In a large Organization, employees may face regular issues with the lack of performance in Outlook. At times, Outlook may become unresponsive for some users. On other occasions, others may face the issue that Outlook is not responding for a long period. This will hinder overall performance of the company and effect the smooth working environment. Hence, finding a permanent solution to fix performance issues with Outlook becomes necessary. This post describes possible reasons for lack of performance in Outlook. Also in this post, we have discussed methods on how to fix performance issues in Outlook.
Following are some of the reasons for performance issue in Microsoft Outlook with their solution:
Meeting System Requirements
A user must make sure that the computer meets the system requirements for the Microsoft Office version being used.
Resolution: Check the Microsoft official website for latest updates and the appropriate version of the software.
Absence of Updates for MS Outlook
A user must ensure that the latest applicable Service Packs (SP) and patches have been regularly downloaded for Outlook.
Resolution: It is recommended that automatic updates must be set in your system so that the computer can update regularly.
Large PST/OST files
Large PST or OST files may affect performance and Outlook may pause often during regular operation. These typical operations include moving, deleting or even reading messages. With Outlook version 2010 or later, the maximum file limit of PST file is 50GB. Default maximum size for a Unicode PST or OST file is 25GB. If a user tends to reach this limit, regular pauses while downloading may be encountered by the user.
Hard Disk Issue
An old system computer may be using Hard Disk Drive (HDD), which is rotationally slow or first generation Solid State Drive (SSD). This will result in users facing typical pauses during regular operations on Outlook. If a user has multiple files stored in the Outlook local folder, this may lead to slow performance in Outlook.
For example, the Outlook has been configured with two types of account. One is the mailbox that is located on a Microsoft Exchange Server that uses Cached Exchange Mode. In such a case, data files are stored in an OST file. Other is the email accounts, such as POP3 or IMAP, Outlook stores email and other items to a local Outlook Data (.pst) file. This leads to a slow performance in MS Outlook, especially while moving from one account to another.
Resolution: An Outlook Mail folder in the local system can have hundred thousands of files. For later versions of Outlook, views other than Arrange By Date can be slower. Therefore, it is recommended to use Arrange By Date when using Outlook.
Outlook Add-ins
Non-essential add-in utilities or software may result in performance problems in Outlook. Use safe mode by holding Ctrl key when you starting Outlook. Safe Mode ensures that all COM add-ins and Exchange Server extensions of clients are not enabled.
Resolution: Remove the Add-ins from Outlooks to disable item a that are not used regularly.
1. At first, Click on File>> Options >>Add-ins
2. Next, a list of com add-ons is displayed.
3. Now, Clear the check box on Add-ins that are not essential
4. Click OK and restart
There should be no issue in Outlook in Safe mode. If the issue persists, remove add-on one by one and check to determine the cause of the problem.
Gadgets accessing Outlook data
In Windows Vista, Outlook provides gadgets to make tasks, calendar, emails etc in a unique way.
Resolution: Remove these gadgets from Control Panel>Home>Windows Sidebar Properties>Maintenance>Running Gadgets
Microsoft Lync communicator
Microsoft provides a communicator tool that primarily shares information about a user being busy, away or in a meeting.
Resolution: Disable the Microsoft Office Communicator that integrates with Microsoft Outlook. For that, go to File>>Options >>Contacts. Clear Display online status next to a name and click OK. Finally, restart Outlook.
Issue with the Anti-virus
At times, Outlook integrates with an Antivirus software to safeguard users’ emails and contacts. This creates lags in accessing Outlook.
Resolution:Disable any Outlook integration with the antivirus software. Also, remove any software add-ins installed on Outlook.
Abrupt closing of PST and OST files
Due to forced Windows shutdown, antivirus software running in the background or any Outlook add-ins may cause the PST or OST files to close abruptly.
Resolution:At times like this, shut down Windows with Outlook still running and then restart.
Indexed Based Windows Search
Windows has its own method for indexing files in Outlook PST file. Indexing only occurs when Outlook is running.
Resolution:Leave the system running throughout the night to determine whether the issue is due to the building of indexes.
Outlook and all versions of it are an essential part of email communication within an organization. The everyday performance will lag if the Outlook does not work in best of conditions. Clients and businesses will lose a lot of time and money if communication is not instant without any performance hassles. OST corruptions can cause to slow performace of Outlook, OST Repair tool helps. This software will repair corrupt OST file accurately. This post describes ways to resolve possible reasons for a lack in the performance of Outlook. Once a root cause is determined, a user can learn how to fix performance issues in Outlook. This write-up also discusses ways to resolve the issue with Outlook performance.