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Common problemMicrosoft OutlookClassic Outlook for Windows
Outlook not responding or freezing
Hangs on Processing, freezes or stops working
Classic Outlook freezes, shows Not Responding or hangs on the Processing screen when it opens. Microsoft points to hidden dialog boxes, long-running tasks, missing updates, damaged program or data files and broken profiles.
How to fix it
Close Outlook and start it in safe mode with Outlook.exe /safe, then close it and open it normally.
Press Alt+Tab to find any open dialog box that is waiting for an answer.
Install the latest Windows and Microsoft 365 updates.
Repair Office from Programs and Features in Control Panel.
Run the Inbox Repair Tool on your Outlook data files.
Create a new Outlook profile and test with it.
From Microsoft Outlook's help pages: support.microsoft.com, in our words. Checked on 5 November 2026. If the steps do not help, Microsoft Outlook's own support is the next stop.
More Microsoft Outlook errors and common problems
- Can't sign inPassword, username or account access problems
- Emails not arrivingFull storage, rules, filters or Junk folder
- Emails stuck in OutboxUsually a large attachment or offline mode
- Keeps asking for passwordPassword changed or expired with your provider
- Trying to connect…Outlook can't reach the mail server
- You've tried to sign in too many timesSign-in blocked after repeated wrong passwords
All Microsoft Outlook errors and common problemsLive Microsoft Outlook status