Microsoft shares workaround for Outlook freezes when copying text – BleepingComputer

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue in Outlook for Windows that causes the email client to freeze when copying text from a message. The problem has been reported by many users, who have taken to social media platforms like Reddit and Microsoft’s own support forum to complain. In some cases, Outlook becomes unresponsive for up to several minutes when copying text, forcing users to restart the application.

A workaround for the issue has been shared by Microsoft Support on its community forum, suggesting users switch to a new profile. Microsoft acknowledges the problem and has been actively seeking a permanent solution. The issue appears to be linked to the “Quick Edit” functionality.

To work around the problem, Microsoft recommends creating a new Outlook profile and migrating data from the affected profile to the new one. The process of creating a new profile and migrating data involves these steps:

How to Create a New Outlook Profile

1. Open the Control Panel by pressing Windows + R and typing “control” and clicking OK.
2. Navigate to “Mail (Microsoft Outlook)”.
3. Click “Show Profiles”.
4. Click “Add”.
5. Provide a name for the new profile. Click “Next”.
6. Select “Add” and choose your email account type from the list, e.g., IMAP, POP3, Exchange, etc.
7. Provide the required account details (email address, password, server settings) and click “Next”.
8. Verify account settings and click “Finish”.
9. Click “Finish” again to create the new profile.

Migrating Data from Old to New Profile

1. In the “Mail” window, under the “Profiles” tab, select the new profile you just created.
2. Click “Set as Default”.
3. Click “OK” to close the window.
4. Open Outlook with the newly created profile.
5. Import data from the old profile, including emails, contacts, calendar items, etc., into the new profile. This can be done by going to “File” -> “Open & Export” -> “Import/Export” and following the on-screen instructions.

While the new profile workaround provides a temporary solution, users eagerly await a permanent fix from Microsoft. With the growing number of users affected, it’s likely Microsoft will be working tirelessly to find a resolution to the freezing issue.

Workaround and Potential Fixes

While switching to a new profile offers a temporary solution, other workarounds include disabling Quick Edit and avoiding using the “Reply all” option for large email chains. These methods might also prove useful for managing the problem temporarily, until a permanent solution is found.

While Microsoft acknowledges the freezing issue in Outlook, it’s essential for users to note that this workaround is a temporary fix. The company is continuously working on a permanent solution, and it’s crucial for affected users to be patient and keep track of updates. Regular updates and patches from Microsoft may include the much-needed solution to this recurring issue.

Ultimately, it is crucial for users to understand the implications of switching to a new profile and data migration, as they might require some time to get accustomed to the new set-up. Regular communication from Microsoft regarding progress in identifying a solution to the issue is anticipated.

This temporary fix should be viewed as a stopgap measure until a long-term fix becomes available.