Many users frequently face ‘Outlook not responding’ message when they attempt to send an email on Windows 11. This resource will shed light on possible reasons of this issue. We will also explore how to resolve the issue of ‘Microsoft Outlook not responding Windows 11.’
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Introduction:
Microsoft Outlook crashes or stops functioning when Outlook users try to open or send an email message. Possible reasons of this issue can be hardware or software-related issues. This issue arises when both Outlook and Windows 11 are not up to date. Sometimes this issue is caused by conflicting add-ins, while in some cases corruption in Outlook data files (.pst) is the main reason behind this issue.
In this resource, we will dig well beneath the surface to unearth possible reasons and solutions of ‘Outlook not responding on Windows 11’ issue. This guide will also explain about the Outlook PST error and its resolutions. We will also discuss about a third-party PST Repair tool to quickly fix errors in the Outlook data files (.pst and .ost).
Understanding the Error:
Following are the main causes of Outlook crashing on Windows 11:
- Outlook data files (.pst and .ost) have become corrupted or damaged.
- Latest updates are not installed to fix minor bugs.
- Microsoft Outlook is in use by another process.
- External content like an email image is getting loaded in Outlook.
- Third-party add-in is interfering with Outlook.
- Running an outdated version of Outlook.
- Mailbox data files are breaching the size limits imposed by Outlook.
- Your AppData folder is redirected to a network location.
- Repair required in Microsoft Office programs.
- Issue with the Outlook user profile.
- The installed antivirus software is outdated, or it is causing conflicts with Outlook.
How to Fix ‘Microsoft Outlook not Responding on Windows 11’
After unearthing possible reasons of the error, it is the time to discuss its possible solutions. Some easy solutions to fix the Outlook keeps crashing problem are discussed below:
Fix 1: Install the Latest Updates: There is a possibility that the Office installation on your computer deserves an update but automatic updates are not configured on the system. To install the update manually, follow the below instructions:
Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Fix 2 – Investigate that Outlook is not Being Used by Another Process: Opting for feature like Auto Archive may decrease Outlook’s performance. It happens because such processes can utilize a large number of resources. Follow the below steps to make sure that Outlook is not in use by another process:
- Step1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Step 2: Check for Outlook Processes.
- Step 3: End Task if Necessary.
Fix 3: Add-ins Management: Outlook users install third-party add-ins to enhance efficiency in Outlook operations. But sometimes such plugins may cause issues in the app. check and disable the add-ins to resolve the issue. Follow the below-mentioned steps for the same:
- Step 1: Exit the Outlook application.
- Step 2: Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog box.
- Step 3: Type Outlook/Safe and click
If the Outlook app opens in safe mode without any hassles, then disable the add-ins by following these steps:
- Step 1: Press on File
- Step 2: Hit on Add-Ins
- Step 3: Then, choose the COM Add-Ins and click the Go
- Step 4: Pick the nonessential Add-Ins and press OK.
- Step 5: Restart the Outlook application.
Fix 4: Try Windows Store App Troubleshooter: In an attempt to investigate any issue with the Windows app, you can try its troubleshooter. The step-by-step guide is mentioned below:
- Step 1: Navigate to the Windows settings by clicking Windows key + I.
- Step 2: Choose ‘System’ and hit on ‘Troubleshoot.’ Then, select ‘Other Troubleshooters.’
- Step 3: Search for Windows Store Apps and press on the Run.
- Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
Fix 5: Repairing Outlook PST Error with ScanPST: If corruption in Outlook data file (.pst) is the main culprit behind Outlook freezing on Windows 11 then we can repair the corrupt file using Outlook’s built-in utility called ScanPST.exe or the Inbox Repair Tool. Follow the below steps for the same:
- Exit Outlook app as well as other allied processes
- Explore the Run Dialog box by pressing Windows key + R; then write %programfiles%/Microsoft Office/ in the box; and press Enter
- Locate Scanpst by browsing to one of the following file locations:
–Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
–Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
–Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Find ScanPST.exe after opening the folder
- Double click the folder to launch the program
- Hit ‘Browse’ to select the .pst file you need to scan
- Choose ‘Start’ to initiate the PST file scan
- After scanning is done, the ScanPST will display the errors and inconsistencies in the file
- In case of error, choose ‘Repair’ to start the process to fix them
- Close the ScanPST program once the repair process is done and re-launch Outlook
- Now after a successful ‘Repair’ process, you are able to access your emails and send/receive new emails
Fix 6: Repairing PST File Using PST Recovery Software:
The Inbox Repair Tool of Scanpst is a manual process that comprises multiple stages. This process may take hours to scan and repair a corrupt PST file as it is a manual process that is prone to errors. And any error means repetition of the entire process.
Additionally, the user may end up losing crucial data in this manual approach. To over these shortcomings, we can use any PST recovery tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook to repair a damaged PST file. The USP of this tool is its ability to quickly scan the file of any size without compromising its integrity.
Benefits of Stellar Repair for Outlook:
- Free Trial Version available with no file size limitation
- Availability of 3 versions-Professional, Technician and Toolkit
- Quickly scans and repairs corrupt Outlook PST data files
- Capable of recovering all mailbox items like email messages, contacts, tasks, etc. from a corrupt file
- Loaded with an advanced filter option to include/exclude emails
- Offers multiple file saving options like PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF formats
- Exports the recovered PST to Office 365—Technician Version
- Exports the recovered PST to Live Exchange Server—Technician Version
- Splits and compacts the restored PST file—Technician Version
- Exports contacts in CSV–Toolkit Version
- Merges multiple PST files–Toolkit Version
- Improved scanning and saving speed–Toolkit Version
Conclusion:
If you are the one who is experiencing ‘Microsoft Outlook not responding Windows 11’ follow the outlined fixes above to resolve the issue. In case, PST file corruption is the main reason behind the crashing issue, then you can repair the damaged file using Scanpst or the Inbox Repair Tool. Even though this is a built-in tool to fix all major issues related to Outlook data files (.ost & .pst), it requires substantial time as multiple processes are involved.
Plus, there is always a risk of data loss. To prevent the integrity of Outlook data files, we can use any PST Repair tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook. Based on advanced algorithm, this tool quickly repairs a damaged PST file of any size. It serves as an effective tool to extract the mailbox data like email messages, contacts, etc. by repairing the corrupt PST.
