Outlook is a widely-used email client favored by millions across the globe. It boasts an array of features that make it a top pick for individuals needing to maintain connectivity with their contacts. In addition to the desktop application, Microsoft also offers an online version known as Outlook Web App (OWA), which can be accessed through a web browser. This service is accessible to Office 365 and Exchange Online subscribers.

Some individuals utilize both OWA (Outlook Web App) and the Outlook desktop application simultaneously with the same account. However, they might encounter issues while using these, with one of them being "Outlook Favorites not syncing" between the two platforms. This article aims to guide you on how to resolve the issue of Outlook Favorites not synchronizing between Outlook and OWA.

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Symptoms of Outlook Favorites Not Synchronizing

If your Outlook Favorites are not syncing properly, you might encounter several symptoms, such as:

01

You are unable to view your Outlook Favorites in either OWA (Outlook Web App) or the desktop version of Outlook.

02

Your Outlook Favorites are not displayed in the proper sequence.

 
03

Some of your Outlook Favorites are missing.

04

You encounter an error message when attempting to synchronize your Outlook Favorites.

Causes of Outlook Favorites Not Synchronizing

There can be several reasons why your Outlook Favorites are not synchronizing. These can include: 1. Outdated or Incompatible Software: Ensure that you have the latest version of Microsoft Outlook installed, as older versions might have syncing issues. 2. Incorrect Account Settings: Verify that your account settings are properly configured for synchronization. Check if you're signed in with the correct email account and that the sync options are enabled. 3. Sync Issues with Exchange Server: If you're using an Exchange account, synchronization problems might occur due to server issues or network connectivity problems. Contact your IT administrator for assistance. 4. Cached Mode Issues: Outlook operates in Cached Exchange Mode by default, which stores a local copy of your mailbox. If the cache is corrupted or outdated, favorites may not sync. Try disabling cached mode or clearing the cache. 5. Incorrect Time or Date Settings: Incorrect system time or date settings can cause synchronization issues. Make sure your device's time and date are set accurately. 6. Add-in Conflicts: Some third-party add-ins can interfere with Outlook's functionality, including sync. Temporarily disable add-ins to see if this resolves the issue. 7. Corrupted Outlook Data File (.ost or .pst): A corrupted data file can lead to sync problems. You may need to repair or recreate the file. 8. Internet Connection Problems: A poor or unstable internet connection can disrupt the sync process. Ensure you have a stable connection. 9. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Outlook's access to the server. Temporarily disable these and try syncing again. 10. Microsoft Account Sync Settings: If you're using a Microsoft Account, ensure that the sync settings for favorites are turned on in your account settings. To troubleshoot further, you can try restarting Outlook, your computer, or even performing a full Outlook repair through the Control Panel. If the problem persists, seek support from Microsoft or a professional IT technician.

    • The Exchange Server is incorrectly configured.
    • There is an issue with the Outlook profile.
    • The Outlook Client is not connected to the Exchange Server.
    • OWA and Outlook are not using the same account.
    • There is a problem with the browser's cache.
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How to Solve the Issue of Outlook Favorites Not Synchronizing

If you're encountering any of the issues mentioned above with Outlook favorites not synchronizing, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem. These methods are applicable to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007.

1. Verify the Exchange Server Configuration

To examine the configuration of your Exchange Server, follow these steps:

    1. Open the Exchange Management Console. 2. Click on Recipient Configuration. 3. Select Mailbox. 4. Right-click on the mailbox you wish to check and choose Properties. 5. Go to the General tab and ensure that the "Enable Outlook Web App" option is checked.

2. Check the Outlook Profile

If the Outlook profile is not set up properly, it can lead to synchronization issues with Outlook favorites. To resolve this, you can follow these steps:

    1. Close Outlook and OWA.
    2. Delete the Outlook profile.
    3. Restart Outlook.
    4. Enter your account information when prompted and create a new Outlook profile.

3. Connect Outlook to the Exchange Server

If Outlook is not connecting to the Exchange Server, it can result in Outlook favorites not synchronizing. To resolve this issue, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Outlook and navigate to the File menu. 2. Select Account Settings, then choose Connected Accounts. 3. Click on the Exchange account and subsequently click on Change. 4. Input the accurate Exchange Server address and then click Next. 5. Provide your account credentials and finally, click Finish.

4. Use the Same Account in Outlook and OWA

Some Outlook users might miss this because they use both Outlook and OWA with different accounts signed in. This can lead to synchronization issues with Outlook favorites. To fix this, you need to use the same account for both Outlook and OWA.

5. Clear the Browser Cache

The browser cache stores copies of Outlook web pages and data. When you access the same URL again, it displays the information from your initial visit rather than fetching the latest Outlook data. To ensure you see updated content, it's advisable to clear your browser cache. Here are the steps to do so: 1. **For Google Chrome:** - Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner. - Select "More tools" and then "Clear browsing data." - Choose the time range, such as "All time" to clear everything. - Make sure "Cached images and files" is checked. - Click "Clear data." 2. **For Mozilla Firefox:** - Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner. - Go to "History" and then "Clear recent history." - Set the time range to "Everything." - Under "Details," tick "Cache." - Click "Clear Now." 3. **For Microsoft Edge:** - Click on the three dots in the top-right corner. - Select "Settings" and then "Privacy, search, and services." - Under "Clear browsing data," click "Choose what to clear." - Check "Cached files and images." - Click "Clear now." 4. **For Apple Safari:** - Click on "Safari" in the top menu bar. - Select "Preferences." - Click on the "Privacy" tab. - Click "Manage Website Data" and then "Remove All." - Confirm by clicking "Remove Now." After clearing the cache, restart your browser and revisit Outlook to fetch the most recent data.

    1. Open the browser and navigate to Tools. 2. Select Clear browsing data. 3. Choose the time range and the type of data you wish to delete. 4. Click on Clear browsing data.

6. Restart the Computer

If Outlook Favorites still isn't synchronizing, you can attempt to restart your computer. This will close all programs and background services, which often resolves Outlook issues.

Here are some methods you can employ to resolve Outlook favorites not synchronizing. If the issue persists, don't hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support for assistance.

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You Need to Backup Outlook Regularly to Avoid Data Loss

Outlook favorites not syncing can lead to partial data loss, and various factors like malware or human mistakes can also result in data loss. Therefore, regularly backing up your Outlook data is always advisable. By doing so, you can ensure that you always have a copy of your crucial data.

You can save emails, calendars, contacts, and other items in PST format with Outlook; however, this method requires manual exporting each time. Furthermore, PST files are stored locally on your hard drive, making them vulnerable to damage or loss in case of any accidents.

To ensure the safe backup of your Outlook data, we recommend utilizing a professional Outlook backup software. This will not only save time but also prevent any data loss. Todo Backup Home is an excellent option for this purpose. This software allows you to back up your Outlook data to an internal or external storage device, like a hard drive or USB, as well as to cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, or even to network locations such as NAS devices. You also have the option to set up a scheduled backup, eliminating the need to manually perform backups each time.

To back up Outlook data with Todo Backup Home, follow these steps: 1. Download and install Todo Backup Home on your computer. 2. Launch the software and select "Backup" from the main interface. 3. Choose "Email Client Backup" as the backup type. 4. In the next window, select "Outlook" as the email client you want to back up. 5. Specify the Outlook data files (PST files) that you wish to backup. You can choose to backup all data or select specific folders. 6. Choose a destination location for the backup file. You can save it on your local drive, external storage, or even upload it to a cloud service. 7. You may also set up a schedule for automatic backups if desired. This ensures your Outlook data is regularly backed up without manual intervention. 8. Click on "Next" and review the backup settings. Make sure everything is correct. 9. Finally, click "Proceed" or "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. 10. Wait for the backup to complete. Once finished, you'll have a secure copy of your Outlook data. Remember to keep your backup file in a safe place and update it periodically to ensure the latest data is protected.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup on your computer, and click Create Backup on the home screen. Then, hit the big question mark to select backup contents.

backup outlook mail step 1

Step 2. Among the four backup options, click "Apps data".

backup outlook mail step 2

Step 3. Next, you'll see a list of all the apps that can be backed up. Locate and check the "Microsoft Outlook" option. Choose the mailbox addresses from which you wish to back up emails, contacts, or calendars, then click "OK".

backup outlook mail step 3

Step 4. Next, you'll need to select a location to save the Outlook backup by clicking on the depicted area.

backup outlook mail step 4

Step 5. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, a network, cloud, or NAS. Generally, we recommend using an external physical drive or cloud service to store your backup files.

backup outlook mail step 5

Step 6. If interested, you can customize settings such as setting an automatic backup schedule for daily, weekly, monthly, or on specific events, and creating differential and incremental backups by clicking on the Options button. Once done, click "Backup Now". The Outlook backup process will commence. When complete, the finished backup task will be displayed on the left side in a card format.

backup outlook mail step 6

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The Bottom Line

These paragraphs discuss the issue of "Outlook Favorites not syncing", covering its symptoms, causes, and potential solutions. It is hoped that this information will assist you in resolving the problem of Outlook favorites not synchronizing. Also, remember to regularly backup your Outlook data using a tool like "Todo Backup Home" to prevent any data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Outlook Favorites Not Syncing

1. Why aren't my Outlook folders synchronizing?

As mentioned in the post, the reasons for Outlook not synchronizing include issues with connecting to the Exchange Server, using different accounts in Outlook and OWA (Outlook Web App), browser cache, and more. You can attempt the solutions provided in the post to resolve the problem.

2. Why do I constantly lose my Favorites in Outlook?

It might be due to Outlook not synchronizing properly, or you might have inadvertently deleted your Outlook Favorites. You can try using the View tab to verify if the Favorites option is enabled.

3. How do I prevent Outlook from synchronizing?

If Outlook is still not synchronizing, you can attempt to restart Outlook or your computer. This will terminate all background programs and services, which may resolve various Outlook issues.