Why Is Outlook Suddenly Not Responding – Check Now!

Summary: Did you experience the error code Outlook not responding error on the computer? Is Outlook stuck on updating inbox that says “Outlook freezing up?” Or does it not respond when you open the calendar, send an email message, or does Outlook not responding on VPN?

Outlook is a software program that helps you manage your email. It can also manage your calendar, tasks, and contacts. Outlook is part of the Microsoft Office suite of programs. If you’re having trouble with Outlook, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the issue.

Why Does Outlook Not Responding or Outlook Not Working

  • You have not installed the latest updates.
  • Outlook might be running multiple background processes.
  • It loads images from an external source, like an email message.
  • MS Outlook is having problems with a pre-installed add-in.
  • The Outlook mailbox size increases, so Outlook keeps not responding.
  • May redirect the AppData folder to a network path.
  • Outlook accounts not responding because of a corrupted Office program.
  • Antivirus programs are outdated and maybe need to install the latest version.

These are the reasons why Outlook stopped working or Outlook crashes. Now, look at the potential solutions in order to resolve the issue.

Method 1: Safely Quit Outlook Program

If the Outlook is not responding and hangs, you should stop the Outlook application in the Task manager. The Task Manager is the tool that helps to monitor the program process. Here, you can quickly see how each program utilized the memory. And identify why the pc is running slow or hangs.

  1. To open Task Manager, simultaneously press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
  2. Find and select the Outlook program from the process tab list.
  3. Click on the End Task button.

Method 2: Update Operating System

If Outlook not responding, the cause may be that you’re using an outdated version of Windows. To fix this issue, update the operating system to the latest version of Windows. Here’s how:

  1. On the left down corner of your screen type “Windows Update” in the search bar.
  2. Select the suitable option System Settings or Windows Update Settings.
  3. If there are any updates available, then update the Windows.
  4. Restart the computer and check if the Outlook account not responding is solved or not.

If you want to recall message in Outlook you can read this post.

Method 3: Disable Outlook Addins

Sometimes, Addins disrupt the application process, so Microsoft Outlook not working properly. Disabling Outlook add-ins is a more helpful method than simply deleting their files from the computer. It prevents the add-ins from automatically loading when Outlook starts up.

  1. If the application is open, then close it.
  2. Press the Window+R key to open the run dialog box.
  3. Here the Control Panel window appears.
  4. Find the Program and Features option and click on it.
  5. Here you will need to suspect the faulty Addins and programs.
  6. Select the faulty Addins and click on the Uninstall button.
  7. Now restart the PC and check whether Outlook is working.

Method 4: Restart Outlook in Safe Mode

  1. Again, Press the Window+R key.
  2. Run dialog box opens type the command outlook.exe / safe.
  3. Outlook Choose profile window appears select the default option.
  4. Click on the Ok button to open the default profile.
  5. Now, Outlook starts in safe mode.

Users are experiencing issues with Microsoft Outlook not working, causing disruptions in email communication.

Method 5: Repair the Outlook Program

Still Outlook stopped working or Outlook keeps not responding. Then you need to repair the Outlook application.

  1. Close all Office programs.
  2. Open the Control panel again.
  3. Click on the programs option.
  4. If the Microsoft Office package is installed, then select them.
  5. If the Outlook is stand-alone installed, then click on the Outlook application.
  6. After selecting the appropriate option, the Repair button appears on the top.
  7. Click on the Repair button. It takes time to wait for the completion of the process.
  8. After the process is done, restart the system.

Method 6: How to Repair Offline Outlook Data File (.ost)

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Click on the User Account Option.
  3. Select the Mail option.
  4. Mail setup Window prompts to click on the Show Profiles button.
  5. You want to select the profile here, and Outlook is the default profile.
  6. Now click on the properties and hit the Ok button.
  7. Clicking the Email Accounts button.
  8. Click on the Data Files tab.
  9. Select the broken account.
  10. Tap on the open file location button.
  11. Now, hit on the Close button.
  12. Right Click on the .ost file and select the delete option from the list.
  13. Now, close the application and restart Outlook and recreate .ost file for your account that you want to repair.

Method 7: How to Repair Outlook PST File

  1. Press the Window+R key to open the run window.

Note: According to the version of Outlook you use, type the following path or just copy or paste.

  • For Outlook 2007, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office13
  • For Outlook 2010, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
  • For Outlook 2013, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
  • For Office 2016, Office 2019, and Office 365, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
  1. Here the Microsoft Office folder opens. Double click on the SCANPST.EXE file.
  2. Now, the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool is open.
  3. Click on the browse button and navigate the .pst file and click on the open button.
  4. Hit the start button.
  5. Tick on the Make a backup of scanned file before repairing.
  6. Finally, Click on the Repair button.
  7. Restart the Outlook application after the PST file repair.

Conclusion

If you’re having trouble with Outlook not responding, there are a few methods you can do to try and fix the issue. If all else fails, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling Outlook. Hopefully, one of these solutions will help keep Outlook up and running on your computer and solve your query why my Outlook is very slow and not responding.

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