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If you are experiencing Outlook 2016 freezing on your Mac running OS X El Capitan, you are not alone. This issue can disrupt your work and cause frustration. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to resolve it.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions, starting from the basics and moving toward more advanced fixes. Each step is explained clearly, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can follow along.

By following these instructions, you can get Outlook back to running smoothly and avoid losing important emails or data. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into troubleshooting.

These steps have helped many users fix freezing problems and improve Outlook’s performance on OS X El Capitan.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before you begin troubleshooting, make sure you have the following:

• Updated Software: Check that OS X El Capitan and Outlook 2016 have the latest updates installed. Updates often fix bugs and improve stability.
• Stable Internet Connection: A poor connection can cause Outlook to hang, especially when syncing emails.
• Backup Your Data: Always back up your Outlook data or important emails before making changes. Use Time Machine or export your data from Outlook.
• Close Other Applications: Running many apps at once can slow down your Mac and cause freezing.

Step 1: Restart Outlook and Your Mac

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Restarting Outlook and your Mac can clear temporary glitches.

1. Close Outlook completely. Make sure it is not running in the background by checking the Dock or using Command + Q.
2. Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Restart.
3. After the Mac restarts, open Outlook again and check if the freezing issue persists.

Why this helps: Restarting clears the system’s memory and stops temporary processes that may cause Outlook to freeze.

Step 2: Clear Outlook Cache

Outlook stores temporary files called cache to speed up performance, but sometimes this cache can become corrupted and cause freezing.

1. Close Outlook if it is open.
2. Open Finder and go to the following folder: ~/Library/Caches/
3. Find the folder named com.microsoft.Outlook and move it to the Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the cache files.
5. Restart Outlook and check if the freezing problem is resolved.

Why this helps: Removing the cache forces Outlook to rebuild it, which can fix issues caused by corrupted temporary files.

Step 3: Disable Add-Ins in Outlook

Add-ins are extra tools or plugins that extend Outlook’s functionality. Sometimes, incompatible or faulty add-ins cause the app to freeze.

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on the Tools menu and select Accounts.
3. Close the Accounts window, then go to the Tools menu again and click Com Add-Ins (or similar, depending on version).
4. Uncheck all add-ins to disable them.
5. Restart Outlook and see if it runs smoothly.
6. If Outlook doesn’t freeze, enable add-ins one by one to find the problematic one.

Why this helps: Disabling add-ins helps isolate whether a third-party extension is causing the freeze.

Step 4: Update Outlook 2016 and OS X El Capitan

Running outdated software can cause compatibility issues and bugs. Keeping both Outlook and your operating system up to date is essential.

1. Click the Apple menu and select App Store.
2. Go to the Updates tab.
3. Install any updates available for OS X El Capitan.
4. Open Outlook, click Help in the menu bar, and select Check for Updates.
5. Install any available updates for Outlook 2016.
6. Restart your Mac and test Outlook again.

Why this helps: Updates fix bugs and improve compatibility between Outlook and macOS.

Step 5: Rebuild the Outlook Database

If Outlook still freezes, the database that stores your emails and settings might be corrupted. Rebuilding the database can fix this.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Hold down the Option key and click on the Outlook icon to open the Microsoft Database Utility.
3. Select your Outlook identity/profile.
4. Click Rebuild.
5. Wait for the process to complete. It may take some time depending on the size of your mailbox.
6. Once done, open Outlook and check if it works properly.

Why this helps: Rebuilding repairs corrupted database files that can cause freezing and crashes.

Alternative Method: Create a New Outlook Profile

If rebuilding doesn’t work, creating a new Outlook profile can help determine if the problem is with your current profile.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Finder and go to ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/.
3. Rename your existing profile folder (e.g., add .old to the name).
4. Open Outlook. It will create a new profile automatically.
5. Set up your email accounts again and test for freezing.

Note: You may need to re-import data or reconfigure settings in the new profile.

FAQs

Q: Why does Outlook 2016 freeze specifically on OS X El Capitan?

A: Compatibility issues, outdated software, corrupted cache, or database problems are common causes. El Capitan is an older OS, so some apps may need updates or tweaks to run smoothly.

Q: Will deleting cache or rebuilding the database delete my emails?

A: No, these processes do not delete emails stored on the server. However, it’s always wise to back up data before making changes.

Q: How often should I update Outlook and macOS?

A: Regular updates are recommended—at least once a month. Updates keep your software secure and stable.

Q: Can antivirus software cause Outlook to freeze?

A: Yes, sometimes antivirus or firewall settings interfere with Outlook. Try temporarily disabling them to see if the problem resolves.

Q: What if Outlook freezes only with a specific email account?

A: Remove and re-add the problematic account. You can also check account settings or contact your email provider for help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above methods and Outlook 2016 still freezes on your Mac, consider these final options:

• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Outlook Support for personalized help.
• Reinstall Outlook: Uninstall Outlook completely and reinstall it from the official Microsoft website or Mac App Store.
• Upgrade macOS: If possible, update your Mac to a newer macOS version for better compatibility and support.
• Use an Alternative Email Client: Temporarily switch to Apple Mail or another email client while troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Outlook 2016 freezing on OS X El Capitan can be frustrating, but following these simple, step-by-step solutions usually fixes the issue. Start by restarting your Mac and Outlook, clearing cache, disabling add-ins, and updating software. If problems persist, rebuilding the database or creating a new profile often resolves deeper issues.

Always remember to back up your data before making significant changes. If all else fails, official Microsoft support and reinstalling Outlook are reliable last resorts. With patience and these straightforward steps, you can get Outlook working smoothly again on your Mac.