You see an error message stating a folder contains items that were not sent when you try to close Outlook. This prevents you from exiting the program normally. The error is caused by a corrupted or stuck draft email in your Outbox folder. This article explains the cause and provides steps to clear the error and close Outlook.
Key Takeaways: Fixing the “Items Not Sent” Error
- Outbox Folder: The error is almost always triggered by a problematic draft or stuck message in your Outbox.
- Work Offline Mode: Temporarily disabling send/receive allows you to delete the stuck item without Outlook trying to send it.
- Shift + Delete: This key combination permanently deletes the corrupted message, bypassing the Deleted Items folder.
Why Outlook Shows Items Not Sent on Close
Outlook performs checks when closing to ensure no unsent work is lost. It scans folders, particularly the Outbox, for messages in a “draft” or “pending send” state. If it finds an item it cannot properly read or process, it triggers this error to prevent you from losing it.
The root cause is typically file corruption within the Outlook data file. A single email draft in the Outbox can become damaged, often due to a sudden program or system crash while composing. Outlook’s internal messaging system cannot resolve the item’s status, so it blocks closure as a safety measure.
Common Triggers for the Corrupted Draft
This error frequently occurs after Outlook or Windows closes unexpectedly. An interrupted send/receive operation or a conflict with an add-in can also leave a message in a broken state. Large attachments or complex formatting within the draft increase the risk of corruption.
Steps to Clear the Error and Close Outlook
Follow these steps to remove the stuck item and close Outlook without losing other data.
- Open Your Outbox Folder
In the Outlook folder pane, click the small arrow next to your email account to expand it. Locate and select the “Outbox” folder to view its contents. - Enable Work Offline Mode
Go to the Send / Receive tab on the ribbon. Click the “Work Offline” button. This stops Outlook from attempting to send any messages while you fix the issue. - Identify and Select the Problem Message
Look in the Outbox for any message with a dashed red line icon or one that appears stuck. Click once to select it. If no item is visible, the corruption may be hidden. - Permanently Delete the Item
With the problematic message selected, press Shift + Delete on your keyboard. Confirm the permanent deletion in the dialog box. This removes the item without sending it to the Deleted Items folder. - Disable Work Offline and Close
Return to the Send / Receive tab and click “Work Offline” again to turn it off. You can now close Outlook normally by clicking File > Exit or the red X.
Alternative Method Using Safe Mode
If the error persists or you cannot see the Outbox item, start Outlook in Safe Mode. Hold the Ctrl key while clicking the Outlook icon. In Safe Mode, add-ins are disabled. Navigate to your Outbox and try the deletion steps again. Close Outlook and restart it normally.
If the Error Message Keeps Appearing
Outbox Folder is Empty But Error Remains
The corruption may be in a hidden system folder. Use the Outlook /cleanviews switch to reset folder views. Close Outlook. Press Windows Key + R, type “outlook.exe /cleanviews” and press Enter. This can clear the corrupted view data causing the false alert.
Error Occurs with Multiple Accounts
Check the Outbox for every email account configured in your profile. Expand each account in the folder pane and repeat the deletion process for any stuck items. The error will trigger if any account has a problematic draft.
Outlook Closes But Re-opens to the Error
A damaged Outlook data file (PST or OST) might be the source. Use the built-in Inbox Repair Tool. Close Outlook. Search for “SCANPST.EXE” using Windows Search. Run the tool, browse to your data file, and start the repair. This fixes internal errors within the file.
Preventing the Error: Draft Management vs. Send Behavior
| Item | Preventive Draft Management | Configured Send Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Avoid saving unfinished messages to the Outbox | Control when messages leave the Outbox |
| Key Setting | Dont save copies of items in Sent Items folder | Send immediately when connected |
| Action Location | File > Options > Mail > Save messages | File > Options > Advanced > Send and receive |
| Best For | Users who compose long drafts over time | Users with unreliable internet connections |
| Risk Mitigated | Corruption from long-term draft storage | Messages stuck in Outbox due to connection issues |
You can now identify and remove the stuck item causing the closure error. Use Work Offline mode and permanent deletion to clear the Outbox. For persistent issues, try Safe Mode or the Inbox Repair Tool. Consider adjusting your draft save settings in File > Options > Mail to compose messages in the Drafts folder instead of the Outbox.