If the test message sends successfully but folders don’t sync, move to the next step. Follow these steps in order—from quick fixes to deeper technical repairs. If Outlook syncs fine now, re-enable add-ins one by one to find the culprit.

Step 4: Repair the Outlook OST File

You can download these tools from their official websites and follow the instructions provided by them to scan your external hard drive and attempt to unlock or recover the files. Also, you can try tools like "EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard" or "Stellar Data Recovery" are designed recreate Outlook profile step by step to handle such issues and might be able to restore access to your locked folders. I have tried deleting the file explorer caché, ending the task, windows recovery, cmd sfc/ scannow, disabling the quick access options, updating to W11. Nothing works or fixes the issue for a while until it goes back again to the same.

A file freezes the file explorer every time I interact with it

By limiting synchronization to active folders, Outlook finishes updates faster and avoids timeouts. This issue usually happens when Outlook cannot properly connect or sync with your mail server. In this FixTechGuide tutorial, we’ll explore the causes and give you clear, step-by-step solutions to fix it fast. Outlook data file cannot be accessed Re-adding the account forces Outlook to rebuild all folders and clear old stuck subscriptions. Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support. Outlook lets you manually control which folders sync with the server.

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My fans are also going crazy every time that happens, but the performance seems just fine in the task manager. For some reason I don't the go back to previous windows update option so that's the only reason I didn't try that. When Outlook gets stuck on "Synchronizing Folders", it’s usually a sync or file corruption issue — not a permanent failure. By following these methods step-by-step, you can restore full email synchronization without reinstalling Outlook.

Clear Outlook Cache and Rebuild OST File

• If you have a slow internet connection or large mailboxes, default timeouts may be too short.
• If the test message sends successfully but folders don’t sync, move to the next step.
• Suddenly none of the files have thumbnails but a blank icon, most of the folders get stuck in "working on it" and the only thing that seems to fix it is restarting the pc.
• Nothing works or fixes the issue for a while until it goes back again to the same.
• By following these methods step-by-step, you can restore full email synchronization without reinstalling Outlook.
• Outlook lets you manually control which folders sync with the server.
• My specs are 16 gb ram ddr4, 500gb ssd, rtx 3050 Ti, Amd Ryzen H so I don't believe the issue is caused by a slow-spec system.
• This mode is ideal for slow connections or intermittent server responses.
• Also, you can try tools like "EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard" or "Stellar Data Recovery" are designed to handle such issues and might be able to restore access to your locked folders.

Faulty add-ins (especially antivirus or CRM extensions) can freeze Outlook during synchronization. My specs are 16 gb ram ddr4, 500gb ssd, rtx 3050 Ti, Amd Ryzen H so I don't believe the issue is caused by a slow-spec system. This mode is ideal for slow connections or intermittent server responses. If you have a slow internet connection or large mailboxes, default timeouts may be too short.

What Causes Outlook to Get Stuck on "Synchronizing Subscribed Folders"?

FixTechGuide continues to help users resolve Outlook and Office 365 errors quickly connection status shows disconnected and safely. The thing is that the file explorer stops working completely after like 1 or 2 minutes the pc is on. Suddenly none of the files have thumbnails but a blank icon, most of the folders get stuck in "working on it" and the only thing that seems to fix it is restarting the pc. But then again, after it restarts, everything works fine and then after like 2 minutes dies again. Before you dive into folder sync issues, read our complete Outlook and Office 365 Sync Guide for an overview of how synchronization works.