Does Microsoft have an ETA for a fix for the recent issue with Outlook classic repeatedly downloading the same emails?

Question

On 1/20/26 I started having problems with Classic Outlook for Windows. It hangs frequently and emails keep redownloading. If I delete an email from my Inbox, it reappears in my Inbox the next time I open Outlook. If I read an email, it shows as unread the next time I open Outlook. Additionally if I create a new folder in Outlook, the folder is gone the next time I open Outlook. It's like Groundhog Day every time I open Outlook. MS needs to fix this fast. What is the ETA for a fix? (I use POP3, which I prefer over IMAP).

Answer 1

Hi,

Sorry NO ETA.

Via https://support.microsoft.com/office/classic-outlook-pop-account-profiles-hang-and-freeze-after-windows-11-update-to-kb5074109-590fe356-ecc2-49f4-b9e3-bd39fafa58f6

After updating Windows 11 to KB5074109 January 13, 2026 users with Outlook POP account profiles report that Outlook is not exiting properly. This means that Outlook will not restart after you close it.

In addition, some users report issues with Outlook hangs or freezes.

This is an emerging issue, and we don’t have all the symptoms yet, but we will update the topic as we understand the issue better.

STATUS: INVESTIGATING

The Outlook and Windows Teams are investigating this issue. We will update when we know more.

This issue is being discussed in the Learn forums if you want to ask questions or share feedback here:

Outlook Classic not opening properly or recording sent mails after 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623)

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 2

Currently, there is no specific ETA for a fix regarding the issues you are experiencing with Classic Outlook for Windows, such as emails repeatedly downloading and other related problems. Microsoft is aware of these issues and has acknowledged them as known problems that their engineering team is actively working to resolve. However, they have not provided a timeline for when a fix will be implemented. It is recommended to keep your Outlook updated to the latest version as updates may include fixes for such issues.

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References:

• fixing the ADDriver error in Outlook - Microsoft Q&A
• Outlook not responding error or Outlook freezes when you open a file or send mail