How to Fix Cannot Add Gmail Back to Outlook 2021 on Windows 10
Question details
The user is unable to add a Gmail account back to the Outlook 2021 desktop client on Windows 10 due to setup completion failures.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to re-add or configure an existing Gmail account within the Outlook application.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook creates new Gmail data files during the setup process but fails to complete the account configuration, often caused by lingering obsolete PST/OST files or cached credentials.
Make sure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed and not running in the background. It is highly recommended to back up your current Outlook data folder before deleting any old files.
Remove Obsolete Data Files and Re-add Account
Clear old PST or OST files that are causing conflicts with the new Gmail account setup process.
When an account is removed or corrupted, Outlook may leave behind obsolete data files. These lingering files can conflict with new configurations, causing the setup wizard to fail or stall.
Ensure Outlook is fully closed. You can verify this by opening the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and ending any Microsoft Outlook processes running in the background.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook and press Enter to open your Outlook data folder.
Find obsolete files like Gmail.pst or Gmail.ost. Copy them to a safe backup folder on your desktop, then delete them from the Outlook folder.
Restart Outlook, navigate to File > Add Account, and follow the Microsoft setup wizard to add your Gmail account again.
Repair Existing Data Files with ScanPST.exe
Use the built-in Inbox Repair tool to fix potential corruption in existing Outlook data files.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your Windows PC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook create a new data file instead of completing the Gmail setup?
This usually happens when Outlook detects conflicting cached credentials or leftover PST/OST files from a previous configuration of the same email address. The application creates a new file to avoid overwriting the old one, but stalls during authentication.
How do I ensure IMAP is enabled for my Gmail account?
Log in to your Gmail account via a web browser, click the Gear icon > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP. Under the IMAP access section, select 'Enable IMAP', and click 'Save Changes' at the bottom.
Where is the ScanPST.exe tool located for Office 2021?
For Office 2021 on a 64-bit Windows system, ScanPST.exe is typically located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16. For 32-bit installations, check C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16.
