Troubleshooting Guide for Outlook Won't Open / Working Slow Error

Effective Solutions for Outlook is not Opening and Responding Issue

Did you get an error in outlook that it is not opening? This means that the outlook application is stuck and will not respond until and unless it finishes the processing of emails. Therefore, in this article we will provide you the solutions to fix Outlook slow performance, freezing, not working or not responding errors.

Step Wise Method to Fix Your Outlook Not Opening on Windows PC

Here, we will explain the various methods by which you can troubleshoot your Outlook to fix its errors. Let’s go through them one by one to fix “Won’t open” issue:

Method 1: Ensure internet connectivity

  • Open another website on your computer and check if internet is working or not. 
  • If not, then connect your other device (ex mobile) to same Wifi and check if internet is working. 
  • However, if still there is no connection, restart your modem and router.
  • If the issue persists, contact your internet service provider. 

Once you have established a stable and fast internet connection, check if your Outlook is not opening or working issue is fixed or not.

Method 2: Update MS Outlook

If your outlook is not up-to-date you may face this issue. To fix you must update outlook by following these steps as below :

  • Tap on File > Office Account.

tap file

office account

  • Under the office update section, click ‘Update’ option and select ‘Update Now’.

update now

If still your Outlook is not opening or responding then go ahead and check next solution.

Method 3: Start your Outlook in safe mode: 

  • Press “Win + R” key simultaneously to open the ‘Run’ box. 

win-r-1

  • Here, type in “outlook/safe” and hit OK button. 

run-microsoft-in-safe-mode-2

  • Check if your Outlook opens normally or not. 

Furthermore, if your Outlook opens normally then also it is recommended to start outlook in safe mode to avoid future errors. This is explained in the below section. 

Method 4: Disable/Remove unwanted Add-ins through Outlook safe mode

Third party Add-ins can often conflict with each other and cause ‘Outlook is not opening’ error. Here’s how to fix it:

  • On your Outlook, click on “File” and select “Options”. 

outlook file

  • From left pane, select “Add ins”. 

add in

  • Click on “Go” from the bottom of screen (next to manage com Add-ins box).

manage

  • Next, ensure that all boxes are un-selected and then click on “OK”. 

3-select-the-add-ins-that-you-want-to-disable

  • Now restart your Outlook and check if your outlook stopped working error is fixed or not.

Method 5: Repairing MS Office to Fix Outlook Not Responding/Opening Error

  • On your windows search, type in “appwiz.cpl” and hit “Enter”.

windows search

  • Now, search for “Microsoft Office” from the list.

select office

  • Once you have located, right-click on it and select “Change”. 

change

  • Click on “Yes”.

yes

  • Then, select “Quick Repair” option and hit on “Repair” button. 

Quick-repair-option

  • Tap on “Repair” again. 

repair again

  • Now wait until the repair process completes.

officeRepair5

  • Thereafter, try to use your Outlook again and check if your Outlook not responding error is fixed or not. 

Method 6: Check Outlook email settings configuration

  • Incorrect email server settings can cause Outlook not working error. Therefore check our guide on How to configure email on Outlook
  • Moreover, if you changed your email password recently then ensure to update that on you Outlook mail application as well. 

 

Method 7: Update your Windows to latest version

Latest Windows update can fix bugs and errors in system files. This can lead to resolving your Outlook not working error.

Here is how you can update your Windows-

  • Open Windows menu and go to “Settings” by clicking on the gear icon. 

adjustingsettings_gear_icon

  • Next, click on “Update & Security” option. 

update-security

  • Here, select “Windows Update” from the left pane and click on “Check for updates” button. 

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  • Now your system will automatically check and install the latest updates. 
  • However, note that this process may take long time and it may restart your pc as well. So wait patiently. 
  • After the successful completion of Windows updates, your Outlook is not opening or slow working error should be fixed. 

Conclusion:

In this article we have explained various methods to fix Outlook won’t open or not responding error. By going through these troubleshooting steps, you should fix your Outlook in no time. 

FAQ's

Incoming server (IMAP): outlook.office365.com. Port: 993
Outgoing server (SMT): smtp-mail.outlook.com Port: 587

Incase if you have configured third party email on Outlook app, ensure to insert your email providers mail server settings. You can check out Aol mail settings to get complete configuration guide

Start your Outlook in safe mode and remove all Add-ins. Steps for these are already explained in the article.

Make sure that your computer’s internet is working. Thereafter, perform all the troubleshooting steps explained above one by one to identify and fix the issue.

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