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Sometimes, your emails might stop syncing on Windows 10, which can be frustrating if you rely on your Mail app for communication. This issue can occur due to various reasons, including connectivity problems or incorrect settings. Thankfully, there are straightforward ways to resolve this problem.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to get your email syncing again. Each method is explained clearly so you can follow along even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

By the end of this article, you should be able to identify the common causes of syncing issues and fix them effectively. Let’s get started and bring your email back to life.

Follow these instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to try multiple steps if one doesn’t work right away.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

• Internet Connection: Ensure your PC is connected to the internet. A weak or no connection can prevent emails from syncing.
• Email Account Details: Double-check your username and password are correct and up-to-date.
• Windows Updates: Make sure your system is updated, as outdated software can cause compatibility problems.
• Mail App Version: Confirm that your Mail app is the latest version by checking Microsoft Store updates.

Step 1: Restart the Mail App

Sometimes, simply restarting the Mail app can fix syncing glitches. This clears temporary bugs or freezes that might be stopping emails from updating.

1. Close the Mail app completely by clicking the “X” at the top right or right-clicking the Mail icon on the taskbar and selecting “Close window.”
2. Wait for about 10 seconds to ensure the app closes fully.
3. Open the Mail app again from the Start menu or taskbar.
4. Check if the emails start syncing automatically.

Step 2: Check Your Email Sync Settings

Email sync settings control how and when your emails update. Incorrect settings can stop new emails from appearing.

1. Open the Mail app.
2. Click the Settings icon (gear symbol) at the bottom-left corner.
3. Select Manage Accounts and click on your email account.
4. Choose Change mailbox sync settings.
5. Under Sync options, make sure “Email” is toggled on.
6. Under Download new content, select a preferred time interval, such as “As items arrive” or “Every 15 minutes.”
7. Click Done and wait for the app to refresh your inbox.

Setting the sync frequency to “As items arrive” ensures you get emails instantly, which is ideal if your inbox is not updating.

Step 3: Re-Add Your Email Account

If syncing still doesn’t work, removing and re-adding your account can reset the connection between your Mail app and the email server.

1. Open the Mail app and go to Settings > Manage Accounts.
2. Select the problematic email account.
3. Click Delete account from this device.
4. Confirm the deletion if prompted.
5. After removing the account, click Add account in the Manage Accounts menu.
6. Choose your email provider and follow the on-screen instructions to sign back in.
7. Wait for the Mail app to sync your emails.

This step helps refresh account credentials and resolves many syncing issues related to authentication or corrupted settings.

Step 4: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix problems with apps like Mail.

1. Open Settings by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows detect and fix any issues.
5. Restart your computer once the process is complete.
6. Open the Mail app again and check if syncing works.

This tool is helpful because it automatically adjusts settings or repairs files that might be causing the syncing problem.

Step 5: Check Windows 10 Mail App Permissions

If the Mail app does not have permission to access your email or background data, syncing will fail.

1. Open Settings > Privacy.
2. On the left panel, click Email.
3. Make sure the toggle under Allow apps to access your email is turned on.
4. Scroll down to the list of apps and confirm that the Mail app has permission enabled.
5. Next, go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
6. Find the Mail app and ensure it is allowed to run in the background.

Allowing background activity helps the Mail app sync emails even when it’s not actively open.

Step 6: Reset the Mail App

If none of the above work, resetting the Mail app can clear corrupted data without affecting your email account data stored on the server.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Scroll down and find the Mail and Calendar app.
3. Click it and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click Reset.
5. Confirm the reset when prompted.
6. Once done, open the Mail app and re-add your email account if needed.

Resetting removes app data and settings but does not delete your emails, as they are stored on your email provider’s server.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

• Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Sometimes, security software blocks the Mail app from syncing. Temporarily disable them to test if syncing improves.
• Use Webmail: Access your email through a web browser to ensure the problem is with the app and not your email service.
• Update or Reinstall Mail App: Uninstall and reinstall the Mail app from the Microsoft Store if issues persist.
• Check IMAP/POP Settings: For advanced users, verify that your email account’s IMAP or POP settings are correct according to your email provider’s guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my emails not syncing automatically?

This might happen if your sync settings are set to manual or if the Mail app lacks permission to access your email in the background. Adjusting sync frequency and permissions usually fixes this.

Can a weak internet connection affect email syncing?

Yes, a poor or unstable internet connection prevents the Mail app from communicating with the email server, causing delays or failures in syncing.

Will resetting the Mail app delete my emails?

No, resetting only clears the app’s temporary data and settings. Your emails remain safe on your email provider’s server and will re-download after you sign in again.

How often should the Mail app sync emails?

For real-time updates, set the app to sync “As items arrive.” However, this may use more battery and data, so adjust based on your preferences.

Can antivirus software cause email syncing problems?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall settings can block the Mail app’s connection. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they’re the cause.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and your emails still won’t sync, you might need to consider more advanced troubleshooting:

• Visit the official Microsoft Mail app support page for detailed guidance and tools.
• Contact your email service provider to check if there are server-side issues or account restrictions.
• Consider using an alternative email client temporarily, such as Outlook or Thunderbird.
• Perform a Windows 10 system update or repair install if the problem seems related to the operating system.

Conclusion

Email syncing issues on Windows 10 can be caused by simple settings errors, connectivity problems, or app glitches. Starting with basic fixes like restarting the app and checking sync settings often resolves the problem quickly. If needed, re-adding your account or resetting the Mail app usually clears deeper issues.

Remember to keep your system and apps updated and verify permissions regularly. With these easy-to-follow steps, you should be able to restore your email syncing without hassle and stay connected effortlessly.