If you are experiencing the Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115 on your Windows 11 computer, you are not alone. This error usually occurs when Outlook has trouble connecting to the mail server or syncing your emails.
It can be frustrating because it stops you from sending or receiving emails properly. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix this problem.
This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand solutions to resolve the error and get Outlook working smoothly again.
Each step is explained clearly, so even if you are not tech-savvy, you can follow along without any trouble.
Quick Note Before You Begin
Before trying any fixes, make sure you have a stable internet connection, as this error often relates to connectivity issues.
Also, ensure your Windows 11 and Microsoft Outlook are updated to the latest versions to avoid compatibility problems.
If you are using a work or school account, check with your IT administrator to confirm there are no server-side issues.
Backing up your important emails and Outlook data is always a good practice before troubleshooting.
Step 1: Restart Outlook and Your Computer
Sometimes, the simplest fix is to close Outlook completely and reopen it. This refreshes the program and can clear minor glitches.
If the error persists, restart your Windows 11 PC. Restarting clears temporary files and resets network connections, which can help resolve connectivity errors.
Step 2: Check Your Internet Connection
Since error 0x80040115 often happens due to connection problems, verify that your internet is working properly.
- Open a web browser and try visiting a few websites.
- If pages load slowly or not at all, troubleshoot your internet connection first.
- You can try restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider if needed.
Step 3: Disable Offline Mode in Outlook
Outlook has an Offline Mode which, if accidentally enabled, can cause sync errors like 0x80040115.
To check this:
- Open Outlook.
- Look at the status bar at the bottom of the window.
- If it says Working Offline, go to the Send/Receive tab at the top.
- Click on Work Offline to toggle it off.
This ensures Outlook tries to connect to the mail server normally.
Step 4: Clear DNS Cache
Sometimes, corrupted DNS cache can cause connection issues.
To clear your DNS cache:
- Press Windows + S and type Command Prompt.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- In the black window that opens, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns - You should see a confirmation message. Close the window and try Outlook again.
Step 5: Create a New Outlook Profile
If your current Outlook profile is corrupted, it can cause errors like 0x80040115.
Creating a new profile helps by starting fresh without affecting your existing data.
Here’s how to create a new profile:
- Close Outlook.
- Press Windows + R, type
control mlcfg32.cpl, and press Enter. This opens Mail settings. - Click on Show Profiles.
- Click Add to create a new profile.
- Give it a name (e.g., NewProfile) and follow the prompts to add your email account.
- Once done, select Prompt for a profile to be used or set the new profile as default.
- Open Outlook with the new profile and check if the error is resolved.
Step 6: Repair Outlook Data Files
Corrupted PST or OST files (Outlook data files) can cause sync errors.
Microsoft provides a tool called Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) to fix these files.
To use it:
- Close Outlook.
- Locate scanpst.exe on your PC. It is usually found in:
C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16(for Office 2016 and later). - Double-click scanpst.exe to open it.
- Click Browse and find your Outlook data file (usually with a .pst or .ost extension).
- Click Start to scan the file.
- If errors are found, click Repair.
- After repair, open Outlook and check if the issue persists.
Step 7: Disable Third-Party Add-ins
Sometimes, add-ins installed in Outlook can interfere with its functionality.
To test this:
- Open Outlook in Safe Mode by pressing Windows + R, typing
outlook.exe /safe, and pressing Enter. - In Safe Mode, Outlook runs without add-ins.
- If the error disappears, it means one of the add-ins is causing the problem.
- Disable add-ins by going to File > Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Uncheck all add-ins and restart Outlook normally.
- Enable add-ins one by one to find the problematic one.
Step 8: Update or Reinstall Microsoft Outlook
Outdated or corrupted Outlook installations can cause many errors.
To update Outlook:
- Open Outlook.
- Go to File > Office Account > Update Options.
- Select Update Now to download and install updates.
If updating does not help, consider reinstalling Outlook or the entire Microsoft Office suite:
- Uninstall Office from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Restart your computer.
- Download and install Office again from the official Microsoft website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does error 0x80040115 mean in Outlook?
This error indicates that Outlook is unable to connect to the mail server or sync your emails properly. It is often related to network or profile issues.
Can this error be caused by antivirus software?
Yes, some antivirus or firewall programs may block Outlook’s connection. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they cause the problem.
Will creating a new Outlook profile delete my emails?
No, creating a new profile does not delete your emails. Your data remains intact on the server or in your existing data files.
Is it safe to use the Inbox Repair Tool?
Yes, the Inbox Repair Tool is a Microsoft utility designed to fix corrupted Outlook files. Always back up your data before running repairs.
How do I know if Outlook is in Offline Mode?
Look at the bottom right of the Outlook window. If it says Working Offline, you need to disable Offline Mode via the Send/Receive tab.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and continue to see error 0x80040115, it might be a deeper issue related to your email server or Windows installation.
Consider the following options:
- Contact your email service provider or IT support for server-related issues.
- Use Microsoft’s official support and recovery assistant tool available on their website.
- Perform a Windows System Restore to a point before the issue started, if applicable.
- Reinstall Windows as a last resort, but ensure you back up all your data first.
Conclusion
Error 0x80040115 in Microsoft Outlook can disrupt your email communication, but it is usually fixable with some basic troubleshooting.
Start with simple steps like restarting Outlook and checking your internet connection, then move on to more advanced fixes such as creating a new profile or repairing data files.
Always keep your software updated and maintain backups of your important emails.
With patience and these step-by-step solutions, you can get Outlook back to working smoothly on your Windows 11 PC.