Microsoft Outlook has been facing issues with crashes when users attempt to email, reply, or forward messages. This problem emerged following a recent update to Outlook Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168). Here’s a deep dive into the issue and the temporary solutions offered by Microsoft.
The Problem Unpacked
Microsoft Outlook users have encountered significant disruptions due to the application crashing when engaging with emails—whether sending new ones, replying, or forwarding existing messages. This issue specifically affects users of Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 2016.
What Causes the Crash?
The crashes are tied to a fault within Outlook’s latest update. Diagnostic checks reveal that the crash logs are marked by the “0xc0000005” exception code, indicating an access violation error. This error occurs when Outlook attempts to use memory that it no longer has access to, leading to an abrupt shutdown of the application.
Immediate Workarounds and Fixes
To alleviate the problem temporarily, Microsoft advises users to revert their Outlook version back to 2411 (Build 18227.20162), which is stable and unaffected by this bug. Users can achieve this by entering specific commands into the Command Prompt with administrative privileges to roll back the update.
Here are the steps recommended:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Input the following commands to revert to the earlier version:
- cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun
- officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.18227.20162
- It’s also advisable to disable automatic updates temporarily to avoid reinstallation of the problematic update until a permanent fix is deployed.
Long-Term Solutions
Microsoft has announced that a permanent fix is on the horizon, slated for release in an upcoming update (Version 2501 Build 18429.20000) by January 28, 2025. Users should monitor for this update and ensure that their systems are prepared to install it once available.
Monitoring the Situation
For those interested in staying updated on this issue or finding more in-depth technical guidance, visiting Microsoft’s support forums and help articles can provide ongoing assistance and community support.
Microsoft is actively working to resolve the Outlook crash issue with a permanent fix expected soon. In the meantime, reverting to a previous version provides a reliable stopgap. Users should remain vigilant about updates to ensure they receive the latest fixes as soon as they are available.
