Why is Outlook is Running Slow? Top Reasons & Easy Fixes

If you’ve been using Microsoft Outlook for a while, you might have noticed that it works less smoothly than it used to. However, it happens because Outlook has to handle bulky information, like emails and add-ons you’ve installed. How often Outlook looks for new emails can also affect how fast it works. But don’t worry! Just follow these steps to resolve the Outlook is Running Slow problem.

The following blog will discuss numerous ways to fix the issue. Moreover, we will elaborate on the possible reasons for this problem. But moving ahead, we will detail the Outlook slow to lead issue.

Understand Why Outlook Is Very Slow Issue

The “Outlook is Running Slow” message means that Microsoft Outlook, which many people use for emails and work, isn’t working as fast as it should. As a result, it shows up as emails taking longer to send or receive, the program feeling slow when you’re moving around in your email folders. Moreover, you can open messages or try to search for something within Outlook.

The following section has gone through a brief introduction to the problem. But the point is, how does this issue cause?

Also Read: Outlook Keeps Logging me Out

Common Causes of Slow Outlook Loading

The “Outlook is Running Slow” message can make you wonder why it’s not working well. But when we look into why this happens, we find various reasons that together make Outlook slow.

• Large Mailbox Size Overload: If your inbox is overflowing with many emails, attachments, and stuff, it can make Outlook struggle to keep up. As a result, it can make it slower when you’re opening emails, going through folders, or searching for something.
• Add-ins and Plugins Interference: Sometimes, the add-ins you install in Outlook to enhance its functionality can cause it to slow down. These add-ons mightn’t get along well with Outlook and cause it to work sluggishly.
• Using Old Versions: If you’re using an old version of Outlook or the software it comes with, it might need to be fixed. Newer versions are better optimized and work faster.
• Too Many Temporary Files: Over time, Outlook accumulates temporary files that are no longer necessary. These files can build up and make Outlook run slower.
• Too Much Checking by Antivirus: Sometimes, the antivirus software you use to protect your computer can check Outlook too much. This extra checking can slow down Outlook.
• Computer Problems: If your computer itself has some issues, like a hard drive that’s not working well or not enough resources, it can directly affect how Outlook runs.

All these things can come together and make Outlook slow. It’s not just one thing causing the problem – it’s a mix of reasons that make Outlook not work as fast as it should. Now, we will discuss the best ways to resolve it.

7 Effective Solutions to Fix Outlook Is Running Slow Issue

We have several ways to resolve this common issue. Make sure to read and understand each concept. As a result, you can choose any of the troubleshooting solutions accordingly.

#1. Move Emails from Mail Server to Computer

• Open Outlook and click on Preferences.
• In Preferences, go to General under Personal Settings.
• Under Sidebar, uncheck the box for Hide On My Computer folders.
• At the bottom of the sidebar, click on the Mail icon.
• In the message list, choose the emails you want to move.
• At last, drag these selected emails to the On My Computer Inbox folder. Remember, once you move an email to this folder on your computer, you won’t see it if you access your account from a different computer.

A quick tip: To avoid filling up your inbox, you can set up rules to move or delete specific emails automatically. For instance, you can create a rule to move all emails older than three months to an archive folder under ‘On My Computer.

This process helps to organize and manage emails by storing some of them on your computer, making it easier to access and reducing clutter in your mailbox. Moreover, it will help you to fix the Outlook is Very Slow to Load issue.

#2. Export Emails to an Outlook for Mac Archive File

• First, open Outlook and click on the Mail icon at the bottom of the sidebar.
• In the message list, choose the emails you want to export. You can select multiple items by holding down the key as you click on them.
• After that, go to Message > Categorize, and pick a category for these selected items.
• Next, select File > Export.
• Then, choose Items that are in the category and pick the category you assigned earlier. Click Continue.
• At last, type a file name and choose where you want to save the file. Then, click on Save. Further, click on Finish.

This process helps you gather specific emails by assigning them to a category and then exporting them into an archive file in Outlook for Mac. It’s a helpful way to organize and save particular sets of emails for future reference or safekeeping.

#3. Empty Your Deleted Items Folder in Outlook

• First, open Outlook and click on the Mail icon at the bottom of the sidebar.
• Then, hold down the CONTROL key on your keyboard and click on the Trash folder.
• In the end, from the options that appear, select Empty Folder.

This simple process aids in deleting all the items in your Deleted Items folder, freeing up space and tidying your Outlook mailbox. In short, it will also help you to fix Outlook is Very Slow and Not Responding.

#4. Organize Contacts And Messages

Changing how Outlook organizes your contacts and messages can make things work faster. If you notice a folder taking a while to open, here’s what you can do:

• First, open the folder that’s slow to open in Outlook.
• Afterwards, look for the ‘By:’ option or a similar menu. Click on it.
• Choose the type of heading you want to organize your contacts or messages. For contacts, sorting by Name is usually faster. When it comes to emails, sorting by Date Received or Subject tends to work quicker.

The above solution will help you to resolve the Outlook Running Slow in Windows 10 problem. If not, opt for the other one.

#5. See Only The Tasks in Outlook

Here’s how you can see only the tasks that you haven’t finished yet in Outlook:

• Click on the Tasks icon at the bottom of the sidebar in Outlook.
• Look for the View menu.
• Find and uncheck the option that says completed.

By doing this, you’ll only see the tasks that you still need to finish. It can make your tasks list respond faster because it won’t show the tasks you’ve already completed, making it easier for you to focus on what’s left to do.

#6. Stop Keeping Records in Outlook

Here’s how you can stop Outlook from keeping a record of its activities.

• First, go to Window and select Sync Errors in Outlook.
• After that, click on the Action button.
• Uncheck the box that says, Turn on logging for troubleshooting.
• At last, restart the Outlook program.

However, it will stop Outlook from recording detailed information about its actions, which can sometimes assist in troubleshooting issues but is not necessary for regular use.

#7. Disable Logging in Outlook

Here’s how you can stop Outlook from keeping a detailed record of its actions. This record, called logging, is usually used by support professionals to fix Outlook problems:

• Go to the Window menu and opt for the Error Log option in Outlook.
• Click on the Action button.
• Uncheck the box that says, Turn on logging for troubleshooting.
• Lastly, restart the Outlook application.

Doing this will stop Outlook from keeping track of its activities, which is helpful for troubleshooting but not needed for regular use.

Here’s a final solution to fix Outlook when it’s slow on Windows 10/11. Sometimes, Outlook becomes slow because its PST files get damaged or corrupted. These broken files not only slow down Outlook but can make things worse. To solve this, there’s a tool, Cigati Outlook PST Recovery. It helps recover and get back your damaged Outlook emails and other stuff. You can use this tool to scan your Outlook data and make it work properly again without losing any necessary information.

Winding Up!

With the help of these tips, you can fix the Outlook is Running Slow problem. Moreover, you can make Outlook work much better and faster. Don’t forget to regularly take care of your Outlook and update it to keep it working its best. If you still have problems even after trying these solutions, it might be a good idea to ask for help from Microsoft Support or an IT expert.

You May Also Read: Outlook Emails Stuck in Outbox

Related Post