Outlook Not Responding? [5 Steps To Solve The Issue]

Microsoft Outlook sometimes hangs, freezes, or crashes which results in the Outlook Not Responding issue. You can resolve and revive Outlook with the help of some effective solutions given in this blog.

Also Read: How to Forward Gmail Emails to Outlook

Why Do You Face an Outlook Not Working Issue?

• Recent updates are not yet installed.
• A user’s message is attempting to get an attachment from MS Outlook.
• A freshly installed add-in is causing Outlook to malfunction.
• The maximum amount of mail can fit in your mailbox.
• Outlook data files are either corrupted or damaged.
• Damaged user profile.
• The incompatibility of Outlook with another application.

How to Resolve the Issue “Outlook Not Responding??

1. Use Task Manager

A new instance of Outlook cannot be properly launched if an existing process is still running and cannot be stopped. This is because if you try to start another “Outlook.exe” process when one or more “Outlook.exe” processes are already executing in memory, a conflict will result.

So, one of the first things to attempt is to use Task Manager to end all ‘Outlook.exe’ processes. Given this: 

• Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” You can alternatively access it by executing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Del. 
• Select the Processes tab and perform a search for any processes that have the word Outlook in their name (primarily, processes named Outlook.exe)
• In the Task Manager’s bottom right corner, click the “End Process” button after selecting each process you locate by giving it one click.

All the procedures for Outlook should end as a result. Outlook should be restarted to see if the problem has been resolved. 

2. Disable the Antivirus Software

The purpose of antivirus software is to protect your computer from all dangers. Some of the products are made to scan each email that enters and leaves your system to look for issues. This could occasionally interfere with Outlook’s ability to operate normally.

Additionally, some add-ins may be labeled as untrustworthy by your antivirus software and may even be blocked, which causes Outlook email not working.

Turn off your antivirus software by going to the Control Panel. Restart Outlook, then verify. If everything functions as it should, you are aware of the issue.

3. Sort and Archive Your Resources

Outlook needs to be sorted and cleaned up every few weeks to run efficiently. Make sure to group all of your emails into distinct, clearly labeled folders rather than one giant one. Additionally, get rid of any outdated emails. Additionally, the Outlook Deleted Items folder must be cleared. You should archive previous significant emails in addition to these fundamental actions to clear up some space in the Outlook data file.

4. Reducing the Size of Outlook Data File

Personal Storage Table, or.PST, files are used by Outlook to store all data. However, the information is also kept as OST files (.ost) when used with Exchange mailboxes. Your Outlook PST or OST files are more likely to be damaged or corrupted if they become too large.

Therefore, to lessen the amount of Outlook data files, clear up your Outlook inbox and other folders, archive outdated emails, and empty the Deleted Items folder.

Additionally, you can utilize the Outlook Compact tool to compress and reduce the size of data files.

5. Update and Repair Outlook

If none of the aforementioned fixes work, your Outlook installation may be problematic. To address such problems:

• Open the Control Panel and look under the installed programs for MS Office.
• Change it by performing a right-click on it.
• Select “Repair” and then “Continue.”
• Comply with the on-screen directions.

If any Outlook service packs or other updates are required for your installation, download and install them when the repair is finished.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Microsoft Outlook not responding” or “Outlook not working” problem is confusing in addition to being unpleasant. Therefore, you need to find out the root cause and solutions to fix it quickly. You can find all the information in the above guide.