Microsoft Outlook may freeze while you're entering text for a number of reasons, such as third-party add-ins and other software. If a simple restart of Outlook doesn't fix the problem, then you may want to troubleshoot the issue using a few different methods. Some command switches are available to help you reset some Outlook settings when you open the program. Using Outlook Options, you can manage Outlook and disable add-ins which may be causing the application to freeze. Other software installed on your computer may also cause Outlook to not work properly.
If you're unable to close Outlook after it freezes, then you can force the process to end using the Task Manager. To open Task Manager, press "Ctrl-Shift-Esc." Click the "Details" tab. Scroll through the list of available application processes and then select "OUTLOOK.EXE." Click the "End Task" button. A Task Manager dialog box will appear to confirm that you want to end the process. Click the "End Process" button to force Outlook to close.
Changes you make to Outlook Alarms, the navigation pane and user interface could be causing Outlook to freeze. Fortunately, Outlook supports command switches that can be used to help troubleshoot and resolve problems with Outlook. Command switches can be entered directly into your Windows Start screen. Open Windows Start and then enter one of the command switches. Enter "outlook /resetnavpane" (without quotes) to reset the Outlook Navigation Pane or "outlook /cleanreminders" (without quotes) to reset your Outlook Alarms. Press "Enter" to complete the command switch while Outlook launches.
Some add-ins may cause Outlook to freeze or operate incorrectly. Disabling these add-ins in the COM Add-Ins dialog could help resolve the problem. Open Outlook, then click the "File" menu and then "Options" from the left sidebar. Click "Add-Ins" and then the "Go…" button next to the Manage drop-down. Uncheck the boxes next to each add-in and then click the "OK" button. If Outlook no longer freezes after you've disabled add-ins, then you can enable one add-in at a time, followed by a restart of Outlook, to help identify which add-in is causing Outlook to freeze.
Applications you currently have installed on your PC may also cause Outlook to freeze. Some common programs that may integrate with Outlook include security scanners, such as anti-virus and anti-malware; communication software, such as Skype or GroupWise; fax software and synchronization software, such as ActiveSync, Blackberry Desktop and iTunes. Before opening Outlook, exit out of all non-crucial applications currently running on your computer. If this resolves your problem, then try running just one program at a time, while Outlook is open, to help identify which application conflicts.
Information in this article applies to Microsoft Windows 8 or 8.1 and Outlook 2013. Procedures may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
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