Outlook App Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

    nikhilBy Outlook 4 Mins Read

    Microsoft’s Outlook App is a great alternative to the browser-based mail client, but the application has few flaws. You might often be stuck at the “processing” error, suffer from random crashes, or the application might not start at all. These issues can make switching to the app-based mail client feel unpleasant.

    Various factors can cause the Outlook app not to work properly. In Outlook, the issues can range from bugged add-ins to corrupted cache files. The app can run into problems if it’s suffering from the issues listed below:

    • Faulty add-ins
    • Unstable internet connection
    • Misconfigured profiles 
    • Malfunctioning application
    • Outdated application
    • Corrupted Caches

    How to Fix the Outlook App Not Working?

    A general rule of thumb to troubleshoot any issue is a reboot. Common issues and glitches are resolved automatically if you restart your system.

    If the reboot didn’t fix the issue, you should check other factors which might cause Outlook not to work properly. Start with checking your internet connection. You won’t be able to use Outlook if you lack a stable internet connection. 

    Disable Add-ins in Safe Mode 

    If you cannot start Outlook or if it’s stuck in processing, you can run the application in safe mode. You should also remove unwanted add-ins that could prevent Outlook from running properly. 

    1. Open the Run command by pressing Windows + R keys.
    2. Type in outlook.exe /safe and hit Enter. 
      Type-in-outlook-exe--safe-and-hit-Enter.
    3. Select a profile and hit Ok. Outlook will open in safe mode.
      Select-a-profile-and-hit-0k.-Outlook-will-open-in-safe-mode.
    4. Click on File.
      Click-on-File.
    5. Select Options and then switch to the Add-ins tab
      Select-Options-and-then-switch-to-the-Add-ins-tab
    6. Select COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown and click on Go.
      Select-COM-Add-ins-from-the-Manage-dropdown-and-click-on-Go.
    7. Uncheck unnecessary add-ins from the list and hit Ok. 
      Uncheck-unnecessary-add-ins-from-the-list-and-hit-0k.
    8. Close the application, then start Outlook normally.

    Reset Navigation

    Outlook will fail to launch correctly if there are problems with the navigational panel. You need to reset the navigation panel to resolve the issue. If you’re already running Outlook, close the application and follow the given steps:

    1. Launch the Run command by the Windows + R shortcut keys
    2. Type in outlook.exe /resetnavpane and hit Enter.
      Type-in-outlook-exe--resetnavpane-and-hit-Enter.

    Reset Outlook Profile

    A misconfigured or corrupted outlook profile can cause problems with the Outlook application. You should repair your outlook profile to eliminate any issues with Outlook.

    1. Open Outlook.
    2. Click on File.
      Click-on-File.
    3. Click on Account Settings and select Account Settings from the dropdown.
      Click-on-Account-Settings-and-select-Account-Settings-from-the-dropdown.
    4. Switch to the Email tab.
    5. Select the profile you wish to repair and click on the Repair button.
      Select-the-profile-you-wish-to-repair-and-click-on-the-Repair-button.
    6. Enter your login credentials and hit Repair.
    7. Click the Done button upon completion.

    Repair Microsoft Office

    As Outlook is a part of the Microsoft Office package, any problem in the Office package can directly affect the Outlook app as well. For such cases, you can repair the application from the Control panel. Follow the steps below to repair the Office package. 

    1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command.
    2. Type in appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
      Type-in-appwix-cpl-and-hit-Enter.
    3. Select Microsoft Office and click on Change.
      Select-Microsoft-Office-and-click-on-Change.
    4. Click Yes on the given prompt.
    5. Select the Quick Repair Radio button and click on Repair.
      Select-the-Quick-Repair-Radio-button-and-click-on-Repair.
    6. Click on Repair.
      Click-on-Repair.
    7. Restart your computer after completion.

    Update Outlook

    The outdated version of Outlook is more likely to suffer from issues such as connectivity issues, problems while sending or receiving emails, random crashes etc. You can apply all the bug fixes to resolve this issue by updating the Office package to its latest version. 

    1. Open the Outlook app on Windows.
    2. Click on File.
      Click-on-File.
    3. Select Office account.
      Select-Office-account.
    4. Click the Updates options under Product Information.
      click-the-Updates-options-under-Product-Information.
    5. Select Update Now
      Select-Update-Now

    Update Windows

    Similar to updating the Outlook app, updating Windows is also equally important to avoid any version incompatibility. You can check Windows for updates by the steps given below:

    1. Press Windows + I to open settings.
    2. Click on Updates & Security.
      Click-on-Updates-&-Security.
    3. Navigate to Windows Updates on the left pane.
      Navigate-to-Windows-Updates.
    4. Click on Check for Updates.
      Click-on-Check-for-Updates.
    5. If any pending update show up, Click install now and wait for progress.
      If-any-pending-update-show-up,-Click-install-now-and-wait-for-progress.

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