Why Outlook Crashing, Hanging and Freezing

If you are surfing the internet to find out the reasons why Outlook crashing, hanging and freezing. Then you are in the right article that provides the reasons and solution for this issue. Sometimes, Outlook does not work properly due to problems in the personal storage file in short PST. The PST file is for storing the data of Outlook emails. It also contains the data of the mailbox items like Notes, Journals, Calendar, Contacts, etc. Therefore, if the PST files are not manage properly or having some issues then it results in poor performance of the Outlook. So, let’s move into different types of errors.

Types of Errors

There are multiple Outlook errors that take place in different Outlook versions. These are mentioned below.

  • The Outlook 2013 crashes on the startup.
  • The Outlook 2013 crashes on startup even running in safe mode.
  • The Outlook 2013 crashes when it is opened.
  • The Outlook 2010 crashes when opened.
  • The Outlook is freezing during the opening.
  • The Outlook freezes after startup process.

Now, in the below section let’s move to the causes of this error.

Causes for Outlook Crashing, Hanging and Freezing

Mainly the Outlook crashes when you open or startup the Outlook application. The main causes which can affect the performance of the Outlook. So, below is the list of causes:

  • The latest updates are installed on the system.
  • The Outlook application is utilized by another operation.
  • Some outer data like images in the email message are loaded by the Outlook.
  • Maybe the older installed add-in is impeding with Outlook.
  • Large PST files or mailbox.
  • The PST files have become corrupted or damaged.
  • The antivirus program you are using is become outdated and creating a disturbance with Outlook.
  • You are using a corrupt Outlook profile.

So, above are conditions which you should avoid to prevent the freezing, crashing of the Outlook. The solution to this issue is discussed in the below section.

Resolve the Outlook Crashing, Hanging, and Freezing Manually

Follow the below steps to resolve this issue.

1. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

You can overcome this situation by running Outlook in a safe mode. Follow the below steps.

  • Click on Start, and then click on Run.
  • Write the Outlook.exe /safe command, and then click on OK.

2. Use Inbox Repair Tool or Scanpst.exe

The Outlook has an inbuilt repair tool to repair the Outlook data files which is usually a command scanpst.exe. To use this inbox repair tool first close your Outlook application. Now, follow the below steps.

  • Go to Start, then click on the Control panel.
  • Now, double-click on the Folder options, then go to View
  • In the Hidden files and folders, choose Show hidden files and folders option, and then click on OK.
  • In Start, click on Search. Type scanpst in the Search tab.
  • Then, double-click on the scanpst.exe file to open the program.
  • Find the location of the corrupted .pst file by clicking on Browse.
  • Click on Start. The Inbox Repair Tool will start scanning the file and reports in case of any error.
  • If any error is found click on Repair.
  • Click on OK.

3. Examine the Issues with External Data

Check if there is an issue due to the external data or content like images. For fixing this error, follow the below steps.

Navigate to File >> Options >> Trust Center >> Automatic Download, select the following two options:

  • Don’t download pictures or other content automatically in HTML e-mail option.
  • Warn me before downloading content when editing, forwarding, or replying e-mail.

Do not send such type of email with the external source.

4. Launch Outlook without add-ins

Sometimes, installed add-ins create the problem to avoid this condition start Outlook without add-ins. Follow the below steps.

  • Go to File and click on the Options. Then click on Add-Ins.
  • Now, choose COM Add-ins, and then click on Go.
  • Deselect the boxes in the list, and then click on OK.
  • Now, restart the Outlook application.

5.  Use of an Automated Tool

If none of the methods work to fix the crashing of Outlook then you can try the alternate solution Repair Outlook PST Tool. This tool come up with excellent features to fix the error in MS Outlook. This tool is highly compatible with the major versions of Outlook and Windows. The corrupt PST files can be recover and restore by using this tool.  I hope it helped you out.

Conclusion

I think by reading this blog, you get the solution for the issue of getting Outlook crashing, hanging and freezing. Here, different methods are mention to overcome this issue.

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