Quick Fixes for the ‘Microsoft Outlook Has Stopped Working’ Error

  • April 17, 2023
  • Written by:
  • James
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

If you use Microsoft Outlook as your primary email client, you may have encountered the frustrating error message “Microsoft Outlook has stopped working” on your Windows 11/10 device. This error can occur for a variety of reasons, including outdated software, corrupted files, or conflicts with other applications. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step troubleshooting tips to help you fix this error and get back to using Outlook without any issues.

Steps to Fix Microsoft Outlook has stopped working Error

Step 1: Update Your Outlook Version

One of the most common reasons for the “Microsoft Outlook has stopped working” error is an outdated version of the application. To ensure you’re running the latest version of Outlook, follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook on your Windows 11/10 device.
  2. Click on “File” in the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. Click on “Office Account.”
  4. Click Update Options and then Update Now.

Download and install updates if available. Once the updates are installed, restart Outlook and see if the error message has disappeared.

Step 2: Disable Add-ins

Outlook allows for third-party add-ins that can extend its functionality, but sometimes these add-ins can cause conflicts that result in the “Microsoft Outlook has stopped working” error. To disable add-ins, follow these steps:

  1. Close Outlook if it’s currently open.
  2. Hold down the “CTRL” key on your keyboard and click on the Outlook icon to open it in safe mode.
  3. Click on “File” in the top-left corner of the screen.
  4. Click on “Options.”
  5. Click on “Add-ins.”
  6. From the dropdown menu, select “COM Add-ins.”
  7. Click on “Go.”
  8. Uncheck the boxes next to any add-ins you want to disable.
  9. Click “OK.”

Once you’ve disabled the add-ins, close and reopen Outlook to see if the error message has disappeared.

Step 3: Repair Your Outlook Installation

If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue, it’s possible that your Outlook installation has become corrupted. To repair your installation, follow some steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows 11/10 device.
  2. Select “Programs and Features.”
  3. Find “Microsoft Office” in the list of installed programs.
  4. Click on “Change.”
  5. Select “Repair” and then click “Continue.”
  6. Follow the prompts to repair your Outlook installation.

Once the repair process is complete, restart your device and see if the error message has disappeared.

Step 4: Create a New Outlook Profile

If the issue persists after repairing your Outlook installation, it’s possible that your Outlook profile has become corrupted. To create a new profile, follow some steps:

  1. Close Outlook if it’s currently open.
  2. Open the Control Panel on your Windows 11/10 device.
  3. Select “Mail.”
  4. Click on “Show Profiles.”
  5. Click on “Add.”
  6. Follow the prompts to create a new Outlook profile.
  7. Select the new profile as the default profile.
  8. Restart Outlook.

If the error message no longer appears, you can safely delete your old profile.

Step 5: Check Your Antivirus Software

Finally, it’s possible that your antivirus software is interfering with Outlook’s functionality.

To check if this is the case, follow these steps:

  1. Open your antivirus software.
  2. Look for any settings related to email scanning or email protection.
  3. Disable any email-related settings.
  4. Restart Outlook.

If the error message no longer appears, you may need to adjust your antivirus software settings or consider using a different antivirus program.

Final Words

In conclusion, the “Microsoft Outlook has stopped working” error can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve the issue and get back to using Outlook without any issues. Remember to keep your software up-to-date, disable add-ins that may be causing conflicts, repair your installation if necessary, create a new profile, and check your antivirus software settings. With these steps, you’ll be able to fix the issue and continue using Outlook to manage your emails and schedule.

Written By

  • James
  • My name is David Wayne, and I work as a technical support specialist for the online industry. In the last 7 years, I have fixed a variety of email issues, such as Outlook server errors, Outlook send receive errors, Outlook working offline problems and etc. So if you are facing these types of problems, please do not hesitate to contact us without any hesitation.

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