Outlook 2010 doesn’t sync

There are 3 common reasons why synching no longer works;

• Your sync application does not support Outlook 2010 at all.
• You are using a 64-bit version of Outlook.
• You are using a Click-to-Run version Outlook.

Your sync application does not support Outlook 2010 at all

Check if there is an update for your synching application available or contact product support for your mobile device to find out if/when there will be an update available.

For an overview of sync applications for popular phone brands see; Sync Outlook with mobile device

You are using a 64-bit version of Outlook

While more and more synch applications will support Outlook 2010, you’ll find that most only support the 32-bit version of Outlook and not the 64-bit version. Even Microsoft has announced that they currently have no plans to modify Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) to support the 64-bit version of Outlook. BlackBerry will add 64-bit support for their BlackBerry Desktop Software (early) 2011.

For more details about the differences and implications of using the 64-bit version of Outlook see; Outlook 2010: 32-bit or 64-bit?

You are using a Click-to-Run version Outlook

If you are currently using Outlook as a Click-to-Run version (quite common when you are using a trial version) then synching will not work either. This is because the Click-to-Run version of Outlook 2010 runs in its own "virtual bubble" which is invisible to sync applications. You'll need to actually install Outlook 2010 instead of using the Click-to-Run version.

To get the full installer for Office 2010, logon to the Account Management Console, click the Download button next to your trial order and then instead of clicking the “Install Now” button, click on the “Advanced Options” link underneath. At the top of the Advanced Options pop-up that you’ll get, you can select between the 32-bit, the 64-bit or the Click-to-Run installer.

Note: When installing the full trial version instead of using the Click-to-Run version will require you to uninstall any previous version of Outlook first.

Use the Advanced Options to get access to the full 32-bit installer which supports synching.