On my Outlook 2021 for Windows 11, I have to switch folders to see what new e-mail just came in, if any.

For example, I launch Outlook, it connects and does the IMAP sync. The Inbox shows no new e-mail (even if there is new mail). So, to see if I really do have new, unread email, I have to go to any other folder, wait a second or two for the IMAP sync to finish, then go back to the Inbox. If there are new messages, only after doing that will I see them.

Background info:

It's a new computer, bought May 2025 because old box couldn't be updated to Windows 11. I don't remember this problem on the old computer. I think it started after I loaded everything on the new computer.

A month or so ago, I had an unrelated problem that led me to totally wipe Windows and start over from the Dell image. Reloaded Office 2021 (I believe it is the standalone version, not M365) and this problem continued.



There are two e-mail accounts in Outlook, but only one is affected. Both use IMAP. Yahoo.com works just fine. It is Spectrum.net that is having this problem.

Anyone have any ideas where to start? And yes, I did verify the Spectrum IMAP settings; I can get and send email just fine. The problem is, new e-mail doesn't display unless I do the dance decribed above.

1 -- Both accounts are IMAP and deliver to their own PST file?
{File -> Account Settings -> Account Settings}

2 - Both accounts are in the "All Accounts" Send/Receive group
{Ctrl+Alt+s}

3 -- In "All Accounts", both are enabled, and have the same options set?
{Ctrl+Alt+s. Select the "All Accounts" group and [Edit]}

4 -- While viewing the Spectrum Inbox.
Sync All {F9}
No errors, but no new email shown?

5 -- Right click the Spectrum Inbox in the Folder Nav pane and choose "Open in New Window"
{View -> Navigation Pane -> Normal}

6 -- Does just switching windows (instead of changing Views) force a sync and you see new Spectrum mail?

7 -- ScanPST the Spectrum PST
Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) - Microsoft Support

8 -- Shutdown Outlook and delete the .srs file
What is the SRS file? (And where is it?) - Outlook Tips

1, 2, 3, 4: all yes.

5, 6: I'll try that next time.

7 & 8: if needed, I'll do that.


Thanks much for the help.

Not good.
I'm not sure #7 and #8 will have any effect.
I'm running out of ideas.

#5 didn't work.

9 --
Right-click on the Spectrum top level folder -> IMAP Folders
On the IMAP Folders dialog [Query]
{Does it show all the expected Spectrum folders?}

10 --
Check Sync Issues Folders
https://servicecenter.fsu.edu/s/arti...-1600352706829

Recap - Do I have this right?

An IMAP email account that does not sync new mail on Send/Receive All (F9) but does sync new mail when you switch the current Explorer to a different email account and then back again.

MS Support?

I show Office 2021 End of Support as October 13, 2026
End of support for Office 2021 - Microsoft Support

Chat Support:

Open a browser to Contact - Microsoft Support
Tell us your problem -> "Outlook 2021 IMAP Sync"
[Get Help], {Scroll down to the bottom of the page}, [Contact Support]
Sign in with any Microsoft account.
Products and services -> "Microsoft 365 and Office" -> "Outlook", [Confirm]
Choose a support option -> "Chat with a support agent in your web browser"

Post your question on the Microsoft Q&A Forum:

Outlook - Microsoft Q&A
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