What Happens If I Reset My Outlook Account

Resetting your Outlook account clears all cached data and forces a fresh synchronization with the server. If you are wondering what happens if i reset my outlook account, you are not alone—many users worry about losing emails or settings. The good news is that resetting does not delete your actual account or messages stored on Microsoft’s servers.

When you reset, Outlook essentially rebuilds its local data file. This can fix sync errors, login problems, and performance issues. Your emails, contacts, and calendar events remain safe online, but you may need to re-enter some preferences.

Resetting your Outlook account triggers a series of actions behind the scenes. Here is a breakdown of what actually occurs:

All locally cached emails are removed from your device.
Your account credentials are cleared from the app.
Outlook downloads fresh copies of your emails, contacts, and calendar items from the server.
Any offline changes that were not synced may be lost.
Custom folder views and rules might need to be reconfigured.

This process is similar to reinstalling the app but without uninstalling it. Your mailbox on the cloud remains untouched.

What Gets Deleted Locally

When you reset, Outlook deletes the OST file (offline data file) on your computer. This file stores copies of your emails for offline access. After resetting, Outlook creates a new OST file and starts downloading everything again.

Items that are removed locally include:

Downloaded email messages and attachments
Calendar events that were cached
Contact lists stored offline
Task items and notes
Search indexes for your mailbox

However, none of these are permanently gone—they still exist on Microsoft’s servers. You will see them again once the sync completes.

What Stays Safe On The Server

Your actual Outlook account is not affected by a reset. All your data remains stored in the cloud. This includes:

All sent and received emails
Calendar appointments and meetings
Contacts and address books
Folder structure and categories
Email rules and filters (if stored server-side)

Think of it like clearing your browser cache—your bookmarks and history are still online, but the local copy is refreshed.

When Should You Reset Your Outlook Account

Resetting is a troubleshooting step, not a routine maintenance task. You should consider it when you experience specific problems.

Common Signs You Need A Reset

Outlook keeps asking for your password even though it is correct.
Emails stop syncing or show “disconnected” status.
You see error messages like “0x80040600” or “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook.”
Outlook runs very slowly or freezes frequently.
Calendar items do not update across devices.
Search results are missing or incomplete.

If you have tried restarting the app and your computer, but the issue persists, a reset is often the next logical step.

When To Avoid Resetting

Do not reset if you have unsynced offline changes that you care about. For example, if you wrote emails while offline and they have not been sent yet, those will be lost. Also avoid resetting if you are in the middle of a large download or upload.

If you use Outlook with a corporate Exchange account, check with your IT department first. Some organizations have policies that require specific steps for account resets.

How To Reset Your Outlook Account

The exact steps depend on your version of Outlook. Below are instructions for the most common versions.

Reset In Outlook 2016, 2019, Or Microsoft 365

Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
Select your email account from the list and click Repair.
Follow the on-screen prompts. This will reset your account and re-sync data.
If Repair does not work, go back to Account Settings, select your account, and click Change.
Under “Offline Settings,” check the box that says “Use Cached Exchange Mode.”
Uncheck it, click Next, then re-check it and click Next again. This forces a reset.

Alternatively, you can delete and re-add your account:

Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
Select your account and click Remove.
Restart Outlook.
Go to File > Add Account and enter your email address.
Follow the prompts to re-add the account. Outlook will download everything fresh.

Reset In Outlook For Mac

Open Outlook and go to Tools > Accounts.
Select your account and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
Close Outlook and reopen it.
Go to Tools > Accounts and click the plus (+) button to add your account again.
Enter your credentials and let Outlook sync.

Reset In Outlook Mobile App

Open the Outlook app on your phone.
Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner.
Tap the gear icon for Settings.
Select your email account.
Scroll down and tap Reset Account or Remove Account.
Confirm the action, then re-add your account from the settings menu.

What To Expect After Resetting

After you reset, Outlook will begin syncing your data from scratch. The time this takes depends on the size of your mailbox and your internet speed.

Immediate Changes

Your inbox will appear empty for a few minutes.
Outlook will show a “Syncing” message in the status bar.
You may need to re-enter your password once.
Any custom signatures or templates you had locally will be gone.

Short-Term Effects (First Hour)

Emails will start appearing gradually, usually newest first.
Calendar events will populate as they sync.
Search functionality may be limited until indexing completes.
Attachments may take longer to open if they are still downloading.

Long-Term Considerations

Your OST file size will be smaller initially, then grow as data syncs.
Any rules that were stored locally will need to be recreated.
Custom folder colors or views may revert to default.
If you use multiple devices, they will all sync from the same server data.

Most users find that their Outlook performs much better after a reset. The fresh data file eliminates corruption and bloat that accumulated over time.

Potential Issues After Resetting

While resetting usually fixes problems, it can sometimes introduce new ones. Here are common issues and how to handle them.

Missing Emails Or Folders

If some emails do not appear after syncing, check your “Deleted Items” or “Junk Email” folders. Sometimes items get moved there during a reset. Also verify that you are looking at the correct folder view—Outlook may have reset your display settings.

Slow Sync Speeds

Large mailboxes can take hours to fully sync. To speed things up, close other bandwidth-heavy apps. You can also limit the sync range in Account Settings to only download emails from the last month.

Repeated Password Prompts

If Outlook keeps asking for your password after a reset, clear your saved credentials in Windows Credential Manager. Go to Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials, and remove any entries related to Outlook or Microsoft.

Calendar Or Contact Sync Failures

Sometimes calendar items sync slower than emails. Wait a few hours. If they still do not appear, try manually triggering a sync by clicking the “Send/Receive” button. For persistent issues, re-add your account again.

Alternatives To A Full Reset

Before you reset, consider less drastic options. These may solve your problem without the hassle of re-syncing everything.

Clear The Outlook Cache

You can delete the OST file manually without resetting your account. Close Outlook, navigate to %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook, and delete the OST file for your account. When you reopen Outlook, it will create a new OST file and sync fresh data. This is similar to a reset but preserves your account settings.

Run The Inbox Repair Tool

If Outlook crashes or shows data file errors, use the Scanpst.exe tool. It repairs PST files (used by POP3 accounts) without affecting your server data. For Exchange or IMAP accounts, the OST file is automatically rebuilt.

Disable And Re-Enable Cached Exchange Mode

Go to Account Settings, select your account, and click Change. Uncheck “Use Cached Exchange Mode,” restart Outlook, then re-check it. This forces a rebuild of the offline data file without removing your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Lose My Emails If I Reset My Outlook Account?

No, your emails are stored on Microsoft’s servers. Resetting only removes the local copy. Once the sync completes, all your emails will reappear.

Does Resetting Outlook Delete My Account?

No, it only removes the account from the app temporarily. Your actual Outlook account remains active and accessible from other devices or webmail.

How Long Does It Take To Sync After A Reset?

It depends on your mailbox size and internet speed. Small mailboxes may sync in 10-15 minutes. Large mailboxes with thousands of emails can take several hours.

Can I Cancel A Reset Once Started?

Yes, you can close Outlook during the sync process. The partial data will be discarded, and you can start over later. However, it is better to let it finish to avoid incomplete data.

What Happens If I Reset My Outlook Account On My Phone?

On mobile, resetting removes the account from the app and re-adds it. You will need to sign in again, and your emails will sync fresh. No data is lost on the server.

Final Thoughts On Resetting Your Outlook Account

Resetting your Outlook account is a safe and effective way to fix many common problems. It clears out corrupted data and gives you a fresh start without losing anything permanently. Just remember that local changes and customizations will be reset, so note any important settings before you begin.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you should have a smooth experience. Most users find that their Outlook runs faster and more reliably after a reset. If problems persist, consider contacting Microsoft support or your IT department for further assistance.

By understanding what happens if i reset my outlook account, you can make an informed decision and avoid unnecessary worry. The process is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour for the initial sync. Your data is safe, and your productivity will likely improve.