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How to Fix Outlook for Mac Crashing When Sending Emails
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Outlook for Mac unexpectedly closes or crashes whenever attempting to send an email.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Sending an outgoing email message with or without attachments.
- Observed behavior
- The application closes unexpectedly or crashes immediately upon clicking the send button or during mail synchronization.
Before proceeding with any profile changes or reinstallation, ensure you back up your current Outlook profile data or export your items to an .olm file to prevent accidental data loss.
Update macOS and Microsoft Outlook
Keeping your operating system and email client up to date is the most effective way to resolve known software bugs and compatibility conflicts.
Click the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of your screen, select 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences'), navigate to 'General', and click 'Software Update'. Install any pending system updates.
Open Microsoft Outlook. From the top menu bar, click on 'Help' and select 'Check for Updates'. Follow the Microsoft AutoUpdate prompts to install the latest version.
Once all software updates are successfully installed, restart your Mac to apply the changes. Reopen Outlook and attempt to send a test email.
Boot Mac in Safe Mode and Clear Stuck Messages
Starting your Mac in Safe Mode helps isolate system extensions causing the crash, allowing you to delete corrupted messages stuck in the Outbox without triggering the crash.
Create a New Outlook Profile
If your current Outlook profile is corrupted, creating a fresh profile can resolve underlying database issues that are causing the app to crash upon sending.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Document Productivity
While troubleshooting Outlook email crashes, you may also be seeking a more stable and efficient office suite for your Mac. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free Microsoft Office alternative that handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files effortlessly. It is lightweight, fast, and designed to maximize your productivity without hefty subscription fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installer.
- 2. Install the Suite: Open the downloaded setup file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook for Mac crash specifically when I hit send?
This specific type of crash is typically triggered by a corrupted email stuck in your Outbox, a damaged Outlook profile database, or an outdated version of the application conflicting with your current macOS version.
Will I lose my emails if I create a new Outlook profile?
No, not if you keep the old profile intact. Creating a new profile allows you to start fresh, and emails stored on your server (IMAP or Exchange) will sync back automatically. Always avoid deleting the old profile until you are certain your data is safe.
How do I back up my Outlook for Mac data?
You can back up your local data by exporting your emails, contacts, and calendar items to an .olm file. Simply go to the 'Tools' menu in Outlook and select 'Export' to generate this backup file.
Does reinstalling Outlook for Mac delete my existing emails?
No. Dragging the Microsoft Outlook application to the Trash and reinstalling it does not remove your profile data, which is safely stored in a separate hidden Library folder on your Mac.
