How to Fix Outlook 365 Freezing When Changing Fonts
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Outlook 365 becomes unresponsive for about 30 seconds after modifying text fonts in an email.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Composing a new email message or replying to an existing one and attempting to change the font.
- Observed behavior
- The application hangs and freezes for approximately 30 seconds before recovering, disrupting the workflow.
Ensure you have saved any open email drafts and completely exited Outlook. Verify that your Microsoft 365 application and your computer's security software are fully updated to the latest versions before proceeding.
Check for Antivirus and Add-in Conflicts
Security software or incompatible add-ins can interfere with Outlook's formatting tools, causing momentary freezes.
Third-party antivirus or antispam programs often scan Outlook activities in real-time. If they conflict with how Outlook processes font changes, the application may hang while waiting for the security software to approve the action.
Locate your antivirus icon in the system tray, right-click it, and select the option to pause or temporarily disable protection. Open Outlook and try changing fonts to see if the freeze still occurs.
If the freeze stops while the antivirus is disabled, open your security software settings and add 'Outlook.exe' and its associated add-ins to the trusted applications or exclusions list.
Repair Outlook Data Files Using ScanPST.exe
Use the built-in Inbox Repair Tool to scan and fix corruption in your PST or OST files that causes the application to hang.
Switch to WPS Office for a Freeze-Free Experience
If persistent Microsoft Office application freezes are slowing down your daily workflow, it might be time for a reliable alternative. WPS Office is a free, highly efficient, and lightweight office suite designed to provide seamless productivity without the frustrating lags.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button to get the free installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick installation prompts to set up the lightweight suite on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Documents Smoothly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to enjoy editing and formatting without freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook only freeze when I try to change a font?
This specific freezing issue occurs when Outlook queries your system for available fonts or when a background add-in/antivirus program heavily monitors formatting changes. Corrupted font caches or damaged Outlook data files can exacerbate this 30-second delay.
Where can I find the exact location of my Outlook PST or OST file?
You can locate your active data files directly within Outlook. Go to File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings. Click on the 'Data Files' tab, highlight your email address, and click 'Open File Location' to view the file in Windows Explorer.
Will using the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) delete my emails?
No, ScanPST.exe is designed to repair structural integrity and indexing errors in your data file without deleting your emails. However, as a precaution, the tool provides an option to create a backup of the file before applying any fixes.
What if neither Safe Mode nor ScanPST resolves the freezing?
If the issue persists after running repairs and verifying add-ins in Safe Mode, consider creating a completely new Outlook profile from the Windows Control Panel (under Mail settings), or run an Online Repair of your entire Microsoft 365 installation.
