How to Fix Email Stopped Arriving in Outlook
Question details
The user is no longer receiving incoming emails in Outlook, despite normally getting multiple messages a day. Only sent messages and test replies are visible.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is monitoring their Outlook inbox for daily incoming emails but finds no new messages.
- Observed behavior
- Incoming emails have completely stopped arriving in the Inbox, Junk, or other expected folders. Only sent items or specific test replies from Microsoft appear.
Before changing any settings, verify your internet connection and check your Outlook storage limits to ensure your mailbox is not full.
Check and Remove Suspicious Inbox Rules and Forwarding
Accidental configurations or unauthorized access often result in rules that redirect, hide, or delete incoming emails automatically.
If your account was compromised, attackers commonly set up hidden forwarding rules to monitor your mail or delete incoming messages so you remain unaware of the breach.
Log in to the Outlook Web App and click the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner.
Navigate to Mail > Rules. Carefully review the list and delete any rules you do not recognize, especially those that move messages to Deleted Items.
Go to Mail > Forwarding. If 'Enable forwarding' is turned on and pointing to an unknown address, disable it immediately.
Navigate to Mail > Junk email and review your Blocked Senders list to ensure legitimate addresses have not been added.
Search Other Folders for Missing Emails
Emails might be bypassing the Inbox and landing in other folders due to automated Microsoft filters or accidental archiving.
Secure Your Account Against Unauthorized Access
If you suspect your account has been hacked, you must immediately lock out unauthorized users to restore normal email flow.
Boost Your Productivity with WPS Office
While troubleshooting your email client, consider upgrading your daily document workflow. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that offers a familiar interface and comprehensive editing tools.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the on-screen prompts.
- 3. Open and edit: Launch WPS Office to instantly open and edit your existing Microsoft Office documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Outlook account was hacked?
You can check for unauthorized access by visiting the 'Recent activity' page in your Microsoft account security settings. Additionally, finding unknown forwarding rules or emails in your Sent folder that you did not write are strong indicators of a compromised account.
Why are my emails going directly to the Deleted Items folder?
This is usually caused by a malicious or accidental inbox rule that automatically moves or deletes incoming messages. You should check your Outlook settings under Mail > Rules and delete any suspicious entries.
What should I do if my Outlook storage is full?
If your Microsoft storage or mailbox exceeds its quota, you will not be able to send or receive new emails. You need to check your storage limits in Outlook settings and free up space by deleting large attachments or emptying the Deleted Items folder.
Can a blocked sender list stop all my incoming emails?
No, the blocked senders list only stops emails from specific addresses or domains you have added. If all incoming emails have stopped, the issue is more likely related to forwarding rules, storage limits, or a broader mail server outage.
