How to Fix ‘Outlook Account Settings Out of Date’ Issue

When Microsoft Outlook connects to a mail server, it only needs minimal data to function properly. It supports various servers like Exchange Server (on-premises), Microsoft 365, IMAP, POP, and more. However, the settings for your Outlook account depend on the server type, which means sometimes errors can occur due to mismatched or outdated configurations.

Most of the time, Outlook opens seamlessly without any errors. But occasionally, you might see a message stating that your account settings are “out of date.” When this happens, Outlook provides two options: you can either dismiss the alert or choose to fix the account. Opting for “Fix account” is the best approach, but what if that doesn’t solve the problem? Don’t worry—there are several ways to resolve this issue.

Manual Solutions to Fix ‘Out of Date’ Issues in MS Outlook

1. Update Windows to the Latest Version

Outdated Windows versions can cause various errors, including the “Out of Date” message in Outlook. Updating Windows might solve this issue because new updates often contain bug fixes and improvements. Here’s how:

1. Search for Settings in the Windows search bar.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. If updates are available, click Download and Install. Afterward, restart your computer and check Outlook again.

2. Manually Change the Date and Time

Sometimes, the “Out of Date” error is linked to incorrect date and time settings in Windows. To fix this:

1. Open the Control Panel and click Date and Time.
2. In the Internet Time tab, deselect the option to synchronize with an internet time server.
3. Manually set the correct time and restart Outlook.

3. Perform an SFC Scan

Corrupted Windows system files can disrupt Outlook’s operation. Running the System File Checker (SFC) scan can repair these files:

1. In the search bar, type cmd, then right-click and select Run as Administrator.
2. In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

4. Sync Passwords Between Mail Apps and Outlook

If you’ve recently changed the password for your email account in another mail app, make sure to update the password in Outlook as well.

5. Check Security Certificates

Outdated or missing SSL certificates can interfere with email transmission. Ensure your Outlook is configured with the correct certificates:

1. Go to File > Options in Outlook.
2. Open the Trust Center and select Trust Center Settings.
3. Under E-mail Security, verify or import the necessary SSL certificates.

6. Remove and Recreate the Account

If none of the above methods work, try removing your Outlook account and adding it back. This will create a new PST file, potentially resolving the error.

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Conclusion

The “Outlook Account Settings Out of Date” error can be frustrating, but the manual methods outlined above should help you resolve the issue. If the problem persists, it could indicate a corrupted PST file. In such cases, a professional Softmagnat Outlook PST Repair tool may be necessary to restore your Outlook data.

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FAQs

1. Why does Outlook say my account settings are out of date?
This error typically occurs due to outdated settings or incorrect date and time configurations in Windows. It may also arise from corrupted system files or a problem with your email account’s password synchronization.

2. How can I manually fix the date and time in Windows?
Go to the Control Panel, select Date and Time, and adjust the settings manually. Deselect the option to sync with an internet time server if it’s causing issues.

3. Will updating Windows fix the “Out of Date” error in Outlook?
Yes, updating Windows can often resolve this error by applying critical patches and improvements that help Outlook function correctly.

4. What is an SFC scan, and how does it help Outlook?
An SFC (System File Checker) scan checks for and repairs corrupted system files. Running this scan can fix issues that affect Outlook’s performance.

5. What should I do if these manual solutions don’t work?
If these methods don’t resolve the issue, it could be due to a corrupted PST file. In this case, using professional PST Repair software may be necessary to restore your data.