Troubleshooting Guide: Microsoft Outlook “Something Went Wrong” Error on Windows

Microsoft Outlook is an incredibly potent email client, but when an issue arises, troubleshooting can become a bit of a challenge. Take, for instance, the enigmatic “something went wrong” error message that might pop up. It’s a real head-scratcher because it barely sheds light on what’s causing the hiccup.

To tackle this vexing problem, you must pinpoint some typical culprits like connectivity glitches or a user profile that has gone awry. Once you’ve got that sorted, follow the steps provided below to troubleshoot and effectively resolve the “something went wrong” error plaguing your Microsoft Outlook.

Why can’t I access my Outlook email?

Various factors can cause this error message, like a corrupted file in the browser or errors in Microsoft’s servers. So, here are a couple of solutions for this problem based on the cause of the error message.

The “Something went wrong and we can’t sign you in right now” error can appear while trying to access Outlook.

Speaking of issues, here are some similar issues reported by users:

• Hotmail, Outlook something went wrong – This problem can occur while trying to access Hotmail or Outlook, and it’s usually related to your browser. To fix the problem, clear your cache and check if the issue is still there.
• Can’t log in to Outlook email – If you can’t log in to Outlook email, you might want to try using a desktop email client. Windows already has a built-in email client, but there are also many other great email clients as well.
• Something went wrong with Outlook 365 – This issue can also occur with Outlook 365, but you should be able to fix the problem using one of our solutions.
• Can’t sign into my Hotmail account – Many users reported that they are unable to sign in to their Hotmail app. To fix the problem, be sure to check your antivirus and make sure that Hotmail isn’t blocked.
• Can’t log into Outlook web app – If you’re unable to access the Outlook web app, the issue might be your browser. Several users reported that reinstalling their browsers fixed the issue, so you might want to try that.
• Outlook something went wrong and your search couldn’t be completed – This issue is usually caused by Internet connectivity problems and timeouts.
• Something went wrong and Outlook couldn’t set up your account – This issue is something users encounter when trying to add or create an account in Outlook.

How to Fix Microsoft Outlook’s “Something Went Wrong” Error on Windows 10 and 11

Modifying Registry Settings

Making changes to registry files can be a bit tricky, but worry not, we’ll guide you through the process in simple terms. The Autodiscover feature in Outlook is handy as it automatically sets up email account settings without manual intervention. However, sometimes it may show a “Something went wrong” error due to unexpected results from third-party servers. To fix this, let’s tweak some registry settings on your PC.

Before we proceed, it’s crucial to remember that incorrect changes can cause system issues. So, it’s wise to create a backup of your registry files or set a restore point.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Win + R together.
2. Type “regedit” and hit Enter.
3. When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt pops up, select “Yes.”
4. Copy the following path and paste it in the address bar to quickly locate the AutoDiscover key: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\XX.0\Outlook\AutoDiscover (Replace XX.0 with your Office version: 16.0 for Office 365, Office 2019, and Office 2016, or 15.0 for Office 2013).
5. Right-click on the AutoDiscover key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name the new DWORD as “ExcludeHttpsRootDomain.”
7. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set its value to 1.
8. Now, create another DWORD value named “ExcludeHttpsAutoDiscoverDomain.”
9. Double-click it and set the value to 1.
10. Create two more DWORD values: “ExcludeSrvRecord” and “ExcludeLastKnownGoodUrl.”
11. Set both of their values to 1.

You’re all set now! After restarting your PC, check if the “Something went wrong” error in Microsoft Outlook still persists. Hopefully, these registry tweaks should do the trick!

Troubleshoot Outlook in Safe Mode

At times, third-party add-ins in Outlook can disrupt app processes and trigger such errors. To verify if this is the case, you can try starting Outlook in safe mode.

If Outlook works as expected, it means one of your add-ins is causing the issue. To find the culprit, you’ll need to disable all the add-ins and re-enable them one at a time. Here are the steps for the same.

1. In the Outlook app, click on File > Options.
2. In the Outlook Options window, select the Add-ins tab from the left sidebar.
3. Click the Go button next to COM Add-ins.
4. Clear all the checkboxes to disable your add-ins and then click OK.

Restart the Outlook app and enable your add-ins one by one until the error occurs again. Once you find the troublesome add-in, consider removing it to avoid such issues.

Fix errors using the Microsoft Office Repair Tool

Time to fix those pesky Microsoft Office app problems with the Office Repair Tool! If the previous tips haven’t done the trick, worry not, as this tool might just save the day.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Press Win + S to pop open the search menu.
2. Type “Control Panel” into the box and hit Enter.
3. Once inside the Control Panel, look for the drop-down menu in the top right corner and choose “Large icons” for better visibility.
4. Spot and click on “Programs and Features.”
5. In the list of installed programs, find your Microsoft Office suite and give it a gentle click. Now, up at the top, click on the “Change” button.
6. Within the options presented, go ahead and pick the “Quick Repair” one.
7. All set? Great! Now, simply hit that “Repair” button and let the magic unfold.

Remove and Re-Add Your Account

If attempting to fix your Outlook profile doesn’t do the trick, the next course of action is to eliminate your email account from the Outlook application and then re-establish it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Launch the Outlook app.
2. Go to File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.
3. In the Email tab, locate your account and hit the Remove button.
4. Confirm your decision by selecting Yes.

After successfully removing the account, click on the New option under the Email tab to proceed with the setup of your account once more.

What Causes the ‘Something Went Wrong’ Error in Microsoft Outlook

The pesky “something went wrong” error in Microsoft Outlook often finds its roots in the autodiscovery process. This process is supposed to be a handy little helper, automatically setting up your Outlook profile using your email address, preferences, and even data like those shared address books on your company’s server.

When this process goes awry, it’s usually because Outlook gets a wonky result from some third-party web server while trying to do the root domain lookup during your profile’s initial load-up.

Now, hold on, there’s more to it. That dreaded error might also have a thing or two to do with your actual Outlook account. Yeah, you heard it right. Sometimes, your account can run into hiccups during its setup phase, or maybe your connection to Microsoft’s server is playing hard to get. And hey, if you’re using a corporate account, you might wanna make sure it’s got a fully enabled mailbox with an all-access pass to the Outlook realm.

Oh, and let’s not forget those darn updates. Sometimes, a recent update can throw a wrench in the works, messing up Outlook’s mojo and giving rise to that “something went wrong” glitch.

So, if you find yourself facing this error, it’s probably time to do some sleuthing. Check that auto-discover process, make sure your Outlook account is playing nice, and keep an eye out for any sketchy updates that might have sneaked in. Happy troubleshooting!