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Using Outlook, sending emails is usually simple, but problems begin when there is a problem sending this message, and you are asked to please try again later in Outlook. If you’re facing this error, then this blog is for you. Here we will address the reasons and solutions to fix the error.
This error typically appears when Outlook fails to send an email due to connectivity issues, corrupted profiles, stuck messages, or synchronization problems. In some cases, the issue is temporary, while in others it may require opting for advanced troubleshooting ideas.
Why “This Message can’t be Sent Right Now” Error Happen in Outlook?
This error in Microsoft Outlook is not a single and rare case; it is a symptom that can arise from several reasons. Identifying the correct cause narrows down the fix dramatically. According to multiple verified sources, including Microsoft’s own Q&A platform and independent Windows troubleshooting experts, the most common reasons are:
- Internet Connectivity Problems: If there is the slightest drop in internet connectivity while sending an email, there is a high chance you will face this error.
- Outlook Server Downtime: There can be a situation when the Microsoft service is unavailable, and then the message you try to send can’t be sent.
- Large Email Attachments: You create a new email and add large attachments, and it will block email sending.
- Corrupted Outlook Profile: Damaged profile settings interrupt the flow of sending and receiving emails.
- Corrupted PST/OST Files: A corrupted OST or PST file is one of the reasons you are not able to send email.
Methods to Fix “This Message can’t be Sent Right Now” Error in Outlook
Here is the list of ideas that can help you resolve this Outlook error. These methods are from simple to advanced fixes, so let’s start. Start With Simple Fixes: Try These First
1. Check Internet Connectivity & Restart Outlook
A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the most underestimated causes of this error. Even a momentary interruption during a send operation is enough to produce it. To analyse the situation, check these;
- Verify your internet connection is active
- Open a webpage to test connectivity
- Restart your Wi-Fi router
- Switch to another network if possible
After restoring the connection, reopen Outlook and try sending the email again.
2. Clear the Outbox Folder
A large attachment, a corrupted draft, or a message that failed mid-send can get stuck in your Outbox and block the email you’re trying to send. Thus, first check your Outbox folder and clean it.
3. Check account Settings
If the SMTP / IMAP / Exchange setting is incorrect can cause the “This Message can’t be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later” error. Verify the setting; if there is an error, then correct it to solve the issue.
4. Repair Outlook Profile
Outlook stores your account details, including configuration settings, in a “profile.” If this profile gets corrupted, sending emails can be restricted. Here are the steps to repair your corrupted profile.
- Go to File → Account Settings → Account Settings.
- On the Email tab, select your account and click Repair.
- Follow the repair wizard; Outlook will attempt to re-verify and fix your account connection automatically.
5. Check the recipient email address
Sometimes the error is not a system problem at all; it may be because the recipient’s address is incorrect, invalid, the recipient’s mailbox is full, or their organization’s server is blocking your message. Verify that you are using the correct address of the receiver.
These are the normal steps that can solve the issue. If you still face the error, then try the advanced fixes.
Advanced Troubleshooting Methods
If basic fixes didn’t work, then the error is deep and needs an in-depth solution. Here are some advanced solutions to fix the “this message can’t be sent right now” error
1. Remove add-ins from Outlook
Sometimes the add-ins can interfere with Outlook working and stop you from sending emails. To test if the add-ins are the issue, open Outlook in Safe Mode.
- Press Windows + R, type outlook /safe, and press Enter.
- Try sending an email in Safe Mode. If it works, an add-in is the culprit.
- Back in normal mode, go to File → Options → Add-ins.
- At the bottom, set the drop-down to COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Uncheck all add-ins, click OK, restart Outlook, and test sending. Then re-enable add-ins one at a time to find the problematic one.
2. Run Microsoft Office Repair
The built-in Office repair tool can fix corrupted Outlook installation files without affecting your emails or data.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
- Find Microsoft Office (or Microsoft 365) in the list and click Change.
- Select Quick Repair first and click Repair. If that fails, run Online Repair (requires internet).
- Wait for the process to finish, then restart your computer and open Outlook.
3. Create a new Outlook profile
If your current Outlook profile is severely corrupted, repairing it will not solve the issue. At that time, creating a new profile can resolve the error.
- Firstly, close Outlook.
- Then open Control Panel → Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
- Click Show Profiles → Add and enter a name for the new profile.
- Add your email account to the new profile and follow the configuration steps.
- Set the new profile as the default and restart Outlook.
Now try to send an email. If it works, your old profile was corrupted; you can delete it after confirming everything work smooth in the new profile.
4. Update Microsoft Outlook
An outdated version of Outlook may have known bugs that cause the “This Message can’t be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later” error. Check the settings, and if there is a new update, then initiate it.
5. Repair Outlook Data File
A corrupted data file can also cause the issue and stop you from sending an important email. Microsoft includes its own repair tool named ScanPST to recover corrupted data file emails. Use this tool to repair corrupted PST file, but before that, close your Outlook and follow these steps.
- Find ScanPST.exe at: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXE
- Launch ScanPST. Click Browse and locate your data file (.ost or .pst) file.
- Click Start to scan. If errors are found, click Repair.
- Reopen Outlook and try to send once the repair completes.
Here are the fixes that help you to solve the “This Message can’t be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later” error. Try them one by one until you find your solution.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a secure way to save OST emails into PST format, then you can use the BLR OST to PST Converter tool. OST to PST tool supports converting orphaned, damaged, or inaccessible OST file data into PST format without any hassle. Try out the demo version of the software to see how it works.
Conclusion
The “This Message Can’t Be Sent Right Now” Outlook error is common but usually easy to fix. Most users can resolve it by checking their internet connection, account settings, or clearing stuck emails from the Outbox. If needed, advanced methods like repairing Outlook, disabling add-ins, or using ScanPST can solve the issue completely.
