How do I troubleshoot performance issues in Outlook?

The following guide from Microsoft describes how to troubleshoot performance issues in Outlook:

Microsoft explains that Outlook performance issues may be caused by one or more of the following: 

  • Insufficient computer specifications
  • Absence of the latest service pack and updates for Outlook
  • Large Personal Folders files (.pst) or Offline Folder files (.ost)
  • Outlook .ost files or .pst files that are stored on a drive with insufficient write performance
  • Third-party add-ins
  • Your AppData folder is redirected to a network location
  • Gadgets that access Outlook data (Windows Vista only)
  • Microsoft Office Communicator integration
  • Antivirus software interaction
  • Windows Search or Windows Desktop Search indexing
  • Incomplete closure of .pst files or .ost files
  • POP3 accounts on Windows Vista clients
  • Many Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds
  • To-Do Bar and Online mode with Exchange server
  • Damaged Outlook messaging profile

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