Outlook email apps' account access issue resolved

Affected users, who disabled auto-updates, are advised to click "Update Now" under File > Office Account > Update Options to fix issue

Kate Mills - Feb 05, 2024

An undated image displaying Outlook app's logo. — Unsplash

Microsoft has fixed an error that was causing a connection failure for desktop and mobile app users while accessing their Outlook.com accounts.

"The Outlook.com Team implemented service changes on January 31, 2024 to address the connection issues with unexpected authentication prompts," Microsoft said.

Following the encounter of inaccessibility into their accounts, users headed to the Microsoft's community platforms, while also flooding the social media platforms by lodging their complaints and urging the Redmond-based tech tycoon to look into the matter.

Microsoft in an official blog post, to address the concerns of affected users, stated "For Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016, if you are still seeing authentication prompts, please ensure you've enabled two step verification and create an app password. Use the app password in place of your normal password when Outlook prompts for authentication."

Users reported seeing pop ups requiring them to enter account passwords and alongside a "Remember my credentials" option. However, the platform was still displaying the login window even to those users who entered correct credentials while the app was connecting to the server.

While acknowledging the blockage in account access, Microsoft said "since starting around 1/23/24 users have reported issues connecting with Outlook 2013, Outlook 2016, Outlook for Microsoft 365, Thunderbird, and mobile email apps when connecting with POP, IMAP, and Exchange connections."

"Some users have reported that signing in with an App Password works to connect but later goes back into a disconnected state," the platform added.