How to Fix "Outlook Out of Memory or System Resources" Error?

Despite being a powerful email client, Microsoft Outlook can sometimes run into issues like any other software. One common error that frustrates users is the "Outlook Out of Memory or System Resources" error.

The issue prevents users from accessing their emails, folders, or even launching Outlook properly. If you're facing this problem, don't worry! Here, we will explore different causes behind this error and provide the best solutions to fix it.

Let's restore the Outlook application so you can get back to your work without interruptions.

What are the causes behind Outlook Out of Memory or System Resources Error?

Before going to the solution, it's important to understand what might be causing Outlook Out of Memory issue. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Try Basic Solutions to Fix Minor Issues

Check out the following basic solutions to remove minor errors from Outlook and resolve the Outlook Out of Memory issues:

1: Restart Outlook and Your System

Close the Outlook application and restart your system to clear temporary memory issues and restore normal functionality. Then, check if the problem is resolved or not.

2: Close Unnecessary Windows & Background Processes

Running multiple programs at the same time consumes system memory a lot. Close unused applications, browser tabs, and other programs to free up memory for Outlook

3: Check and Reduce PST/OST File Size

An oversized PST/OST file slows down the performance of Outlook application. Reduce file size by:

4: Disable or Remove Unnecessary Add-ins

Some Outlook add-ins consume extra resources. Disable them to free up storage space:

5: Update Outlook & Windows

Regularly update your Outlook and Windows versions to stay updated and avail timely bug fixes and performance improvements. Check for updates by following the given instructions:

Advanced Solutions to Fix Outlook Out of Memory or System Resources

If the basic solutions don't work, try these advanced troubleshooting methods:

Method 1. Increase the Memory Heap Size

Go through the following steps to increase the size of the memory heap in your system.

Step 1. Close Outlook application if it is running.

Step 2. Press Windows + R keys to access Run dialog box. Type regedit and click OK.

Step 3. Navigate to the following registry subkey:

Step 4. Right-click to access Edit menu. Then, go to New option and select DWORD Value.

Step 5. Type SharedMemMaxSize and press Enter key.

Step 6. Right-click on SharedMemMaxSize to Modify it.

Step 7. Enter 300000 in the Value data box. Keep the default Base of Hexadecimal and click OK.

Step 8. Locate the following registry subkey:

Note: Create Applications and Outlook subkeys if they don't exist.

Step 9. Right-click to access Edit menu. Then, go to New option and select DWORD Value.

Step 10. Type SharedMemMaxSize and press Enter key.

Step 11. Enter 300000 in the Value data box. Keep the default Base of Hexadecimal and click OK.

Step 12. Go to File menu to Exit from Registry Editor.

Method 2: Delete Public Folder Favorites to remove the error

You have two options to delete Public Folder Favorites. Here are the detailed steps for both:

1. Using Outlook application

Step 1. Go to File tab> Account Settings> Account Settings.

Step 2. Click on More Settings to proceed.

Step 3. Select the Exchange account and tap on Change option to proceed.

Step 4. Navigate to Advanced tab, uncheck Download Public Folder Favorites and click OK.

Step 5. A message with "You need to restart Outlook for these changes to take effect" will appear on your screen. Tap on Done option to continue.

Step 6. Click on Next option> Finish> Close the dialog box.

Step 7. Exit from Outlook properly and restart it to implement the changes.

2. Using MFCMapi Executables

Step 1. Download MFCMAPI and run the .exe file.

Step 2. Choose Logon option under the Session menu.

Step 3. Select your Outlook profile and click OK.

Step 4. Find and double-click on the associated line of your mailbox in the top lane.

Step 5. Expand Root-Mailbox folder and choose the Shortcuts folder.

Step 6. Locate the PR_FOLDER_CHILD_COUNT properties in the details pane. Then, check the number of contained public folder favorites in Value column.

Step 7. Right-click on Shortcuts folder, choose Advanced and proceed to Empty items and subfolders from folder section.

Step 8. Leave the default options and click OK.

Method 3: Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile) in Windows

Expand the virtual memory of your system to resolve memory-related issues:

Step 1. Open Control Panel > System > Change settings.

Step 2. Under Performance, click Settings.

Step 3. Go to the Advanced tab and select Change under Virtual Memory.

Step 4. Set to increase the Paging file size for each drive based on available disk space and click OK.

Method 4. Create a New Outlook Profile

A corrupted Outlook profile can also cause memory-related issues. So, create a new one to avoid errors.

Step 1. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.

Step 2. Add a new Profile Name and click OK. Then, set it as default and tap OK.

Step 3. Configure your email account and restart Outlook.

Method 5. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

Here are the detailed steps to disable Outlook hardware graphic acceleration.

Step 1. Go to File > Options > Advanced.

Step 2. Navigate to Display section> Disable hardware graphics acceleration>OK.

Method 6. Repair Outlook Data Files (PST/OST)

Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE) is a built-in Microsoft utility that you can use to repair minor issues with Outlook data files. It scans the Outlook data files and removes minor corruption issues to make them accessible again.

Method 7. Check System RAM & Upgrade If Needed

If your system has low RAM (less than 8GB), then consider upgrading your memory to improve performance. Low storage can lead to several issues and hampers your workflow.

How to Prevent Outlook from Out of Memory or System Resources Error in Future?

Follow these best practices to avoid facing the Outlook Out of Memory in the future.

Key Notes

We hope that you can fix the “Outlook Out of Memory or System Resources” error using the provided methods. You can choose either manual or automated solutions to fix the error. Although manual solutions work all the time, they become ineffective when you have corrupted or damaged files.

So, you can use automated solutions like Recoveryfix PST Repair tool to avoid the limitations of manual method. The Outlook PST repair software even repairs your highly corrupted or damaged files with ease.

• Download Free

FAQs: Quick Help & Answer

Q1- Why is Outlook running out of memory frequently?

There are several reasons that cause Outlook to run out of memory error. These include large PST files, faulty add-ins, or outdated software.

Q2- What causes the Outlook not enough memory error?

The Outlook shows not enough memory error often occurs due to low system resources, insufficient RAM, or multiple applications running in the background. It significantly starts consuming the system memory.

Q3- Why do I see Outlook out of memory or system resources close some windows and try again?

This error message suggests your system is overloaded. It generally occurs for various reasons, including large data files, outdated applications, or hardware acceleration.

Q4- How to resolve Outlook out of memory or system resources Windows 11?

Outlook users on Windows 11 often face this error due to large, cached files or system limitations. You can use solutions like upgrading RAM or increasing memory heap size to resolve the error.

Q5- What triggers the Out of memory or system resources error in Outlook 365?

Outlook 365 users may encounter this error when handling large mailboxes or running multiple Office applications. You can use cloud-based solutions or optimize sync settings to fix the issue.

Q6- Why does Outlook out of memory or system resources 365 appear?

This error can arise from outdated Outlook versions, insufficient virtual memory, or corrupt data files. You can easily fix them with the right solutions to restore smooth functionality.

Q7- How to fix Outlook Cannot display the folder out of memory or system resources error?

You need to clear the cache, repair the data file, or adjust memory settings to easily access your Outlook folders.