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How To Fix The Issue Outlook Freezes When Downloading An Attachment?

There are millions of people who use Outlook 2016 as their default email client. Yet, there are some issues that come along with Outlook 2016. Our technical team found an issue- Outlook freezes when downloading an attachment, Outlook freezes or crashes.

How To Fix The Issue Outlook Freezes When Downloading An Attachment

Here are some causes that lead to why Outlook crashes when you download an attachment.

  • Step 1:The latest updates are not installed
  • Step 2:Outlook is loading other content like images
  • Step 3:An add-in might be causing an interference
  • Step 4:The mailbox is too large
  • Step 5:The Outlook files are corrupted or damaged
  • Step 6:An antivirus is in conflict with Outlook
  • Step 7:The User Profile is corrupted
  • Step 8:There are other applications running in the background.

In this troubleshooting article, we have mentioned the steps to resolve the issue where Outlook freezes when downloading an attachment.

Fix 1: Disable Or Uninstall Antivirus

An Antivirus is a blessing to a computer, but there are occurrences when they cause a problem with anything related to email. Here, the best possible way to resolve the Outlook freezing problem is to uninstall the antivirus. Here are the steps.

  • Step 1:Open the Settings window on your computer (Windows + I).
  • Step 2:Click the Apps option in the window.
  • Step 3:You will see the applications that are downloaded to your computer.
  • Step 4:Scroll and select the antivirus you want to uninstall.
  • Step 5:Click and select the Uninstall button.

If the issue persists, proceed with the next couple of methods.

Fix 2: Update Outlook

As mentioned in the causes section, when Outlook is outdated, it might freeze while downloading an attachment. In this method, we have mentioned the steps to update Outlook for the 2016 version. Check the steps:

  • Step 1:Open the Outlook 2016 application on your computer.
  • Step 2:Click the File menu.
  • Step 3:Select the Office Account option.
  • Step 4:Click Office Updates > Update Now.

Fix 3: Rollback Windows Updates

The problem could be because of the Windows OS itself.

  • Step 1:Press the Windows + I buttons to open the Settings window.
  • Step 2:Locate and click the Update & Security option.
  • Step 3:Under the Windows Update section, click the option that goes by the name View installed update history.
  • Step 4:You will notice a list of recent updates; click the Uninstall updates option.
  • Step 5:Do a double-click on the update you want to uninstall, follow the commands on the screen, and complete the uninstallation.

Restart Outlook; you won’t face the freezing issue when you download an attachment.

Fix 4: Disable Add-Ins

When you disable unwanted add-ins, you won't face the problem at all.

  • Step 1:Open Outlook.
  • Step 2:Click the File menu.
  • Step 3:Select Options > Add-ins.
  • Step 4:Locate the Manage section; click Go.
  • Step 5:Disable the add-ins that are not needed; click the OK button once done.

Work on the mentioned methods to make sure that Outlook freezes when downloading an attachment.