Send & Receive Issues

Fix Outlook Emails Stuck in Drafts with Sending Error

Ayan Masood Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where Outlook displays a continuous sending message, but the emails remain stuck in the Drafts folder and cannot be edited or deleted.

How to Fix Outlook Emails Stuck in Drafts with Sending Error

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to send an email using Outlook on the desktop, mobile, or web interface.
Observed behavior: The outgoing message fails to send, gets permanently stuck in the Drafts folder, becomes uneditable, and triggers a persistent sending notification.

Before you start

Verify your active internet connection and confirm whether the issue is occurring on the Outlook desktop application, mobile app, or Outlook on the web, as troubleshooting steps vary by platform.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Browser Cache for Outlook on the Web

Use this solution if you are accessing Outlook through a web browser, as corrupted cookies or cached files frequently cause web mail disruptions.

When using Outlook.com or Outlook on the web for Microsoft 365, browser cache issues can prevent scripts from running correctly. This leaves emails hanging in a 'sending' state.

Open Browser Settings

Click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner of your browser (like Chrome or Edge) and select Settings.

Clear Browsing Data

Navigate to 'Privacy and security' and click on 'Clear browsing data'. Ensure that 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' are checked.

Test in Private Mode

If the issue persists after clearing the cache, open a New Incognito or InPrivate window, log into Outlook on the web, and attempt to send the draft again.

Clear Browser Cache for Outlook on the Web

Quick Tip: Using a Private or Incognito window temporarily disables browser extensions, which helps identify if an ad-blocker or extension is causing the Outlook sending error.

Solution 2

Disable 'Work Offline' Mode in Outlook Desktop

Applies to Outlook for Windows users whose application may have disconnected from the mail server.

Solution 3

Launch Outlook in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins

Helpful for desktop users when a faulty third-party add-in integrates with Outlook and blocks outgoing messages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my emails going directly to Drafts instead of the Outbox?

Emails typically go to Drafts instead of the Outbox if Outlook loses its server connection precisely when you hit send, if the application crashes, or if an installed add-in interrupts the email processing.

How do I force an email to send if it is grayed out in Drafts?

If an email is stuck and cannot be edited, restart your Outlook application or refresh the web page. If it remains locked, create a brand new email, manually copy the text and recipient addresses from the preview pane of the stuck draft, send the new email, and delete the glitching draft.

Can a large file attachment cause emails to get stuck in Drafts?

Yes. If you attach a file that exceeds your email provider's size limit (typically around 20MB to 30MB), the server will reject the message. Outlook may repeatedly try to send it or leave it frozen in your Drafts or Outbox folder. Try removing the large attachment and sharing it via a cloud link instead.

Does my account type affect how drafts are synced?

Yes. IMAP and Exchange accounts sync the Drafts folder continuously with the mail server. If there is a sync conflict or network drop, the server and desktop client can become out of sync, locking the draft. POP accounts store drafts locally, which rarely experience this specific syncing lock.

Outlook & Email Problems