Fixed: Outlook Not Responding Error in Windows 11/10

When you encounter the error message Outlook not responding, it typically indicates that Microsoft Outlook, the email client and personal information manager, has become unresponsive and is not functioning as expected. In fact, this error can manifest in various ways, such as Outlook freezing, becoming sluggish, or not responding to your commands. The following blog will discuss the best ways to resolve it.

The error can occur for various reasons, including software conflicts, add-in issues, corrupted data files, outdated software, problems with your computer’s resources, etc. In addition, it doesn’t specify a single cause but rather a symptom of a problem within the Outlook application or its interactions with your computer’s environment.

Also Read: Microsoft Outlook Has Stopped Working

How Does “Outlook Account Not Responding” Error Cause?

The “Outlook not responding” issue can caused by numerous factors. Additionally, it often results from a combination of these factors. Here are some common causes of the problem:

• If your Outlook mailbox is filled with many emails, attachments, or calendar entries, it can lead to performance issues.
• Conflicts with other software running on your computer can cause Outlook to freeze.
• Using an outdated version of Outlook or Windows can result in compatibility issues.
• Outlook supports the installation of various add-ins that extend its functionality.
• Outlook relies on data files, such as the Personal Storage Table (PST) or Offline Outlook Data File (OST), to store email and other information.
• Hardware problems, such as a failing hard drive or insufficient system resources (RAM or CPU), can result in Outlook becoming unresponsive.
• Poor or unstable internet connections can affect how Outlook communicates with email servers.

To troubleshoot the “Outlook Stops Responding” issue effectively, you’ll need to identify specific causes or causes in your scenario. Moreover, it may require a process of elimination. Further, we‘ll learn basic troubleshooting steps and gradually narrow down the possible culprits.

8 Effective Ways to Fix “Microsoft Outlook Not Responding” Error

All users know that Microsoft Outlook is a powerful email program, but it can sometimes act up and become unresponsive. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with these easy-to-understand solutions to get your Outlook back on track.

#1. Exit From Other Programs

Outlook is a bit of a memory hog, and if you have too many other programs running, it mightn’t get enough memory to work properly. In other words, you can try closing other apps to give Outlook some breathing space.

#2. Turn Off Antivirus

If Outlook still misbehaves, your antivirus might be the culprit. Make sure Outlook is on your antivirus’s trusted list, and if it’s still acting up, temporarily turn off your antivirus to see if that’s the problem.

#3. Disable Add-ins

Outlook allows for the installation of various add-ins that extend its functionality. However, some add-ins can be problematic and cause Outlook to freeze. Disable them one by one to identify the culprit. To do this:

• Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
• Manage COM Add-ins, then uncheck the boxes for suspicious add-ins.

#4. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

Running Outlook in Safe Mode is a helpful way to troubleshoot add-in-related issues. To do this:

• Press Win+R, type outlook /safe, and press Enter.
• If Outlook works fine in Safe Mode, it’s likely that an add-in is causing the problem.

#5. Cancel Hanging Processes

If Microsoft Outlook not Responding, don’t panic. Sometimes, it’s working in the background but appears frozen. Give it a few minutes. If that doesn’t help, open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del or right-click the taskbar) and end any “outlook.exe” processes running.

#6. Install the Latest Windows Update

If Windows or Outlook is outdated, it may affect your sending emails. So, you can install the latest Windows and Outlook updates to fix the Outlook accounts is not responding. Thus, to install the latest Windows update, follow the tips below.

• In the search bar, type Update to open Windows update.
• Tap the Check for Updates option to click on the Install Updates button.

Now, wait for the updating process to complete, then restart the Windows PC to see if Microsoft Outlook is responding or not. If it is not fixed, continue the process to update Outlook.

• Launch the Outlook application on your system and navigate to the File tab.
• Click on the Office Accounts tab to choose the Update Now option under the Updates Option.
• If you want to use the Outlook 2010 version, choose the help option and then Check for Updates.

#7. Repair Office Program

Here, you can repair the Office program files to resolve the Microsoft Outlook not responding issue. Follow the below steps in a proper sequence.

• Firstly, Quit All the Running Office Programs in your system.
• Launch Control Panel and select Programs and Features in the Program tab.
• Now, Right-Click on Microsoft Office 2016 and click on the Change option.
• Choose Online Repair and tap on the Repair button.
• Again, click on the Repair button to start the repair process.
• At last, wait until the process is completed and then open the Outlook application to see if it gets back to its normal start or not.

#8. Repair Outlook Data Files

Outlook constantly Not Responding if the Outlook data files contain errors. You can follow the tips listed below to repair Outlook data file errors.

• Open Windows File Explorer and move to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16.
• Now, double-click on SCANPST and click on the Browse button to choose the PST file.
• Click on the Start button to begin the scanning process to add PST files.
• Then, tap on the Repair button to initiate the repair process.
• In the end, wait till the process is running, and you will receive a popup displaying Repair complete.

Using all the above methods, users can fix Outlook Not Responding issues. Sometimes, there might be a high chance that the PST file may be corrupted. In that case, users want to go with a secure way to repair their corrupt or damaged PST files. With the help of the Cigati Outlook PST Repair Tool, you can effortlessly resolve the corruption. Moreover, this software maintains the data integrity.

Final Words

Outlook not responding may be a frustrating error, but with the appropriate troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem on your own. Checking your internet connection and updating Outlook helps to fix this. Moreover, you can manage add-ins and follow the other tips outlined in this blog. In fact, you can get your email client back to its responsive and efficient self, allowing you to regain control of your email communication.

You May Also Read: Outlook Inbox Repair Tool Not Responding

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