Outlook Profile Freezes: Is Your PST Corrupt or Due to Windows Update (KB5074109)?

Published On - February 7, 2026 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Are you facing issues with Outlook, like freezing of Outlook and PST not opening? There are various reasons behind the hanging and freezing of Outlook. PST corruption is a common reason, but after the update to Windows 11, this issue is more prevalent.

The purpose of the Windows 11 update (KB5074109) is to make the system more secure and faster. But many users noticed that their Outlook profile is hanging and freezing after the update. Sometimes it is freezing while “Loading Profile” and sometimes after opening, it is showing “Not Responding”.

In this blog, we will understand what the causes, fixes and prevention for Outlook profile hangs and freezes after Windows 11 update are, and the common reasons for this. Moreover, you will get a one-stop solution for Outlook.

Common Signs of Outlook Freeze After Windows 11 Update:

• Outlook is stuck on “Loading Profile”.
• Outlook is not responding after launching.
• Frequently freezing while switching folders.
• Hanging while sending and receiving emails.
• Sudden crash again and again.
• All these signs occur after the Windows 11 update.

Why Does Outlook Profile Hang?

Some common reasons for the Outlook profile hangs and freezes after the update to Windows 11 are as follows:

Compatibility Issue in Outlook Version and Windows 11:

If you are using the old version of Outlook, then it is possible that it doesn’t work properly with the latest update of Windows 11. When system files change, outdated Outlook components may struggle to load profiles correctly.

Outlook Profile Corrupt:
During a Windows update, Outlook profile settings or registry entries may be corrupted. This often results in Outlook freezing while loading profiles.

Faulty or Outdated Add-ins:
Many users install third-party add-ins in Outlook. After the Windows 11 update, some add-ins are not compatible, and Outlook starts hanging.

PST File Issues:
If the mailbox size is bigger or PST files are damaged, then it creates difficulties while loading Outlook profiles. After updating, these issues are more noticeable.

Antivirus Software Interface:
Some antivirus programs continuously scan Outlook data files. After the Windows 11 update, this scanning can cause Outlook to freeze or be unresponsive.

Effective Solutions to Fix the Freeze Problem

Update Outlook to the Latest Version
Microsoft releases regular updates that fix compatibility issues of Windows 11.
Steps:-

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select File > Office Account.
3. Select Update Options and click on Update Now.

Open Outlook in Safe Mode
In Safe Mode, Outlook opens without any add-ins. To open Outlook in Safe Mode, press Windows+R and type “outlook.exe/safe”.

Create New Outlook Profile
If a profile is corrupted, then the best solution is to create a new profile.
Steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on Mail > Show Profiles.
3. Click on Add and create a New Profile.
4. Then configure your Email account.
5. Set New Profile as Default.

Use Professional Tool to Repair PST File:

If Outlook is freezing due to a corrupted PST file, using the Regain Outlook PST Recovery Tool is an effective solution. This tool scans damaged PST files and repairs them without changing the original data. If you are unable to view the PST file’s data, then the tool is for you.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

See Why Professionals Prefer Regain Outlook PST Recovery Tool:

• No limitations on the size of PST file; handles all types of corruption.
• Repair encrypted and password-protected files.
• After recovery, users can save PST file data in a new PST file, EML, MBOX, PDF, MSG, ICS, EMLX, vCard, or other prominent file formats.
• It supports all versions of Outlook and Windows OS.
• It also facilitates migrating a repaired PST file to Microsoft 365, Thunderbird, Exchange On-Premises, Gmail/Google Workspace, Yahoo Mail, like platforms.
• Running this utility is as easy as pie; here is a detailed guide with screenshots.

How to prevent Outlook Freezing Issues in the future?

• Always keep Outlook and Windows updated.
• Avoid installing unnecessary add-ins.
• Regularly back up PST files.
• Archive old emails, monitor mailbox size.
• Use a Windows 11-compatible antivirus.
• Keep PST size small; split large PST file.

Conclusion:

After the Windows 11 update, Outlook hangs and freezes frequently, but in most cases, it can be fixed easily. The most common problems are compatibility issues, corrupted profiles, or add-ins. These issues can be easily solved using the above steps. But if your PST file is corrupt or you have any issues with the PST file, then the Regain PST Recovery Tool is here. A free demo version of this utility is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: My Outlook freezes after a Windows update; any information on why it is not showing PST data?

Ans: It is true that after the Windows 11 update (KB5074109), some users have faced an Outlook profile hanging issue. However, if PST is not showing the data, then it can be a case of PST corruption. You can try basic workarounds if there is no solution, then go with the Regain PST Recovery Tool.

Q2: Can I see my recovered data of the inaccessible PST file for free using this professional tool?

Ans: Using this tool, users can recover and preview the data, but to save this data, an appropriate software license is a must.

Q3: Are there any limitations with the large PST file?

Ans: The recommended upper limit for a PST file is 50 GB. But with professional utility, you can recover a PST file of any size.

Q4: Can I recover a PST file and save data in MBOX?

Ans: Yes. This professional tool allows you to save email data in various file formats, and MBOX is one of them.