outlook application not responding

For classic Outlook for Windows, use this order:

1. Start Outlook in safe mode to check for an add-in issue.
   • Press Windows + R.
   • Type outlook.exe /safe and select OK.
   • If Outlook opens normally, disable COM add-ins:
     • File > Options > Add-ins
     • Select COM Add-ins > Go
     • Clear all add-in check boxes, select OK, then restart Outlook.
   • Re-enable add-ins one at a time until the problem returns to identify the conflicting add-in.
   • Do not use Remove for troubleshooting; disable the add-in instead.
2. Install the latest Windows and Outlook/Office updates.
   • Outlook freezing or not responding can be caused by missing updates.
3. Repair Office.
   • Close all Office apps.
   • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
   • For Microsoft 365, right-click the Microsoft 365 installation and select Change > Online Repair.
   • For Office 2016/2013/2010, right-click the Office entry and select Repair.
4. Repair Outlook data files.
   • Exit Outlook.
   • Run the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) using the steps in Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost).
5. Check antivirus integration.
   • Outdated antivirus software or Outlook integration can cause performance issues.
   • If antivirus includes Outlook integration, disabling that integration can help.
   • Warning: changing antivirus settings can make the PC more vulnerable. Use caution.
6. Create a new Outlook profile if the issue continues.
   • Open Control Panel > Programs > User Accounts > Mail.
   • Select Show Profiles > Add.
   • Enter the profile name, then configure the account.
7. If none of the above works, run the Classic Outlook Advanced Diagnostics troubleshooter in Get Help.
   • It checks many common causes automatically.
   • It works for classic Outlook on the same Windows device and requires Windows 10 or later.

• Outlook for Windows not responding, hangs, freezes, or stops working
• Outlook crashes or stops responding when used with Office 365
• Outlook not responding error or Outlook freezes when you open a file or send mail
• Outlook not responding, stuck at "Processing," stopped working, or freezes