How to Fix Outlook Not Supporting Connection Encryption Type Error on Windows 11

Outlook is a popular email client used by millions on Windows 11. Sometimes, users encounter the “Outlook not supporting connection encryption type” error. This can stop emails from syncing or sending properly.

This error usually means there is a mismatch between Outlook’s encryption settings and what the mail server requires. Fixing it is important to keep your email secure and functional.

In this article, we will walk through simple steps to resolve this issue. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without difficulty.

Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Fixing

Verify your internet connection. A stable connection is necessary for Outlook to communicate with the mail server.
Check your email account details. Make sure your username, password, and server settings are correct.
Know your email provider’s encryption requirements. Most providers use SSL or TLS, but it’s good to confirm.
Update Outlook and Windows 11. Using the latest versions ensures compatibility and security.

Step 1: Review and Update Outlook Encryption Settings

The first and easiest step is to check your account’s encryption settings in Outlook. Sometimes, they might be set incorrectly or outdated.

Open Outlook on your Windows 11 PC.
Click on File in the top-left corner.
Select Account Settings and then click Account Settings again from the dropdown.
Choose your email account from the list and click Change.
Click on More Settings at the bottom right.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Look for the Incoming server (IMAP/POP3) and Outgoing server (SMTP) encryption types.
Set both to SSL/TLS if your provider recommends it. If they require STARTTLS, select that instead.
Click OK, then Next, and finally Finish.

Why this step matters: Outlook must match the encryption type your email server supports. If they differ, the connection will fail, causing errors.

Step 2: Verify Email Server Settings with Your Provider

If the encryption settings look fine but the error persists, double-check the server details.

Visit your email provider’s official support page.
Search for the recommended incoming and outgoing server names and ports.
Compare these details with what you entered in Outlook.

For example, Gmail uses imap.gmail.com with port 993 for IMAP and SSL. SMTP is smtp.gmail.com with port 465 or 587.

Why this step matters: Wrong server names or ports can cause Outlook to reject the encryption method, leading to connection errors.

Step 3: Update Windows and Outlook

Software updates often fix bugs and improve security. Running outdated versions of Outlook or Windows 11 can cause compatibility problems, including encryption errors.

Click the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates.
Open Outlook, click File, then Office Account.
Click Update Options and select Update Now.
Restart your computer after updates complete.

Why this step matters: Keeping software current ensures compatibility with modern encryption standards used by email servers.

Step 4: Create a New Outlook Profile

If your profile is corrupted, it might cause encryption errors. Creating a new profile can help.

Close Outlook completely.
Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
Click Show Profiles.
Click Add to create a new profile and give it a name.
Follow the prompts to add your email account again.
Select Prompt for a profile to be used or set your new profile as default.
Open Outlook and check if the error is resolved.

Why this step matters: Profiles store your account settings. A fresh profile can clear out misconfigurations causing encryption issues.

Alternative Options and Advanced Methods

If the basic steps don’t solve the problem, consider these advanced options:

Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily: Sometimes security software interferes with Outlook’s encrypted connections. Temporarily disable them and test.
Check Registry Settings: Advanced users can verify encryption protocols in Windows Registry to ensure TLS 1.2 or higher is enabled.
Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant: Download and run this official tool to diagnose and fix Outlook problems automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the “Outlook not supporting connection encryption type” error?

This error occurs when Outlook’s encryption settings don’t match the email server’s requirements, or when outdated software or incorrect server details are used.

Can I use unencrypted connections to fix this error?

While possible, using unencrypted connections is not recommended because it exposes your email data to security risks.

How do I know which encryption type my email provider uses?

Check your email provider’s support website or contact their support team to find the correct encryption protocols and ports.

Will creating a new Outlook profile delete my emails?

No, emails stored on the server (IMAP or Exchange) will sync again when you add the account. For POP accounts, back up your emails before creating a new profile.

Is updating Outlook really necessary?

Yes, updates often fix bugs and improve security, which can resolve encryption-related errors.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps carefully and still face the error, consider these final options:

Contact your email provider’s support for help with server settings and encryption requirements.
Visit the official Microsoft Outlook support page: support.microsoft.com/outlook
Consider reinstalling Outlook or using an alternative email client temporarily.

Conclusion

The “Outlook not supporting connection encryption type” error can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with some simple adjustments. Start by checking and updating your encryption settings, verify server details, and keep your software updated.

Creating a new Outlook profile often resolves persistent issues, and advanced methods can help if basic steps don’t work. Always ensure your connection remains secure by using recommended encryption types.

By carefully following these instructions, you can restore your Outlook functionality on Windows 11 and keep your email communications safe.