You see error 0x800CCC13 when Outlook tries to send an email. This error means the connection to your mail server was lost during the send operation. It is a network-related failure that stops your message from being delivered. This article explains the common causes and provides steps to resolve the connection issue.
Key Takeaways: Fixing Outlook Send Error 0x800CCC13
- File > Account Settings > Server Settings > More Settings > Advanced: Adjusts the server timeout value to prevent premature disconnection during large sends.
- Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall: Ensures Outlook is not blocked by the Windows Firewall, which can cut the connection.
- Control Panel > Internet Options > Advanced > Reset: Clears corrupted Internet Explorer settings that Outlook uses for server communication.
Why the Network Connection Fails During Email Send
Error 0x800CCC13 occurs because the link between Outlook and your outgoing mail server breaks. This is not a problem with your email content but with the pathway used to transmit it. The connection can drop due to strict timeout limits, security software interference, or incorrect network configuration.
Outlook relies on Windows networking components and the configuration in your mail account setup. If the server takes too long to process a message, a short timeout setting may cancel the operation. Antivirus or firewall programs scanning outbound traffic can also interrupt the data stream. Finally, corrupted system files for Internet protocols can cause unstable connections.
Steps to Resolve the Send/Receive Connection Error
- Increase the server timeout limit
Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select your email account and click Change. Click More Settings, then go to the Advanced tab. Find the Server Timeouts slider and move it further to the right, to at least 2 minutes. Click OK, then Next, and Finish to save. - Check Windows Firewall and antivirus settings
Press the Windows key, type “allow an app through firewall,” and select the control panel result. Click Change settings. Find Microsoft Outlook in the list and ensure both Private and Public network boxes are checked. If Outlook is not listed, click Allow another app to add it. Also, temporarily disable your third-party antivirus email scanning feature to test. - Reset Internet Explorer settings
Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Internet Options. Alternatively, press Windows key + R, type “inetcpl.cpl,” and press Enter. Go to the Advanced tab and click the Reset button. Check the box for “Delete personal settings” and click Reset. Restart your computer after this process completes. - Repair your Outlook data file
Close Outlook completely. Press Windows key + R, type “outlook.exe /scanpst,” and press Enter. In the Inbox Repair Tool window, click Browse to locate your PST file. The default location is usually in C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. Select the file and click Start. If errors are found, click Repair. Reopen Outlook and try sending again. - Create a new Outlook profile
Close Outlook. Open the Control Panel and go to Mail (32-bit). Click Show Profiles. Click Add, type a name for the new profile, and click OK. Follow the prompts to re-add your email account with the correct server settings. Set this new profile as the default to use when starting Outlook.
If Error 0x800CCC13 Persists After Basic Fixes
Outlook still cannot send after changing timeout and firewall
Verify your outgoing SMTP server port and encryption settings. Go to File > Account Settings, select your account, and click Change. Click More Settings and go to the Outgoing Server tab. Ensure “My outgoing server requires authentication” is checked if your provider needs it. Then go to the Advanced tab. Confirm the Outgoing server port is correct, like 587 or 465, and the encryption method matches your email provider’s requirement.
Error happens only when sending large attachments
Your internet service provider or mail server may have a size limit for attachments. Try sending the same email without any attachments first. If it sends, the attachment is likely too large. Compress the files using a ZIP utility or use a cloud storage link instead. Also, check your account’s sending limit in the webmail settings for your email service.
Connection drops only on a specific Wi-Fi network
The network router may have security or port filtering enabled. Try connecting your computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable to bypass the router. If sending works, the router settings are the cause. Log into your router’s admin page and look for settings like SPI Firewall, DOS protection, or specific port blocks for port 25 or 587. Temporarily disable these features to test.
Error 0x800CCC13 vs Similar Outlook Send Errors
| Item | Error 0x800CCC13 | Error 0x800CCC0F |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Network connection lost during transmission | Server rejected the login credentials |
| When It Occurs | Midway through the send operation | At the start of the send/receive process |
| Key Fix | Increase server timeout, check firewall | Update account password, enable SMTP auth |
| User Action Required | Message remains in Outbox, must retry send | Send/Receive fails completely, no connection |
You can now diagnose and fix the network disconnection that causes error 0x800CCC13. Start by extending the server timeout and verifying firewall permissions. For persistent issues, resetting Internet settings or creating a new profile often resolves underlying corruption. As an advanced step, use the Windows Event Viewer to check for specific network-related error logs that coincide with the Outlook failure.