Six Easy Methods to Fix “Outlook Not Responding” Error

Summary:  This blog summarizes the six easy methods to fix “Outlook Not Responding” error. Also, it mentions the reasons behind this error.

We all know that MS Outlook is one of the most renowned and used email client nowadays as it helps in managing the data or also acts as a connectivity tool but side by side it is the most complex email client too. As many users are irritated by frequently encountering the MS outlook error ‘‘Outlook Not Responding ‘’. Sometimes outlook’s stops responding for some random reason or even get crashed during opening and forwarding of email messages which can be solved later after waiting for some time but it may happen again. So it’s very important to get rid of this issue permanently. Don’t worry we have got a solution for you to fix this error. Before digging to find the answer to the question ‘’How to fix outlook not responding error’’. Let’s find out the reasons behind this Outlook error.

Reasons of Outlook ‘’Not Responding Error”

There can be many reasons which may have resulted in Outlook’s not responding error but some of them are:

• Virus /Malware Action
• Corrupt or damaged Personal storage table (PST) files
• Installation of Corrupt Outlook
• Obsolete Outlook
• User’s Corrupt Outlook profile
• Hardware issues & Some Outlook add-ins

As I mentioned above there can be various other reasons too that are responsible for the Outlook error. So it’s our prime responsibility to find out the methods to resolve the outlook error namely outlook not responding. All the mentioned methods below are compatible with every version of MS outlook be it 2013, 2016, 2003, 2010 & 2007.

Also Read: 6 Common Outlook issues and how to fix them

Six easy methods to fix error “Outlook Not Responding”

Defuse or disable antivirus program:

An obsolete antivirus can also be the reason behind Outlook not responding error. To avoid this improper responding of outlook. Disable or defuse outdated antivirus or download the recent /latest updates of antivirus software.

Restore or Fix Personal Storage Files (PST): 

Ruptured Personal storage files is also one of the vital reasons responsible for the error ‘’Outlook not responding’’. An inbuilt utility inbox repair tool which is embedded in outlook can help to repair ruptured/ damaged PST files automatically. To do this follow the given steps:

• At first, Make sure to shut down your MS Outlook
• Go to Office Folder
• Search and get Scanpst.exe and simply double click on it
• Now choose the Personal Storage file by clicking browse
• Then Go to ‘options ‘ & select Scan
• Following the steps, click on the Start button
• If any errors detected, start the PST repair procedure

Run Microsoft (MS) Outlook in Safe Mode: 

Microsoft also recommends using outlook in safe mode because in safe mode outlook runs without any outlook add is and without any customization files. To run Outlook in safe mode, follow the given steps:

• Move your cursor to Start>Run and then type Outlook.exe/safe and press enter
• From the popup confirmation message click on yes. It makes it confirm the issue with add-ins
• Click on Files>options>Add ins ( If it’s working normally)
• Then choose COM add-ins and then check GO button
• Click on all check-boxes and click OK
• At last, Restart your computer

Terminate Microsoft Outlook to download external content: 

When your Outlook displays Outlook not responding it is advised to stop downloading external content. To do this. Follow the steps given below:

• Move your cursor to file
• Do click on options>Trust center> Automatic Download.
• Now choose on option – Do not download pictures or other content Automatically in HTML email option.

Coincide MS Outlook without Interruptions: 

During the time when MS Outlook is coinciding or synchronizing contacts with any other devices don’t work at that time. This lets MS Outlook work smoothly.

Leave hanging MS Outlook – exe process via Task Manager: 

This is one of the prime reasons behind error Outlook not responding. This is done to ensure that if MS outlook is used by multiple processes then simply just end that process by ending the Outlook.exe process. To do this follow the mentioned steps:

• Right-click the task-bar and go to Windows task manager or simply press Ctrl+Alt+del
• Now, click on start task manager
• Then move to the processes tab
• Choose Outlook.exe
• And finally, click on end process button

Professional Approach

To get rid of “Outlook not responding” error, you can use manual methods. However, manual methods are less reliable. Hence, if you wish to get rid of this error permanently then, you should definitely rely on PST Repair tool. It is a safe and reliable software to fix any level of corruption issue without any hassle.

Bottom Line

I have mentioned all the six easy methods to fix “Outlook not responding” error. Using any of the above-mentioned methods will surely fix your issue.

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