How to Fix Visio 2013 Freezing When Sending Drawings by Email
Question details
Visio 2013 stops responding when attempting to share a drawing via email as an attachment.
- Product
- Microsoft Visio 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using the File > Share > Email > Send as Attachment feature in Visio 2013 with a newer version of Outlook or Windows.
- Observed behavior
- Visio 2013 freezes or becomes entirely unresponsive during the email attachment process, even if Outlook operates normally on its own.
Manually save your current Visio drawing to your local hard drive to prevent any data loss during the troubleshooting process.
Run the Compatibility Troubleshooter for Visio and Outlook
Since Visio 2013 is an older application interacting with a newer Outlook client, adjusting Windows compatibility settings is the most effective way to resolve handoff freezes.
Running older Office software alongside newer versions often results in cross-communication errors. Applying a legacy compatibility mode can bridge this gap.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your Program Files folder to find the 'visio.exe' application file.
Right-click on the 'visio.exe' file and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Compatibility' tab and click on the 'Run compatibility troubleshooter' button to let Windows find the best settings.
Alternatively, check the box for 'Run this program in compatibility mode for' and select an older version of Windows (such as Windows 8). Click 'Apply' and 'OK', then repeat this process for 'outlook.exe'.
Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration in Visio
Turning off hardware acceleration can resolve interface rendering freezes that occur between older Office applications and newer Windows display drivers.
Launch Outlook in Safe Mode
Opening Outlook in Safe Mode temporarily disables add-ins that might be interfering with the email attachment handoff from Visio.
Upgrade Your Office Experience with WPS Office
If you are tired of compatibility bugs, freezing apps, and version mismatches in legacy software like Office 2013, switch to a modern, unified solution. WPS Office is a free, lightweight suite that handles your essential tasks without the hassle.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and install it on your Windows, Mac, or mobile device.
- 2. Explore Diagram Tools: Open WPS Office and select 'New' to access built-in flowchart, mind map, and diagram templates.
- 3. Share with Ease: Use the integrated sharing tools to export your visual projects as PDFs or images and send them via email instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Visio 2013 freeze specifically when sending emails?
This freezing is typically caused by version mismatches. When Visio 2013 attempts to hand off an attachment to a significantly newer version of Outlook or Windows, compatibility issues block the communication, causing the application to hang.
Can I simply update Visio 2013 to fix the freezing issue?
Yes, installing the latest applicable updates for Office 2013 can sometimes patch these bugs. However, if you are using an enterprise device, your IT department may restrict updates, meaning you will need to contact them directly to upgrade or match your Office application versions.
How do I manually attach a Visio drawing to an email instead?
If the built-in share feature continues to freeze, save your Visio drawing directly to your local drive. Then, open your email client independently, compose a new message, and use the standard 'Attach File' button to select your saved drawing.
