Although Microsoft Outlook is an efficient email communication and calendaring tool, there are times when you notice that it is running slower than usual. There can be delays in sending emails or the application might get stuck for some time when you try to access a specific folder. These performance issues can result in communication delays and hinder your workflow. This guide explains the reasons for the Outlook is running slow issue and provides several solutions to fix your Outlook data file using Outlook PST repair tool, a reliable tool that can repair damaged, corrupted, or even encrypted PST files.
These performance issues can result in communication delays and hinder your workflow. This guide explains the reasons for the Outlook is running slow issue and provides several solutions to fix the issue.
Causes behind the Outlook is Running Slow Issue
There can be several reasons why you might be facing performance issues in Outlook. Some common reasons are listed below:
- Insufficient system resources (RAM/Storage).
- Outdated Outlook version.
- Graphics Hardware Acceleration is turned On.
- Corrupted Outlook Cache.
- Faulty Outlook Add-ins.
- Outlook mailbox is full.
- Corrupt Outlook data file (PST).
Solutions to Fix the Outlook is Running Slow Issue
You can try the methods listed below to fix the Outlook is running slow and other performance issues.
Method 1: Check Network Connectivity
Before beginning the troubleshooting process, you can check the internet connectivity using any online tool. If the connection is poor, it might be the reason behind slow Outlook. In such a scenario, you can disconnect and reconnect the router or contact your service provider for further support. If the internet connection is stable, follow the next methods.
Method 2: Check System Specifications
Insufficient system resources can also be the cause behind the slow performance of the Outlook application. So, you can check if your system’s hardware and other specifications are compatible with the Outlook application you’re using. You can check the minimum system requirements for Outlook on the official Microsoft website.
Method 3: Update Outlook
If your Outlook application is not updated, it might result in compatibility issues and lead to slow performance. In this scenario, you can open Outlook and navigate to File > Office Account. If there is an update available for your Outlook app, it will show up on the right side of the screen. Install the update and then restart the application.
Method 4: Compact Outlook Data File (PST)
Large Outlook data file (PST) can also impact the performance of Outlook. The Compact Now option in Outlook can help you reduce the size of your PST file and improve the application’s performance. Here are the steps:
- Start Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Choose your Outlook account and click Change.
- In the next window, navigate to More Settings > Advanced > Outlook Data File Settings.
- Now, click Compact Now. This will reduce the size of your Outlook data file (PST).
Now close Outlook and start it again. You should see an improvement in the performance.
Method 5: Use the Auto-Archive Feature
You can manage the size of Outlook data file using the Auto-Archive feature. This feature archives old messages in a PST file and frees up space in the PST file linked to your account. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open Outlook and go to File > Options.
2. Click on the Advanced tab and go to AutoArchive Settings.
3. In the Run AutoArchive every option, choose the number of days after which you want Outlook to archive mailbox data to the archive PST. (The default cycle of archiving in Outlook is 14 days).
4. Choose OK.
Now restart Outlook to allow the changes to take effect and see if the performance issue is resolved.
Method 6: Clear Outlook Cache
Corrupt Outlook cache files can also lead to a decline in the performance of Outlook application. You can try clearing the cache files, which are located in the RoamCache folder.
To find the folder, type %localappdata% in the Run dialog box, find the RoamCache folder, and delete all the items in it. After clearing the folder, restart the Outlook application and see if the performance improves.
Method 7: Disable Faulty Add-ins
Faulty add-ins can also interfere with the functioning of the Outlook application and lead to performance issues. To identify and remove problematic Outlook add-ins, you need to start Outlook in Safe Mode. Follow the below steps:
- Close Outlook and launch the Run dialog box (Windows + R).
- In the Run dialog box, enter Outlook /safe and click OK.
If Outlook works fine in the safe mode, it denotes that an add-in might be responsible for the performance issues. In order to find and disable the faulty add-in,
- Go to File > Options to open the Outlook Options
- Select Add–Ins. Under the Manage option, select COM Add-ins.
- Now, click Go to open the list of all add-ins.
- Now, uncheck all the add-ins and click OK to disable them.
- After this, you need to select one add-in at a time and restart Outlook. This will help you to identify the add-in that is causing the issue.
Method 8: Repair Outlook Data File (PST)
If the above methods fail to improve the performance of your Outlook application, it indicates that your Outlook data file (PST) is corrupted and needs to be repaired. For this, you can use SCANPST.exe, a built-in utility in Outlook.
It can resolve minor corruption issues in the PST file. However, if the Inbox Repair tool crashes or freezes while the PST repair is in progress, it implies that either the corruption is too severe for SCANPST to handle or the file size is too large. In such a scenario, you can use Stellar Repair for Outlook.
It is a specialized Outlook PST repair tool which can repair damaged, corrupted, or even encrypted PST files with absolute precision and integrity, irrespective of the file size or the degree of corruption.
Conclusion
If your Outlook application is running slow on Windows 10 or 11, implementing the solutions outlined in this guide can help optimize the application’s functionality.
If large PST file size is contributing to performance degradation, you can use the auto-archive feature or the Compact Now tool to efficiently reduce file size. In case a corrupted PST file is the root cause, you can use the Inbox Repair Tool to repair the PST file.
However if this tool proves ineffective in resolving the corruption issues, use Stellar Repair for Outlook. It is an advanced PST repair software that enables seamless repair of damaged/corrupted PST file, while preserving the data integrity.
