Errors in Office files are repaired automatically. Repairing your Office programs can resolve issues with Outlook not responding or freezing.

If installing the latest updates didn't resolve your issue, move on to the next step. To install the latest Windows and Office updates, see Install Office updates.

Bug fixes, new features, and performance enhancements are released regularly. We recommend setting Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates. Step 3: Install the latest Windows and Office updates If Outlook isn't working on a large or long process, move on to the next step. Give Outlook a few minutes to finish the process and it should start to work again. If Outlook is performing some operation on hundreds or thousands of messages at once, it might appear to be stuck. Check the status bar at the bottom of the screen. If you try to delete or move a large number of messages at once, Outlook can appear to freeze, but really, it's working behind the scenes. Step 2: Make sure Outlook isn't working on a large or long process If you can't find a dialog box open, move on to the next step. Pressing Alt+Tab will help you switch from window to window and help you see what dialog boxes might be stopping Outlook from responding. If you don't choose an option on that dialog box, Outlook won't let you do anything else. For example, the first time you try to Dismiss All on a list of reminders, Outlook asks you if you're sure you want to do that. Some things you do in Outlook ask for confirmation. If those steps don't work, see Need additional help? at the end of this article. If Outlook isn't stuck at a screen that says 'Processing,' or this didn't resolve your issue, continue to the steps below. In Windows 8, on the Apps menu, choose Run, type Outlook /safe, and then choose OK.Ĭlose Outlook, and then open it normally. In Windows 7, choose Start, and in the Search programs and files box, type Outlook /safe, and then press Enter. In Windows 10, choose Start, type Outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter. Launch Outlook in safe mode by choosing one of the following options. If Outlook stops responding at a screen that says 'Processing,' you can close Outlook, start it in safe mode, then close it and open it normally to fix the problem.

Start Outlook in safe mode to fix 'Processing' screen

We've presented the potential solutions in order from quickest to most time consuming. There are a number of possible reasons for Outlook to behave this way. Lessĭid you get an Outlook not responding error? Is Outlook stuck on a screen that simply says 'Processing'? Or does Outlook freeze or stop working when you're opening a file or sending an email message? Outlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016 Outlook 2013 More.

Microsoft outlook 2016 not opening