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How to Fix “Outlook Name Cannot Be Resolved” Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are using Microsoft Outlook on Windows 11 and encounter the error message “Name cannot be resolved,” it can be frustrating. This error usually means Outlook cannot find the email address or contact you are trying to use. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix this issue.

This guide will take you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve the problem. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end of this article, you will know how to fix this error and get back to sending emails smoothly.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the detailed steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection. Outlook needs internet access to check email addresses.
  • Verify that Microsoft Outlook is properly installed and updated to the latest version on your Windows 11 PC.
  • Check if the email address you’re trying to use is typed correctly and exists in your contacts or address book.
  • Ensure your email account is connected and syncing properly by checking the account status in Outlook.

Step 1: Clear the Outlook Auto-Complete Cache

Outlook stores previously used email addresses in an auto-complete cache. Sometimes, this cache may contain outdated or incorrect entries causing the error.

Clearing this cache helps Outlook refresh its list and may fix the issue.

  1. Open Outlook on your Windows 11 computer.
  2. Click on the File tab in the top-left corner.
  3. Select Options from the menu.
  4. In the Outlook Options window, click on Mail from the left sidebar.
  5. Scroll down to the Send messages section.
  6. Click the button labeled Empty Auto-Complete List.
  7. Confirm the action by clicking Yes.

After clearing the cache, try typing the email address again and see if the error persists.

Step 2: Verify and Update the Global Address List (GAL)

The Global Address List is a directory of all users in an organization’s email system. If Outlook cannot access or update this list, it may show the “Name cannot be resolved” error.

Here is how to update the Global Address List:

  1. In Outlook, go to the Send/Receive tab on the ribbon.
  2. Click on Send/Receive Groups, then select Download Address Book.
  3. In the dialog box, make sure Download changes since last Send/Receive is checked.
  4. Select the correct address book, usually Global Address List.
  5. Click OK to download and update the list.

This ensures Outlook has the latest contact information from your organization’s server.

Step 3: Check Cached Exchange Mode Settings

Cached Exchange Mode allows Outlook to work with a local copy of your mailbox. Sometimes this cache can cause syncing issues leading to the error.

Disabling and re-enabling Cached Exchange Mode can refresh Outlook’s connection to the server.

  1. Close Outlook completely.
  2. Open the Control Panel on Windows 11. You can search for it in the Start menu.
  3. Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook). If you don’t see it, switch the Control Panel view to Small icons or Large icons.
  4. Click on Email Accounts.
  5. Select your email account and click Change.
  6. Under Offline Settings, uncheck the box for Use Cached Exchange Mode.
  7. Click Next, then Finish.
  8. Restart Outlook and check if the error appears.
  9. If the issue is resolved, you can try enabling Cached Exchange Mode again by following the same steps and checking the box.

Step 4: Repair Your Outlook Data Files

Corrupted Outlook data files (PST or OST) can cause problems resolving names.

Using the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) can fix minor file corruptions.

  1. Close Outlook completely.
  2. Press Windows + S and type scanpst.exe, then press Enter.
  3. In the tool, click Browse and find your Outlook data file. By default, it is located here:
    C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook
  4. Select the file (usually with .pst or .ost extension) and click Open.
  5. Click Start to begin scanning.
  6. If errors are found, choose Repair.
  7. Once complete, open Outlook and check if the error is fixed.

Step 5: Manually Add Contacts to Your Address Book

If the problem occurs only with specific email addresses, adding them manually to your contacts can help Outlook recognize them.

  1. Open Outlook and go to the People or Contacts section.
  2. Click New Contact.
  3. Enter the full name and email address exactly as you want to use them.
  4. Save the contact.
  5. Try sending an email to the new contact to see if the error still appears.

Alternative Method: Create a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes, the Outlook profile itself may be corrupted. Creating a new profile can help fix persistent issues.

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open Control Panel and select Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
  3. Click on Show Profiles.
  4. Click Add to create a new profile and give it a name.
  5. Follow the setup wizard to add your email account.
  6. Once done, select Prompt for a profile to be used or set the new profile as default.
  7. Open Outlook with the new profile and check if the error is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Outlook say “Name cannot be resolved”?

This error usually means Outlook cannot find or match the email address or contact name you entered. It may be caused by outdated address lists, corrupted cache, or incorrect input.

Can this error affect all email addresses or just some?

It can affect specific addresses or all, depending on the root cause. Sometimes only contacts not saved in your address book or Global Address List cause this issue.

Is it safe to clear the Auto-Complete cache?

Yes, clearing the Auto-Complete cache only removes previously stored email suggestions. It does not delete your contacts or emails.

Do I need administrator rights to fix this error?

Most of the basic fixes do not require admin rights. However, some advanced steps like repairing data files may need access to system folders.

What if I use Outlook with a non-Exchange email account?

Some steps, like updating the Global Address List, apply mainly to Exchange accounts. For other accounts, focus on clearing cache and repairing data files.

When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options

If you have tried all the steps above and the error persists, consider these options:

  • Contact your organization’s IT support if you use a work or school account. They can check server-side issues.
  • Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool from the official Microsoft website to diagnose Outlook problems automatically.
  • Reinstall Microsoft Office or Outlook after backing up your data.
  • Visit the official Microsoft Outlook support page: https://support.microsoft.com/outlook

Conclusion

The “Outlook Name Cannot Be Resolved” error can be caused by various factors, including outdated address lists, corrupted cache, or profile issues. By following the simple steps outlined above—from clearing the auto-complete cache to repairing data files—you can usually fix the problem quickly.

Start with basic checks and progress to more advanced troubleshooting only if needed. Remember to keep your Outlook updated and backed up to avoid future issues. With patience and these clear instructions, you’ll be able to resolve the error and get back to managing your emails without interruption.

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