How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Has Stopped Working

How to Fix "Microsoft Outlook Has Stopped Working": Troubleshooting Guide

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients that helps users manage emails, calendars, and contacts effectively. However, the frustrating error message, **"Microsoft Outlook has stopped working,"** keeps appearing, disrupting productivity and workflow. If you are experiencing this problem, this comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

## Common Reasons Why Outlook Stops Working

Before moving on to troubleshooting, let's understand why Outlook stops working most commonly:

1. **Corrupted Outlook Profile**: It damages or corrupts the profile so that it crashes for Outlook.

2. **Add-ins Conflict**: Some third-party add-ins interfere with the proper functioning of Outlook.

3. **Large OST/PST Files**: A larger size of data files causes a slow response of or crashes Outlook.

4. **Outdated Software**: An outdated version of Outlook or Windows can be incompatible.

5. **Corrupted Installation**: An installed version of Microsoft Office might be faulty or incomplete and causes a crash.

6. **Antivirus or Firewall Interference**: Your security software may intercept the internet access for Outlook.

7. **Network Connectivity Issues**: If the internet connection is poor or unstable, there is probably a problem with Outlook.

8. **Server Issues**: Problems with your email server could be Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and Outlook fails.

These are the steps to diagnose and solve the **"Microsoft Outlook has stopped working"** error:

1. **Restart Outlook and Your Computer**

Close Outlook and restart your computer. This could solve temporary problems. If Outlook is frozen, use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close the Outlook process and start it again.

2. **Run Outlook in Safe Mode**

• - **Win + R**, then `outlook /safe` enter
• -If Outlook can function in safe mode, a faulty add-in or customization might be the cause.

3. **Turn off Add-ins**

• Open up Outlook in Safe Mode then **File > Options > Add-ins**
• Go to **COM Add-ins**, select it then hit **Go**, unmark everything and exit the application then launch Outlook.
• - Re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.

4. **Repair Your Outlook Profile**

• - Open the Control Panel and navigate to **Mail > Show Profiles**.
• - Select your profile and click **Remove** to delete it. Then, create a new profile and reconfigure your email account.

5. **Compact OST/PST Files**

• - Large data files may lead to performance problems. To compress them
• - Under the dropdown menu, go to **File > Account Settings > Account Settings**
• - Click on the tab: Data Files and on your file to select. Then, click on Settings.
• - Click Compact Now to decrease the file size.

6. **Update Microsoft Office and Windows

• - Open any Office application (for example, Word or Excel) and navigate to **File > Account > Update Options > Update Now**.
• - On Windows, click on **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update** and check for updates.

7. **Check Antivirus and Firewall Settings**

• - Disable your antivirus or firewall temporarily and see if it solves the problem.
• - Add Outlook to the list of allowed applications in your security software.

8. **Verify Server Status**

• - If you’re using Office 365 or Exchange, check the server status at [Microsoft 365 Service Health](https://status.office.com/).
• - If the server is down, wait for Microsoft to resolve the issue.

9. **Repair Microsoft Office**

• - Open the Control Panel and go to **Programs > Programs and Features**.
• Select Microsoft Office and click **Change > Repair**. Choose **Online Repair** for a comprehensive fix.

10. **Reinstall Microsoft Office**

If that doesn't work, uninstall Microsoft Office and reinstall it from your account at [office.com](https://www.office.com).

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. **Why is Outlook keeps crashing with the error "Microsoft Outlook has stopped working"?**

This may be due to a corrupted profile, add-in conflicts or large OST/PST files. Try the above-mentioned troubleshooting steps to resolve the issues.

2. **Outlook is not responding on starting**

Run Outlook in safe mode, disable the add-ins or repair your Outlook profile.

3. What do I do if Outlook gets stuck on loading profiles?

- Restart Outlook, repair your profile, or check for updates to Microsoft Office.

4. How can I avoid Outlook from crashing?

- Compact OST/PST files periodically, disable add-ins you do not need, and update your software.

5. Why is Outlook slow or freezing when sending emails?

- May be due to big attachments, conflicts in the add-in or a problem of the network. Turn off all add-ins and then try with internet connectivity

6. **How to fix an corrupted Outlook profile?**

Open Control Panel. Navigate to **Mail > Show Profiles.** And, Create a New Profile

7. What is the Outlook Safe Mode and how can I get to it?

- Safe Mode deactivates add-ins and customizations. You can use the shortcut **Win + R**, type `outlook /safe`, and hit Enter.

8. How do I compact OST/PST files in Outlook?

- Open Outlook and go to **File > Account Settings > Account Settings**. Choose your data file, and then click **Compact Now**.

9. Why isn't Outlook working after an update?

- An update may have cause compatibility issues. Try to repair Microsoft Office or install the software again.

10. In case none of the above steps works

Contact Microsoft Support or seek an IT professional for assistance

## Prevention Measures that Avoid this Issues in Future

1.    Update Your Software Regularly. Make sure that all versions of Microsoft Office and Windows are updated because this will avoid the problem in case of compatibility issues.

2. **Use Add-ins Wisely**: Only install add-ins necessary for the job and disable all unnecessary add-ins.

3. **Check Your Mailbox Size**: Routinely archive and delete older emails to avoid oversized OST/PST files.

4. **Install Trusted and Valid Antivirus Software**: Ensure the antivirus software installed is one compatible with Outlook and doesn't hinder its functionality.

5. **Back Up Your Data**: Regularly back up your data in Outlook to avert losing crucial emails and contacts.

## Conclusion

The "Microsoft Outlook has stopped working" error is one of the most frustrating errors; however, most of the issues can be solved with the help of troubleshooting steps in this guide. Be it due to large data files, add-in conflicts, or even a corrupted profile, this guide gives practical solutions for getting Outlook back on track.

By knowing the sources of problems and applying the preventive measures, you can avoid disrupting the flow and making Outlook work smoothly. In case it still does not resolve, you can get in touch with the Microsoft Support or an IT professional for further assistance.

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