Fix: Outlook.exe remains in Memory and Task Manager after closing Outlook

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I came across this situation a couple of times, where the client was complaining about Outlook.exe process continuing to remain in the Task Manager, even after closing the program. Each scenario was different, but I managed fix ita  couple of times. In this article I’ll share those possible fixes.

Outlook.exe remains in memory

Scenario 1:

In most of the cases I have seen, I have found some security suite like Kaspersky, Norton 360, etc to be the culprits. Each security software has an anti-spam plug-in and sometimes, this causes the Outlook.exe to hang. So in such cases, you could try to disable the add-in and see if it works. I would suggest using OfficeIns to disable the add-ins because it’s much easier than disabling the add-ins from the Add-in Manager of Outlook.

You can download OfficeIns from Nirsoft. Close Outlook. Make sure it’s not running in the Task Manager. Then open OfficeIns. Select the Add-in and Right Click on it. You’ll find an option called “Change Start Mode” and select Disabled and the Select “Change Connect Mode” and select No. Once you disable the add-in, the open Outlook and test it.

image thumb10 Fix: Outlook.exe remains in Memory and Task Manager after closing Outlook

If it does works then contact the software vendor and see what’s causing it.

Scenario 2:

The second scenario I have seen is when using Team Viewer. Once I had a client with a similar problem. There were no add-ins enabled, as I had disabled all of them. Then I installed Process Explorer and selected “Outlook.exe” then I went to “View” menu and selected “Show Lower Pane”.

image thumb11 Fix: Outlook.exe remains in Memory and Task Manager after closing Outlook

I went through each of the Handles from the list, and found “Team Viewer” related files there. But I didn’t find any add-ins in Outlook. Then I noticed this very handle had been placed near the minimize button.

image thumb12 Fix: Outlook.exe remains in Memory and Task Manager after closing Outlook

I couldn’t find a way to disable it. So I went to “MSCONFIG” and disabled Team Viewer from “Startup” and “Services” and then rebooted the system. I opened Outlook, waited few minutes and closed it. It was no longer showing up in the Task Manager.

Hope some of these tips help you fix this problem. If not, post it in our forums we’ll help you fix them.

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Shyam aka “Captain Jack” is a Microsoft MVP and a Windows Enthusiast whose area of expertise is Crash Dump Analysis and Advanced Windows troubleshooting. He has developed Windows based Tools like SF IE Restorator for troubleshooting Internet Explorer issues and SF Diagnostic Tool for collecting Crash dump files for troubleshooting purpose. He blogs at captaindbg.com.

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