How to Fix Windows Mail Not Downloading Email Messages

Step 1: Modify Email Sync Settings

Adjust the email sync settings in the Mail app to address downloading issues. Here’s how:

Step 1: Launch the Mail app from your Windows device.

Step 2: Click the three-bar menu to expand the options.

Step 3: Select the “⚙️” icon located at the bottom of the menu.

Step 4: In the settings menu, click on “ Manage accounts.”

Step 5: Choose the problematic email account from the sidebar.

Step 6: Select “ Change mailbox sync settings.”

Step 7: Set ‘Download new content’ to “ as items arrive ” from the dropdown list.

Step 8: Change ‘Download email from’ to “ the last 3 months ” (alternatively, choose other periods).

Step 9: Enable all the options in the Sync menu and select “ Save.” Wait a brief moment for emails to be downloaded.

Pro Tip: Allow a few moments for the Mail app to download all messages from the last three months.

Step 2: Whitelist the Mail App in Windows Firewall

Ensure that Windows Firewall is not blocking the Mail app’s access to the internet. To whitelist it:

Step 1: Press Win + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Enter firewall.cpl in the text box and hit “OK.”

Step 3: Click on “ Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”

Step 4: Click “ Change settings ” to modify options.

Step 5: Scroll through the list to find “ Mail and Calendar.”

Step 6: Ensure that “ Private ” and “ Public ” boxes are checked for this app.

Step 7: Save the changes by tapping the “OK” button.

Pro Tip: A system restart may help reinforce changes, though it’s not mandatory.

Step 3: Reset the Mail App

If adjustments to the firewall do not resolve the issue, resetting the Mail app may help:

Step 1: Open the Settings window by pressing Win + I.

Step 2: Navigate to the “ Apps ” section of the menu.

Step 3: Click on “ Installed apps.”

Step 4: Use the search box to find “ Mail.”

Step 5: Tap on “ Mail and Calendar ” and select “ Advanced options.”

Step 6: In the Recovery section, click “ Reset ” and confirm to proceed.

Pro Tip: Resetting the app might erase your settings, so set it up again once completed.

Step 4: Switch to the New Outlook App

If you continue to experience issues, consider using Microsoft’s new Outlook app:

Step 1: Open the Mail app.

Step 2: Click the bar button to exit the default email view.

Step 3: Look for the “ Try new Outlook ” option to switch.

Pro Tip: You will need to log in to your email accounts in the new app after switching.

What should I do if resetting the Mail app doesn’t work?

How can I access my emails if the Mail app still doesn’t download them?