How To Fix Outlook Cleanup Not Working Issue

What exactly is Mailbox Cleanup?

The Outlook mailbox Cleanup is a built-in feature provided by Microsoft Outlook, designed to manage the mailbox size of the user by:

• Deleting old or unnecessary emails.
• Removing data from Deleted Items and Junk folders.
• Archiving old messages to reduce mailbox clutter.
• Identifying large emails and attachments for removal.

This helps the user to free up some storage space, improve the performance of your Outlook application. This will eventually enable the user to effortlessly send/receive emails without any errors.

Why does Outlook Clean Up stop working?

Your Outlook Cleanup tool might stop working because:

• Your OST or PST files got damaged or corrupted.
• Cleanup stops running if your mailbox size limit has been reached.
• Your AutoArchive or retention settings are incorrect.
• Or there might be some Synchronization issues with Exchange or IMAP.
• You are using an Outdated or buggy version of Outlook.

To avoid this “Outlook Mailbox Cleanup Not Working” error, users can reduce Outlook Mailbox Size, delete unnecessary emails, and empty the Deleted Items and Junk folders.

Manual Fixes for Outlook cleanup troubleshooting

There are several manual methods to use when your Outlook Cleanup not working. Some of them are discussed below. Go through each of these methods for better results.

Fix 1: Restart Outlook and Your Computer

In case there is just a minor glitch affecting your MS Outlook Cleanup tool, a simple restart can resolve the issue. You just have to close Outlook >> reboot your computer >> and try the cleanup process again.

Fix 2: Run MS Outlook in Safe Mode

When you start MS Outlook in Safe Mode, the add-ins and customizations get disabled. In case the cleanup tool works fine in safe mode, it is evident that the problem was caused by the third-party apps only. To start Outlook in safe mode, follow the steps below:

1. Firstly, Press Ctrl and click on the Outlook shortcut.
2. In the dialog box, select Yes to start in Safe Mode.

If cleanup works in Safe Mode, disable add-ins one by one to identify which add-in is causing the issue.

Fix 3: Empty Deleted Items and Junk Folders

In Outlook, the deleted items and junk folders consist of several emails. Some of these might be corrupted or damaged. Eventually, they end up taking some storage space, which triggers the Outlook mailbox cleanup error.

To get rid of such emails:

1. Go to the Deleted Items and Junk Email folders.
2. Then, just Right-click and select Empty Folder.

Fix 4: Update or Repair Microsoft Office

If you are working on an outdated or corrupted version of MS Outlook, the working of the cleanup tool may be affected. To repair your MS Office, follow the steps below:

1. First, Navigate to File tab>> Office Account >> Update Options >> Update Now to update.
2. If issues persist, use the Repair option under Programs and Features.

Fix 5: Create a New Outlook Profile

In case your Outlook profile gets corrupted, it can cause various issues; the Outlook Cleanup Not Working issue is one of them. Therefore, the user must create a new Outlook profile

For creating a new profile:

1. Go to Control Panel >> Mail >> Show Profiles >> Add.
2. Then, set up a new profile and set it as the default.

Fix 6: Use the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST)

MS Outlook works with OST and PST files. When these files get corrupt or damaged, sometimes the cleanup feature of Outlook stops working. To fix the issue, use the Inbox Repair Tool, which is a built-in feature to repair such files. You just have to run the tool >> choose your Outlook data file >> and repair it.

Note: However, the above methods work very well; in case none of them works for you, you can proceed with the automated solution.

Automated Solution: DataRecoveryFreeware Outlook PST Recovery Tool

As we discussed above, damaged OST or PST files can be a reason why your Outlook Cleanup Not Working. That is why it is important to repair such files. But security and data integrity are major concerns; therefore, expert reommened to use the DataRecoveryFreeware Outlook PST Recovery Tool. This software allows you to effortlessly repair your corrupted PST files without any data loss. Moreover, it enables even non-technical users to easily repair their files within a few steps.

Some Exclusive Features of this Software

• This software can recover your data even from encrypted PST files.
• Moreover, it supports multiple file formats like MBOX, EML, MSG, and DBX.
• Also, it keeps the original directory structure, data, & attachments intact.
• Even you can also preview the files before recovery.
• Additionally, it has 3 different modes for recovery.
• It is compatible with almost all versions of the Windows operating system.

Steps to repair the PST file using the software:

1. Download and open the Outlook PST Recovery Tool. 



2. Then, choose the desired PST file and mode of scanning. 



3. After that, preview the displayed emails and attachments before recovery. 



4. Now, simply click the Save button to save the repaired files. 



5. Next, select the saving format >> adjust some settings >> OK. 

Let’s sum it up

In short, if your Outlook Cleanup Not Working, it might be because of a damaged OST/PST file, an add-in interference, improper settings, etc. But it becomes important to fix this issue to work effortlessly with Outlook. To fix this issue, users should try restarting. Running Outlook in safe mode, using the updated version of Outlook. This will only resolve the issue, but in case it doesn’t, you can use the automed software for secure recovery of PST files.

Read More: Outlook Error Could Not Send the Message

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