Outlook Error 0x8004011c – How to Fix It

Did you want to create a new IMAP account in your Outlook email client and the program reported error 0x8004011c? Don’t worry, below you will find some possible solutions to fix the problem.

Outlook error 0x8004011c may occur when a user tries to add a new email inbox or IMAP account. The error message usually looks like this in the pop-up window:

An unknown error occurred, error code: 0x8004011c.

If you use the wizard to set up a new email account, you may encounter a warning:

Something went wrong and Outlook couldn't set up your account.

Possible reasons for error 0x8004011c

Outlook error 0x8004011c can occur for a variety of reasons:

• incompatibility of the operating system and the email client;
• a problem with the internet connection;
• incorrect firewall settings;
• Outlook.exe compatibility problem;
• adding an account type not supported by the Outlook version;
• Microsoft server outage.

How to fix Outlook error 0x8004011c?

Although in this guide you will find detailed procedures to fix Outlook error 0x8004011c, we advise you to first try to resolve the issue with general measures.

• Restart your computer and router.
• Make sure that you have entered the correct information in all the fields in Outlook.
• Check that your internet connection is working.
• Make sure that the Outlook.exe file is not blocked by the Windows Firewall.
• Check the status of Microsoft services and make sure that the Outlook server is currently running.
• Update your Outlook email client to the latest version.

1. Use a troubleshooting tool

As a first step, we advise you to check for possible errors using the troubleshooting tool.

1. Use Windows Finder to find and open the Troubleshoot tool.
2. Select Other trouble-shooters.
3. Look for the Windows Store Apps entry and click the Run button.
4. Wait for the tool to finish searching for any problems.
5. Apply the suggested fixes and restart the system.

2. Repair Microsoft Office

Applications that are part of the Microsoft Office suite support automatic troubleshooting functionality.

1. Use Windows Finder to locate and open the Control Panel.
2. Select Programs -> Programs and Features.
3. Find Microsoft Office in the list and click Change.
4. Select the Online Repair option and click Repair.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the process.

3. Allow Outlook.exe to bypass the firewall

Make sure your firewall settings are correct.

1. Using Windows Finder, locate and open the Control Panel.
2. Select System and Security -> Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Click on the Change settings button.
5. In the list, find the Outlook application and enable Private and Public access for it. If you don’t see it in the list, click Allow another app, then select Browse and browse to the Outlook.exe file in the installation folder (example: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16).
6. Make sure the Private and Public checkboxes are ticked and save your changes.

4. Create a new registry key

Outlook error 0x8004011c can occur if you do not have the ProtectionPolicy setting enabled in the registry.

1. Using Windows Finder, locate and open the application – Run (shortcut: Win + R).
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the registry.

3. Navigate to the directory:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography\Protect\Providers\df9d8cd0-1501-11d1-8c7a-00c04fc297eb

4. Right-click in the empty space on the right and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Rename the new entry to ProtectionPolicy.
6. Double-click to open the settings of the new entry and enter the value 1 in the Value data field.
7. Confirm the change by clicking OK.

5. Allow the standard user to run the application as administrator

This workaround has proved useful for many users in resolving Outlook error 0x8004011c.

1. Create a local profile
   • Create a local profile with the same username and password as for your domain account.
   • Open Outlook and set up an IMAP account (as usual).
   • If it works, close Outlook and log out of the local account and log in to the domain account.
2. Create a new shortcut
   • Right-click on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
   • In the Type the location of the item field, type: runas /user:MyRacunit\Administrator /savecred "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\outlook.exe". Replace “MyRacunalnik” with the name of your device (e.g. DESKTOP-XXXXXXXX). Make sure that the syntax and path to the outlook.exe file is correct.
   • Proceed by clicking Next.
   • In the Type a name for this shortcut field, type a name for the shortcut and click Finish.
3. Replace the shortcut icon
   • On the desktop, right-click on the new shortcut and select Properties.
   • Select the Shortcut tab and click the Change Icon button.
   • Click Browse, browse to and select the Outlook.exe file, then select the Outlook icon.
   • Save your changes by clicking OK.

Now double-click the new desktop shortcut to open Outlook. When prompted, enter the password for your local account. Outlook will open in the new profile you created earlier in your local account.

6. Disable compatibility mode, if enabled

Error 0x8004011c can occur if Outlook compatibility mode is enabled. This can interfere with the operation of the email account and prevent the creation of an IMAP account.

1. Open File Explorer to edit files and folders (shortcut: Win + E).
2. Navigate to the folder where you installed Microsoft Office (example: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office).
3. Find the Outlook.exe file, right-click on it and select Properties.
4. In the pop-up window, select the Compatibility tab and uncheck Run this program in compatibility mode for. Confirm the change by clicking Apply and then OK.

If this method did not help you to successfully resolve Outlook error 0x8004011c, you are still left with reinstalling the Microsoft Office programs.

For further assistance, you can call us on 059 335 000 or email us at info@neoserv.si.