Outlook Error Code 0x800c8101? – Fix with Best Manual Methods
Microsoft Outlook is the best email client for managing personal data like emails, contacts, calendars, etc that works like a personal organizer, but sometimes you encounter Outlook Error Code 0x800c8101 that can be very frustrating for you.
This is one of the most frequent error codes and can be seen in many versions of Outlook especially in 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010. This error occurs when Outlook fails to establish a secure connection with the mail server as a result users find their emails are stuck in the Outbox incoming emails and Outlook repeatedly displays send and receive errors.
In my recent test I have noticed that this error appears suddenly after a Windows or Outlook version upgrade. Another reason could be account configuration change but no need to worry as the good news is in most of the cases the error can be resolved using safe manual methods without any data loss.
Quick Suggestions: You can find this guide helpful If your Outlook Not Responding When Sending Email – fix this with 8 Reliable Solutions
Table of Contents:
What Is Outlook Error Code 0x800c8101?
Outlook error 0x800c8101 is an SMTP error that prevents Outlook from properly communicating with the email server. It’s all related to incorrect server settings, interference from security software and corruption in Outlook data files. In recent finding users experiencing this error and report the following
- Outlook not sending emails
- Outlook not receiving emails
- My Emails stuck in Outbox
- Getting Send and Receive error notifications
Possible Reasons For Outlook SMTP Error 0x800c8101
Not one but there are multiple factors that can trigger this error in Outlook and understanding the root cause helps in selecting the most effective fix you can check all below:
- Outlook OST file corruption.
- Up-gradation of outlook and windows.
- System level accountability.
- Improper termination or sudden shut down.
- Incorrect configuration of antivirus or a Windows Firewall settings.
- Incorrect SMTP port or encryption settings
- SSL or TLS mismatch after Outlook updates
- Network or ISP level email restrictions
- Authentication issues with the email server
Important Expert Advice: You can also check if Outlook Is Unable To Connect Incoming (POP3) Email Server and with the help of this guide you can fix this error easily.
Things to Check Before Applying Fixes
Before we proceed with the solutions you must check the things I have listed below to make sure:
- Your Outlook is updated to the latest version
- You know your email provider’s SMTP settings
- Antivirus and firewall changes can be reversed
- And last you have a backup of your Outlook data file
The above all will definitely reduces the risk of repeated errors or misconfiguration chances.
How to Fix Outlook Error Code 0x800c8101 Manually
Method 1- Create a New Outlook Profile
A corrupted Outlook profile can cause connection errors. So just follow the simple given steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Click Mail > Show Profiles
- Select Add and create a new profile
- Set it as the default profile and restart Outlook
- Best for profile-related issues
- Does not fix PST file corruption
Method 2- Turn off or disable the Windows Firewall Settings
Sometimes the firewall blocks Outlook’s SMTP connection so check below and perform these steps:
- Just Open Windows Security
- You Need to Go to Firewall & Network Protection
- Turn off firewall temporarily
- And restart Outlook and test email sending
Method 3- Open Outlook in Safe Mode
Launching an outlook in safe mode really helps as it disables add-ins that may interfere with Outlook so this is such an effective way to deal with your error code issue.
Just perform the given steps below:
- Press Windows + R
- Type outlook.exe /safe
- Press Enter
If Outlook works normally just disable problematic add-ins.
Method 4- Disable Antivirus Program Temporarily
Sometimes Antivirus applications restrict Outlook’s incoming and outgoing services. Thus, follow the below steps to disable the antivirus program temporarily. Check the following steps carefully and perform
- Disable antivirus protection temporarily
- Restart Outlook
- Check if the error persists
Now If your issue is resolved you can add Outlook as an exception in antivirus settings.
Method 5- Run SFC/SCAN NOW
Corrupted system files may affect your Outlook services so before it happen just follow these steps
- Close Outlook application.
- Go to the start menu and open the Run Window and enter the CMD in a search box, hit OK.
- Next just open the command prompt and type command SFC/Scannow in the command prompt and hit the enter key.
Check SMTP Server Settings
Do you know incorrect SMTP settings are one of the most common issues of Outlook Error 0x800c8101.
In my recent test runs using Outlook for Microsoft 365 on Windows 11 found 23H2 error I noticed that it consistently occurred when SMTP encryption settings not match the server security policies and this happens particularly after cumulative updates therefore you need to verify the following
- SMTP server name – for example, smtp.gmail.com
- You can check the port number (587 for TLS or 465 for SSL)
- Check if SSL/TLS is enabled
- And finally, check if authentication is enabled
You must know that the modern email providers such as Gmail Outlook and Yahoo will block older SMTP connections by default so if Outlook attempts to connect using outdated encryption or disabled authentication simply the server will reject connection or generate error code that you are asking 0x800c8101.
I can tell you clearly here In the most recent test fixing the SMTP port and encryption mismatch resolved the issue immediately so you do not need to rebuild the profile or PST repair.
| Method | Fixes SMTP Issues | Fixes PST Corruption | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Outlook Profile | Yes | No | Low |
| Firewall Check | Yes | No | Medium |
| Safe Mode | Partially | No | Low |
| SFC Scan | Partially | No | Medium |
| PST Repair Tool | No | Yes | Low |
Outlook Error Code 0x800c8101 Still Not Fixed?
If none of the manual methods resolve your issue it often indicates deep corruption within the Outlook PST file.
In testing scenarios where Outlook repeatedly crashed or failed to load emails PST repair tools can play a game changer role for you. Our DataHelp Outlook PST Recovery Tool is designed to scan and repair your corrupted data files while preserving emails, attachments, and folder hierarchy.
How to Fix Outlook Error Code 0x800c8101 Instantly?
To fix the Outlook 2013 error code 0x800c8101, you need to download & install the professional software. And then go through the following steps:
Step 1: Click on the Add File button to insert the corrupted PST files.
Step 2: After inserting the files, select the Quick or Advanced Scan option. Choose as per your requirement.
Step 3: Now, the scanning process gets started. Preview all the contacts, notes, tasks, journals, folder list, calendars highlighted in red color at the left panel of the software.
Step 4: Now, select the PST & destination location where you want to save the Output file. Click on the Export button.
Step 5: Finally, the tool repaired all the corrupted data file. Hit the OK button.
By using this automatic utility and easy user guide you can get your solution for Outlook Error 0X800C8101.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can Outlook Error 0x800c8101 cause data loss?
No, Outlook Error 0x800c8101 itself does not delete your data. However, repeated Outlook crashes or forced shutdowns can increase the risk of PST file corruption.
Q2. Is Outlook Error 0x800c8101 related to SMTP?
Yes, Outlook Error 0x800c8101 is related to SMTP authentication or encryption issues. Incorrect outgoing server settings or SSL/TLS misconfiguration usually trigger this error.
Q3. Should I reinstall Outlook to fix this error?
Reinstalling Outlook rarely fixes this error unless configuration problems persist. It is always better to verify SMTP settings and check the Outlook profile first.
Q4. What is the safest solution for Outlook Error 0x800c8101?
The safest solution is to start with SMTP and Outlook profile checks. You should only use a PST repair tool if PST corruption is confirmed.
The Bottom Line
In this article we have mentioned all the possible solutions to resolve your Outlook error code 0x800c8101 issue. If the issue is fixed by the manual tricks then it is perfectly fine.
But if your issue is not resolved then it means that there is major corruption in the Outlook data file.
So in order to repair data we introduced the automated tool that helps you to fix this Microsoft Outlook error code 0x800c8101 with ease. Hence users can opt for any method according to necessities and preferences.
