Outlook Crashes When Opening Windows Explorer: Solutions to Fix This Annoying Error

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients globally, with a significant market share among individual users and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). However, like any other software, it's not immune to errors. One common issue that many users face is Outlook crashing when opening Windows Explorer.

This error can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you're in the middle of an important task or meeting. But don't worry; we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore some solutions to fix this annoying error and get your Outlook back up and running smoothly.

Causes of Outlook Crashing When Opening Windows Explorer

Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand the possible causes of this error:

• Corrupted user profile: Your user profile might have become corrupted, leading to issues with Outlook.

• Problems with Office programs: Conflicts or bugs in other Office applications can affect Outlook.

• Interfering add-ins: Add-ins you've installed might be conflicting with Outlook's processes.

• Conflicting programs: Some program or process that you've installed might be competing with Outlook for resources.

• Simultaneous use: If another process is using Outlook simultaneously, it may cause the error.

• Outdated patches and updates: Failure to install the latest patches and updates can lead to compatibility issues.

What Do You Do Then?

Now that we know some of the possible causes, let's move on to the solutions. Here are a few things you can try:

1. Restart Outlook in Safe Mode: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Try restarting Outlook in safe mode by pressing the Windows key + R, typing 'outlook.exe /safe' and pressing Enter.

2. Disable Add-ins: Interfering add-ins might be causing the issue. Try disabling them one by one to identify the culprit. Go to File > Options > Add-ins, select the add-in you want to disable, and click 'Go'.

3. Check for Conflicting Programs: Look for programs that are running simultaneously with Outlook and close them. You can also use the Task Manager to identify and close any resource-intensive programs.

4. Update Office and Windows: Make sure your Office and Windows are up-to-date by installing the latest patches and updates.

5. Create a New User Profile: If your user profile is corrupted, try creating a new one. This will require you to set up Outlook again from scratch.

Outlook crashing when opening Windows Explorer can be frustrating, but it's not impossible to fix. By understanding some of the possible causes and trying out these solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to your normal workflow. Remember to always keep your software up-to-date and monitor for any new updates that may help prevent similar issues in the future.

Outlook crashes when opening windows explorer