Office Apps Crashing

How to Fix Outlook 2013 Crashing After a Windows Update

Huda Qurayshi Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing crashes and freezing issues with Microsoft Outlook 2013 immediately after installing a Windows system update, particularly affecting POP email accounts.

How to Fix Outlook 2013 Crashing After a Windows Update

Product: Microsoft Outlook 2013
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to launch and use Outlook 2013 to manage emails after completing a recent Windows update.
Observed behavior: Outlook 2013 becomes unresponsive, freezes, or crashes entirely, preventing the user from accessing their emails.

Before you start

Before making system changes, ensure you have your email account login credentials saved and consider backing up your existing Outlook data files (.pst or .ost).

Solution 1Recommended

Repair the Microsoft Office Installation and Data Files

Use this method if the Windows update corrupted the Office application files or the Outlook data files, causing instability.

Windows updates can sometimes interfere with the core files of Microsoft Office applications. Running a built-in repair for Office 2013 and repairing your PST data files can resolve the underlying conflicts.

Repair Microsoft Office

Exit all Office programs. Open the Windows Control Panel, navigate to 'Programs and Features', right-click 'Microsoft Office 2013', and select 'Repair'. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Locate the Inbox Repair Tool

Open File Explorer and navigate to the Office 2013 installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15). Look for the executable file named 'ScanPST.exe'.

Repair Outlook Data Files

Double-click 'ScanPST.exe' to run the Inbox Repair Tool. Click 'Browse' to select your Outlook data file, click 'Start' to scan for errors, and then click 'Repair' to fix any found issues.

Repair the Microsoft Office Installation and Data Files

Keep Office Updated: Ensure you also install the latest Office updates directly from the application (File > Office Account > Update Options), as Microsoft frequently patches known crash issues.

Solution 2

Create a New Outlook Profile

Use this approach if repairing the application fails, as a corrupted Outlook profile is a common cause of crashing loops.

Solution 3

Uninstall the Problematic Windows Update

Use this temporary workaround if the crashes began immediately after a specific recent update and affect your POP accounts.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) located for Outlook 2013?

For Outlook 2013 on a standard 64-bit Windows installation, ScanPST.exe is typically located in 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15'. If you are using 32-bit Office on 64-bit Windows, look in 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15'.

Can my antivirus software cause Outlook 2013 to freeze?

Yes. Sometimes antivirus programs with Outlook integration can conflict with the application, especially after an update. You can test this by launching Outlook in Safe Mode (hold the CTRL key while clicking the Outlook shortcut) or by temporarily disabling the antivirus add-in via File > Options > Add-ins.

Why are only my POP email accounts freezing after the update?

Occasionally, specific Windows or Office updates introduce bugs that disrupt the protocols used to synchronize POP3 accounts, while IMAP and Exchange accounts remain unaffected. Uninstalling the specific update or waiting for Microsoft's hotfix usually resolves this.

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