How to Stop Microsoft Outlook From Receiving Duplicate Emails

Ensure Only One Instance is Running

Step 1

Right-click the taskbar and click "Start Task Manager."

Step 2

Click the "Processes" tab.

Step 3

Click the "Image Name" column. This sorts all processes alphabetically. You should only have one "Outlook.exe" listed. If you have more than one listed, you may receive duplicate emails.

Step 4

Right-click one of the "Outlook.exe" listings and click "End Task." Click "Yes" on the confirmation dialog.

Avoid Leaving Copies of Messages on Server

Step 1

Open Outlook.

Step 2

Click "Tools" and click "Email Accounts."

Step 3

Click "View or Change Existing Email Accounts" and click the "Next" button.

Step 4

Select your email account from the list and click "Change."

Step 5

Click the "More Settings" button and then click the "Advanced" tab.

Step 6

Click to remove the check in the box next to "Leave a copy of messages on the server" and click the "OK" button.

Profiles with Two POP3 Accounts

Step 1

Open Outlook.

Step 2

Open the "Tools" menu.

Step 3

Click "Send/Receive Settings" and click "Define Send/Receive Groups."

Step 4

Double-click the group to display the accounts.

Step 5

Click one of the two accounts and remove the check from the box next to "Receive mail items."