Is Your Outlook Running Slow? Fix Lagging & Speed Up Email
User Concern: My Microsoft Outlook has been operating quite poorly for a few days. Every time I attempt to access emails, search my inbox, or tap on any other folders, it continues to lag. Responding takes a long time, and I’m not sure what’s creating the issue.
Is there a way to resolve this problem and speed up Outlook so it functions properly once more?
Have you too noticed how slowly Microsoft Outlook is operating?
Opening emails and searching your inbox it take long time. This issue affects a lot of you, which makes everyday tasks challenging. Large mailbox files, add-ins, or faulty PST files are typically the reason of Outlook’s slowness. The most important point is that there are several solutions to resolve this problem. We’ll discuss a few easy manual fixes for slow Outlook in this blog. We’ll also introduce you to the GoldyTools Outlook PST Repair Tool if those don’t work. It restores Outlook’s functionality, enhances performance, and fixes corrupted Outlook files.
My Outlook Is Slow; Why Is That?
Your Outlook is working well for a variety of reasons. There are numerous reasons why Outlook may be slow, including:
- Oversized PST/OST files: Outlook uses PST or OST files to store your data, as you are aware. Outlook will not be able to handle these files if they are too big.
- Too many add-ins: Using addins to enhance functionality will also use resources. Therefore, you should avoid adding any addins to your Outlook profile.
- Outdated Outlook version: Performance problems may arise if you are using an outdated version of Windows or Outlook.
- Too many emails in a single folder: Outlook may become unresponsive if users keep thousands of emails in one folder.
- Low system resources: Outlook performance may suffer if your computer has insufficient RAM or storage.
It is simpler to fix Outlook and stop future lagging when these causes are understood.
Fast Checks Prior to Troubleshooting
Try the previously mentioned quick checks before moving on to the more complex techniques. Sometimes the problem can be fixed if consumers are aware of a few easy steps:
- Verify your internet connection: Outlook may be laggy if your internet connection is unstable.
- Restart Outlook and your computer: A restart frequently resolves temporary problems that cause apps to lag.
- Update Windows and Outlook: Microsoft publishes updates on a regular basis. Updating Outlook can speed up performance and fix known flaws.
You can use the provided fixes to solve slow Outlook if you have previously tried the troubleshooting procedures listed above and Outlook is still lagging.
Examine Several Solutions for Outlook Lagging Problems
You don’t always need to use sophisticated fixes if Outlook is operating slowly. You can attempt a few manual fixes first, though. To address Outlook’s slowness, we will now go over each one in detail:
1. Turn Off Insignificant Add-ins
First off, having too many add-ins is one of the most frequent causes of Outlook slowness. Many add-ins run in the background and waste resources, even though some of them are helpful.
Take the following actions to resolve the Lagging Outlook issue:
- Open Outlook>>File>>Options>>Add-ins first.
- Select COM Add-ins at the bottom, then press the Go button.
- A list of installed add-ins will now appear. Just uncheck the add-ins that you don’t actually use.
- To restart Outlook, just tap the OK button.
You then let Outlook load only the tools that are required. It enhances overall performance and shortens startup time.
2. Next, organize or archive your mailbox.
Outlook will then naturally slow down if your mailbox has gotten too big. How can Outlook function if there are thousands of emails in a single folder? Unnecessary attachments add to Outlook’s workload in addition to bulk emails.
- To clear out your Outlook mailbox, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Files >> Tools >> Mailbox Cleanup in Outlook.
- Use the choices to empty Deleted Items, locate old emails, and see huge items.
To avoid overloading the main mailbox, you can also transfer older emails to an archive folder.
Outlook can process emails much more quickly with a lighter mailbox, and you’ll see improved speed.
3. Make the OST and PST files smaller.
Your Outlook data file remains unchanged in size even after you remove the emails.
Instead, until the file is compacted, the empty space stays. Outlook becomes slower over time due to this wasted space.
- Just select File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings in Outlook.
- Next, choose your PST/OST file by tapping on the Data Files tab.
- Click Settings now, then select Compact Now.
By doing this, the file size is decreased and Outlook loads data more quickly.
4. Use ScanPST.exe to Repair Your Outlook Data Files
Sometimes a corrupted PST or OST file is the true cause of Outlook slowdown. Therefore, you should utilize ScanPST.exe, the built-in repair program. It can assist you in resolving Outlook’s sluggish performance:
- Close Outlook entirely.
- Find ScanPST.exe in the installation folder of Microsoft Office.
- Note: Your Outlook version determines where your PST file is located.
- Explore your Outlook data file by launching the program.
- To start the scanning process, press the Strat button now.
Outlook can operate without any problems after the file has been fixed.
5. As an alternative, repair the Outlook data file using GoldyTools Outlook PST Repair Tool.
The best course of action is to utilize the GoldyTools Outlook PST Repair Tool to fix your Outlook data file if the built-in ScanPST.exe Tool is insufficient. This program can restore all mailbox items and fix highly corrupted PST files. Your Outlook functions properly once again as a result.
Additionally, it allows you to store your corrected data in many forms. Large PST files can also be repaired without any restrictions. You may scan, fix, and restore your Outlook data without any data loss by following a few simple steps. Troubleshooting slow Outlook performance caused by a large PST file is simple. When the manual repair procedure fails to resolve the problem, it is a dependable option.
6. Make a New Profile in Outlook
Finally, if none of the manual solutions listed above resolve your slow Outlook, your Outlook profile may be the issue. Everything may be slowed down by your infected profile. To fix this kind of circumstance, you should run your Outlook profile and make a new profile:
- Just select Control Panel >> Mail >> Show Profiles.
- After that, tap Add to start a new profile.
- Set up your email account with the updated profile now.
- After you’ve finished, make this newly created profile the default.
Note: There are other ways in which each of these techniques can increase Outlook’s speed. Try the easier fixes first, such as clearing out the mailbox and turning off add-ins. Next, try compacting or fixing data files if Outlook is still laggy. Lastly, making a new profile can resolve the problem if it persists.
In conclusion
Outlook can interfere with your job and waste time when it operates slowly. Simple issues like an excessive number of add-ins, a big mailbox, or underutilized functionalities can create this issue. Occasionally, a damaged PST file may also be the cause. Manual fixes are an option. where you can use the ScanPST program to fix errors, reduce file size, clean out the mailbox, and disable add-ins. However, employing a professional tool is the best option if these approaches fail to resolve the issue. Outlook will operate more quickly and provide you with a seamless email experience if you have the correct solution.
FAQ
Q1. Why does Outlook take so long to open emails?
A. Large mailbox sizes, an excessive number of add-ins, or corrupted data files are typically the causes of this.
Q2. How can I start Outlook more quickly?
A. Reduce the size of your email, condense data files, and disable unnecessary add-Ins.
Q3. Is it possible for Outlook to freeze due to huge PST files?
A. Indeed. Outlook has trouble processing large PST or OST files and may freeze.
Q4. Is speed increased by fixing Outlook data files?
A. Indeed. Outlook’s performance can be greatly enhanced by using ScanPST.exe or a professional program to repair corruption.
Q5. Is using repair tools or manual methods preferable?
A. Repair programs are quicker and safer when dealing with huge data files or serious corruption, but manual approaches work well for minor problems.

