New Outlook desktop not functioning correctly

Hello @Fraser Hale,

Thank you for sharing the additional details, this is very helpful for your case.

From what you’ve described, the issue is very likely related to the New Outlook interface failing to display pop-up windows (compose, settings, and even the close action), rather than the actions themselves failing. The fact that replies and forwards are being created in Drafts confirms that Outlook is processing the commands, but the UI is not rendering properly.

Since this started after a recent Windows update and multiple UI elements are affected, it points to a client-side rendering or app container issue in New Outlook.

Here are a few targeted steps you can try that go beyond a standard repair and reinstall:

1. Reset the New Outlook app state at the Windows level

• Back up your important files before making any changes.
• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
• Find “Outlook for Windows”
• Click on the three dots button > Advanced options

• Scroll down to the Reset section > Choose Repair  if you haven't tried this step.

• If the issue persists, select Reset.
• Restart your PC   
• Open New Outlook again and test the behavior  

This forces a full reset of the app container and UI state.

2. Run Office Repair from Control Panel   

• Close all office apps completely.   
• Go to Control Panel > Program > Programs and Features   
• Right click on the Microsoft Office you've installed > Change.   

• Select Quick Repair first (fast and doesn’t require internet).   
• If the issue persists, run Online Repair (requires internet and takes longer).   

3. Check display and scaling behavior

UI windows failing to appear can sometimes be tied to display scaling or multi-monitor setups.

• If you are using multiple monitors, try disconnecting secondary displays
• Set scaling temporarily to 100% under Settings (Windows + I) > System > Display > Scale

• Relaunch Outlook and test again

4. Test with a clean Windows session

• Restart the device
• Before opening other apps, launch Outlook first

This helps identify if another process is interfering with window rendering.

Temporary workaround: As you already confirmed, Outlook on the web is working normally. You can continue using it while troubleshooting, as it ensures no impact to mailbox functionality.

If the issue still persists after the reset and re-registration, it appears that this issue requires a deeper investigation on the backend. I recommend reaching out to the Microsoft Technical Support Team for further assistance.  

Their specialists can perform deeper diagnostics and, if needed, escalate the case to the appropriate internal team for further analysis. This ensures the issue is formally tracked and may contribute to a future fix.   

For business support:   

• Find your Microsoft 365 admin: If you don't know who the global admin is in your organization, you can find guidance here: How can I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support    
• Submit a service request: The Global Administrator should create a support request with Microsoft to receive advanced technical assistance. For detailed instructions, see: Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn
• If your organization's Office 365 Business/Education subscription is from a partner or reseller, and the global administrator is unable to open a service request on your end, contact the reseller's support provider to help open a service request on behalf of you instead.    

If you discover any solutions or have additional insights, please consider replying to this thread to help others in the community.   

I sincerely apologize for redirecting you to the Microsoft Technical Support Team. While I strive to assist as much as possible here in the forum, my resources are limited when it comes to backend-level diagnostics and advanced troubleshooting. Some issues require deeper technical analysis and access to internal tools that only the official support team can provide.    

If you need further assistance, feel free to reply. I'm here and happy to help!

Hello @Fraser Hale,

Good day! I hope you’re doing well.

Based on your description, I understand that the New Outlook app on Windows 11 is not functioning correctly, it closes unexpectedly, and you’re unable to reply or forward emails, even after reinstalling and repairing the app. Please let me know if I misunderstood anything or if there are additional details you’d like to share.

To help narrow this down, could you provide a bit more detail about your setup:

• Do you have multiple accounts signing into New Outlook? Are they only your work accounts or also your personal Microsoft 365 account?
• Does the issue occur with all emails or only specific ones?
• What happens exactly when you click Reply or Forward (for example, nothing happens, or the app closes immediately)?
• Have there been any recent Windows or Office updates before the issue started?

This information will help better understand the environment and what might be causing the issue.

In the meantime, you may try the following quick checks:

• Test your mailbox in Outlook on the web to confirm whether the issue is specific to the desktop app.
• Sign out of New Outlook and sign back in to refresh the session.
• Check for any pending Windows updates and install them: Go to Settings (Windows +I) > Windows Update > Click Check for updates.

• If possible, try adding a second account to see if the behavior is the same.

I apologize if I could not jump straight to a solution. I want to avoid suggesting anything that might be inaccurate or unhelpful. Once I have the details above, I’ll be able to assist you more effectively and guide you toward the right resolution.  

Looking forward to your update so we can work through this together.

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