account > Security > 2-Step Verification
3If using "Less secure apps": Google deprecated this — use the method below instead
4Add Gmail as a "Google" account type in Mail app
5Authorize Windows Mail when Google prompts for permission
6If sync still fails: try removing and re-adding the Google account

Solution 3: Repair or Reset Mail App

1Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Mail and Calendar
2Click Advanced options > Repair first
3If Repair doesn't fix it: click Reset
4After reset: re-add all your email accounts
5Check notifications: Settings > System > Notifications > ensure Mail is enabled
6If the app won't open at all: uninstall and reinstall from Microsoft Store

FIXES THIS IN 5 MINUTES