Issue email

Check Microsoft’s Service Health Status first; if Outlook.com is not shown as healthy, the “Server unreachable” error requires waiting for Microsoft to restore service rather than changing your password.^1^

If Outlook.com is shown as healthy

1. Try a different connection
   • Turn off any VPN or proxy.
   • On a phone, disable Wi-Fi and try mobile data.
   • Alternatively, connect the computer to a phone hotspot.
   • If this works, the original network, DNS, firewall, or proxy is preventing the connection.
2. Try a private browser window
   • Edge: Settings and more (…) → New InPrivate window
   • Chrome: Menu (⋮) → New Incognito window
   • Sign in from the official Outlook.com page. Private browsing avoids a damaged or stale sign-in session. Microsoft also recommends private browsing when using a shared device.^2^
3. If “Server unreachable” occurs on different devices and networks, run the Microsoft account sign-in helper
   • Open the Microsoft account sign-in helper.
   • Enter the affected Outlook/Hotmail address or phone number.
   • Complete the checks and follow the account-specific recovery action it provides. The tool checks for account problems and explains the required resolution.^3^

The Outlook.com support team cannot manually resolve sign-in problems; Microsoft directs users who cannot sign in to this helper.^4^

Urgent court document

Do not wait solely for email restoration if the document is time-sensitive. Contact the court clerk, solicitor, or sender using a previously verified telephone number and request another approved delivery method or resend to an accessible address. Do not create a new mailbox expecting it to contain messages already delivered to the inaccessible account.

References

1. Fixes or workarounds for recent issues on Outlook.com
2. How to sign in to Hotmail | Microsoft Support
3. Microsoft account sign-in helper | Microsoft Support
4. How to get support for Outlook.com | Microsoft Support