With the introduction of two-factor authorization since the original date of this article, there is a second (and becoming more common) cause of this error: Outlook needs the app password, as it will not currently bring up the second authorization screen.
The message that comes up when Outlook can't set up an encrypted connection automatically caught a couple of users off guard this week. After calling their mail provider to verify the account supports encryption, they asked me what was wrong with Outlook.
An encrypted connection to your mail server is not available. Click next to attempt using an unencrypted connection.
This message doesn't mean that the mail server doesn't support encryption, it just means Outlook's Auto Account Setup can't determine the correct settings to use. This is caused by incomplete or missing autodiscover records in DNS. As a result, you'll need the account up manually if you want to use encryption.
When this message comes up, click Back, select Manually configure server settings then click Next.
You'll need to enter your account information and server names then click More Settings and configure your SSL or TLS settings on the Advanced tab.
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50 Comments on "Outlook Auto Account Setup: Encrypted Connection not available"
I am using gmail with outlook 2013 and have enabled less secure apps and imap. It was earlier working fine but now prompting for password again and again. I have followed all steps but didnot work. plz help.
Does it ever connect?
Did you double check the setting in google, in case it got enabled somehow?
still i not working
Not for me either and mine was working for years - now I can only use unencrypted
What type of email account do you use? Are you using two factor authentication?
Are you using 2 factor auth? If so, you need to use the app password.
If you are using an Outlook.com or MSN.com email, and have enabled two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account (which you should have!!) you need an AppPassword to login since Outlook client isn't capable of doing the two-factor auth dance of prompting for a code. Get the app password at https://account.live.com/proofs/AppPassword
This works with my to email accounts (outlook.com and hotmail.com). Both have two step verification, which prevented me using the usual email logon and password. The App password however works and lets outlook connect. Great comment, not even MS advised me of this work around!
Does mail sync once you enter the password? Are you using another computer or device to check mail? If so, and if using POP3, this message will come up when checking or mail when the pop3 device is checking mail.
Does not apply when using EAS (Exchange ActiveSync). Manual config means the user has to enter the server name. The user won't know what is Microsoft's server name (FQDN) for their Hotmail, LIve.com, or Outlook.com account. That is information that is supposed to be recorded at Microsoft's name server for auto-discover.
Hello Diane!
I am having this issue on occasion, with no idea where to look. Microsoft connectivity test gives me all green, all account already set are working, and when it does not work externally, I find that it doesn't internally either (using a computer not associated with the domain). No error in the events on the CAS
I tried tracing http on the CAS, nothing found, and no idea anymore where to look.
Would you have an idea?
Hello! I just added an email account to my outlook but had some difficulty; receiving the same message : Outlook Auto Account Setup: Encrypted Connection not available.
The option to click next to set up unencrypted was available and this proved successful. I just don't know a lot about the differences and so my question is: What does unencrypted mean exactly? Is this a safe option for my business email? Thanks in advance for the help!
using outlook 2013 and this message pops up when I try to repair "an encrypted connection to your email server is not available. click next to attempt using an unencrypted connection." all my settings are as att has indicated, but still wont log onto server, but the test email is sending my account which I can see the emails via a web browser. any suggestions?
Did you check the Port and Security settings? If they are correct and the account works, you can safely ignore it.
AT&T uses:
Incoming server (POP3): 995. Check the checkbox for This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL).
Outgoing server (SMTP): 465. Select SSL in the dropdown for Use the following type of encrypted connection.
all the settings you indicate above are as you state. any other suggestions?
not sure if this has anything to do with this, but windows had several (many) updates on 4/14 and 1 update on 4/15 including several for ms office service pack 3 and my issues started on 4/18 as near as I can tell.
If it was the updates, the problem should have started right after you rebooted after they were installed. Assuming you rebooted on the 14/15, it's possible you didn't notice it for a couple of days.