How to Resolve Outlook Error 0x80042108 During Send/Receive

Outlook error 0x80042108 appears when you try to send or receive email and the operation fails before completing. This error means Outlook cannot connect to your incoming or outgoing mail server within the allowed time. The cause is almost always a network timeout, an incorrect server port, or a security software block. This article explains why the error occurs and provides step-by-step fixes to restore email delivery.

You will learn how to adjust Outlook account settings, check firewall rules, and modify timeout values so that send/receive completes normally. These methods work for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Why Error 0x80042108 Occurs in Outlook

Error 0x80042108 is a timeout error. Outlook sends a request to your email server, but the server does not respond within the default 60-second window. When the timer expires, Outlook cancels the operation and displays the error.

The most common triggers are:

Incorrect Server Port or Encryption Setting

Each email provider uses specific ports for incoming and outgoing mail. For example, Gmail requires port 993 for IMAP with SSL, while port 587 for SMTP with STARTTLS. If your account uses the wrong port or encryption method, the server rejects the connection or takes too long to respond.

Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Outlook

Windows Defender Firewall or third-party security software may block Outlook from reaching the internet. This is common after a Windows update or a security software update that resets allowed app lists.

Network Latency or Packet Loss

Slow or unstable internet connections cause the server response to arrive after Outlook has already timed out. This can happen on public Wi-Fi, VPN connections, or networks with high packet loss.

Steps to Fix Outlook Error 0x80042108

Follow these steps in order. Test send/receive after each step by pressing F9 or clicking Send/Receive All Folders.

1. Increase the Server Timeout in Outlook
   Open Outlook. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select your email account and click Change. Click More Settings. Go to the Advanced tab. Under Server Timeouts, drag the slider to the longest setting (2 minutes or more). Click OK, then Next, then Finish. Press F9 to test.
2. Verify Incoming and Outgoing Server Ports
   In the same Advanced tab, check the incoming server port (POP3: 110 or 995; IMAP: 143 or 993) and outgoing server port (SMTP: 25, 465, or 587). Confirm with your email provider. For Outlook.com accounts, use IMAP port 993 with SSL and SMTP port 587 with TLS. For Gmail, use IMAP port 993 with SSL and SMTP port 587 with TLS. Change if needed, then click OK.
3. Check the Encryption Method
   In the same Advanced tab, verify the encryption type under Use the following type of encrypted connection. For incoming, select SSL or Auto depending on your provider. For outgoing, select TLS or Auto. Click OK, then Next, then Finish. Test send/receive.
4. Allow Outlook Through Windows Firewall
   Press Windows Key + R, type wf.msc, and press Enter. Click Inbound Rules in the left pane. Scroll to find Outlook (outlook.exe) and O365 (o365.exe). If they are blocked, right-click each and select Enable Rule. If they are missing, click New Rule > Program > Browse to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE and C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\O365.exe. Select Allow the connection, then complete the wizard. Restart Outlook and test.
5. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily
   Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray and select Disable or Pause protection. Try sending an email. If it works, add Outlook.exe to the antivirus exception list. Re-enable protection.
6. Repair Outlook Data Files
   Close Outlook. Open Control Panel > Mail > Data Files. Select your default data file (.ost or .pst) and click Open File Location. Note the file path. Open the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) located at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXE. Browse to the data file and click Start. Let the scan complete and fix errors. Restart Outlook and test.
7. Create a New Outlook Profile
   Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles. Click Add, type a name for the new profile. Enter your email address and password, then click Next. Wait for setup to complete. When prompted, select Always use this profile and choose the new one. Click Apply, then OK. Open Outlook and test send/receive.

If Outlook Still Shows Error 0x80042108 After the Main Fix

Error persists after increasing timeout and checking ports

If the error continues, the issue may be with your email provider’s server. Check the provider’s service status page for outages. If the server is down, wait and try again later. Also try disabling any VPN or proxy connections temporarily.

Error occurs only on one computer but not others

This indicates a local configuration or network problem. Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) tool. Download it from Microsoft, select Outlook > I’m having trouble sending email, and follow the prompts. The tool will diagnose and fix common issues.

Error appears after a Windows update

Windows updates sometimes reset firewall rules or network settings. Reapply the firewall exception steps above. Also check if the update changed your network profile from Private to Public (Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi > click the connection > set Network profile to Private). Public networks restrict app communications.

POP3 vs IMAP vs Exchange Account Settings: Key Differences for Error 0x80042108

Item	POP3	IMAP	Exchange
Default incoming port	110 (no SSL) or 995 (SSL)	143 (no SSL) or 993 (SSL)	443 (SSL) via Outlook Anywhere
Default outgoing port	25, 465, or 587	25, 465, or 587	587 (TLS) or 25 (no encryption)
Encryption requirement	SSL or TLS required for secure providers	SSL or TLS required for secure providers	TLS enforced by most Exchange servers
Timeout impact	High — slow servers often cause timeout	Medium — server must list folders before sending	Low — uses persistent connection with longer default timeout
Common fix for error	Increase timeout, verify port 995 or 587	Increase timeout, verify port 993 or 587	Check Outlook Anywhere settings, verify autodiscover

Error 0x80042108 can now be resolved by adjusting server timeout, ports, and firewall settings. After applying these fixes, test send/receive by pressing F9. If the error returns, run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant for a deeper scan. As an advanced step, use the Outlook command-line switch outlook.exe /cleanviews to reset view settings that may interfere with send/receive operations.