Steps to Fix Microsoft Outlook has Stopped Working Issue in MS Outlook 2016, 2013 & 2010
Microsoft Outlook is a popular email client with great features. If Outlook is working nicely, it's the best email client. But if it causes problems, the situation becomes very frustrating for anyone. Being an Outlook user, it's very common to receive error messages while using the Microsoft Outlook client. Have you ever confronted a situation where the Outlook client suddenly stops working?
You might get the above error "Microsoft Outlook has stopped working" when you start the Microsoft Outlook client or while you're working on it. It's really very irritating for an Outlook user. Before you can try anything to resolve this issue, make sure that the Microsoft Office suite is fully up-to-date. Still, if you're getting this "Microsoft Outlook has Stopped Working" error message, you should try different tricks here.
Create a new Outlook profile
It may be possible that the existing Outlook profile has some problems which cause this error message. So it's better to create a new Outlook profile and replace the existing one. And then, you need to re-add the email clients to this new Outlook profile. Now you can launch Microsoft Outlook client to check whether the issue is resolved or not. If you're still receiving this Outlook has stopped working error message, try the next trick.
Disable/remove add-ins
Some certain add-ins can cause compatibility issues which lead to this error message. So you should start Microsoft Outlook is a safe mode. To do that, follow these simple steps:
- On Desktop window, press Win + R to launch the run dialog box.
- Now type outlook/safe and hit enter.
To check whether the Outlook is in safe mode or not, see the title bar. If it's in safe mode, it says something like this: Microsoft Outlook (Safe Mode). Now you need to disable the add-ins (one at a time). As you're in safe mode, follow these simple steps:
- On the taskbar, click File > Options > Add-ins.
- To check for the Add-ins options, i.e. Outlook Add-ins, go to the Manage list. If you don't see the Outlook Add-ins option, you should choose the COM Add-ins.
- You need to uncheck one of the add-ins in the list and click OK.
Note: If you have some older add-ins, you must uncheck them first.
Now restart the Microsoft Outlook application (not in safe mode).
If Outlook starts with no problem, this means the add-in you've disabled recently, is causing the problem. You should visit the company's website (which provides the add-in) to check for the updated version. You should install the updated version. But if there's no updated version available, you should remove the add-in permanently.
But if Outlook doesn't start, you need to repeat the same steps to disable other add-in programs (one by one). Still, if you can't open Microsoft Outlook client, this means the problem is not related to add-ins. You should look to the next trick. Some certain add-ins can cause compatibility issues which lead to this error message. So you should start Microsoft Outlook is a safe mode. To do that, follow these simple steps:
Repair Office program
If Outlook client is not working correctly and you've already tried the above tricks but no luck, you should try to repair Outlook program. Follow these simple steps:
- First, go to the Control Panel. Click the Programs and Features in the list.
- On the Uninstall or change a program window, right-click Microsoft Office in the list and click Change.
- On the Microsoft Office dialog box, choose Repair and click the Continue button to start the repairing process.
Note: Please wait until the repairing process gets successfully completed.
Now, restart your computer system and open Microsoft Outlook. If you're still receiving the same error message, you should try the next trick.
Uninstall and reinstall Office
Uninstalling and reinstalling Outlook is a very helpful trick. It can fix many minor issues with ease. Here you should definitely try it. To uninstall Microsoft Outlook, follow these simple steps:
- First, go to the Control Panel. Click the Programs and Features in the list.
- On the Uninstall or change a program window, right-click Microsoft Office in the list and click Uninstall.
- A message will prompt saying, "Are you sure you want to remove Microsoft Office from your system". Click OK to start the uninstalling process.
Once the uninstalling process is completed, you should reinstall it. If even this doesn't resolve the issue, now there's only one thing left here.
Avoid using incompatible device drivers
Older Windows device drivers are not compatible with Microsoft Outlook program. They might be the reason behind the error message you're receiving. Make sure you're using the latest drivers by running a Windows or Microsoft update on your computer system.
