Scenario
You experience slow performance while using Microsoft Outlook; this includes delays in sending and receiving emails, as well as freezes or application crash.
Reason
Performance issues can be attributed to large mailbox sizes, outdated Outlook software, insufficient system resources, or conflicts with Add-ins.
Resolution
To enhance your Outlook's performance when experiencing slowness, delays in sending or receiving emails, or freezes and crashes:
Compact the Outlook data file
Outlook stores emails, calendar events, and other items in a data file. Over time, this file can grow large and affect performance.To compact the Outlook data files:
- Within Outlook, select File, select Account Settings then select Account Settings....
- Select the Data Files tab.
- Double-click your data file (this will typically be an OST or PST file). The Microsoft Exchange window is displayed.
- Select the Advanced tab, select Outlook Data File Settings then select Compact Now.
- Select OK to save the changes made.
Depending upon the file size, compacting the data file will take time to compact.
Numbered steps to compact Outlook Data Files
Update Outlook to the latest version
Make sure you are using the most current version of Outlook. Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve performance and fix bugs.To update Outlook to the latest version:
- Open any Microsoft Office application. Select the File menu, select Accounts (in some versions it is Office Accounts).
- In the Product Information section, select Update Options then select Update Now.
Update Outlook to the the latest version
Disable unnecessary Add-ins
Disable unnecessary Add-ins Add-ins can enhance Outlook's functionality, but can also affect its performance.To disable the Add-in:
- Within Outlook, select File, select Options then select Add ins....
- In the Manage section, from the drop-down list, select COM Add-ins then select Go.
- Untick any add-ins you do not need, then select OK.
Numbered steps to disable Add-ins in Outlook
If you notice any performance improvement after disabling the Add-ins, you can enable them one by one to identify the problematic add-in.
Increase system resources
Outlook requires sufficient system resources (RAM, CPU) to function smoothly.Close any unused applications to free up resources.
- Use the Task Manager [Ctrl + Shift + Esc] to identify the applications that are consuming high-resources and select End Task.
- If your computer consistently runs low on resources, consider upgrading your RAM or switching to a more powerful device.
Archive old emails
Archiving emails removes them from your main mailbox but keeps them accessible if needed. This can significantly reduce your mailbox size and improve Outlook's performance.To archive emails
- Within Outlook, select File, select Tools, then select Clean Up Old items.. or Archive (depending on your Outlook version).
- Select the folders you wish to archive.
- In Archive items older than, enter a date to filter all the folders you wish to archive.
- In Archive file, select a location to save the archived file.
Numbered steps to archive emails
- Select Ok.