How Microsoft Fixes Outlook Crashes Caused by Latest Updates in 2025

Microsoft has recently addressed a critical issue that caused the classic version of Outlook to crash when users attempted to open emails or initiate new messages. This problem, primarily affecting users who installed the latest Microsoft 365 update earlier this month, stemmed from Outlook's inability to access the Forms Library, leading to application crashes. (support.microsoft.com)
Affected Versions and Fix Deployment
The bug impacted various versions of Outlook, including:

• Current Channel Preview
• Monthly Enterprise Channel
• Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel
• Outlook 2021
• Outlook 2024

Microsoft has rolled out fixes for these versions. However, users of older versions, such as Outlook 2016 and 2019, will receive non-security updates scheduled for July 1 and July 8, respectively. (support.microsoft.com)
Temporary Workaround
For users unable to install the immediate fixes, Microsoft provided a temporary solution:

• Close Outlook and any other Office applications.
• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type %localappdata%\Microsoft and press Enter.
• In the File Explorer window that opens, create a new folder named FORMS2.
• Restart Outlook.

This workaround addresses the issue by manually creating the missing FORMS2 folder, which Outlook expects to find in the user's profile directory. (support.microsoft.com)
Recent Outlook Issues and Resolutions
This fix follows a series of recent updates aimed at resolving various Outlook issues:

• A service update was released to prevent Outlook LTSC 2019 from crashing when opening emails from Viva Engage, Yammer, and Power Automate. (support.microsoft.com)
• In late 2024, users in the Current and Beta channels experienced mailbox folders flickering and moving when items were moved to the folders after updating to Outlook version 2505. While a fix was implemented, it did not resolve the problem for all users. (support.microsoft.com)

Transition to New Outlook and Windows Versions
Microsoft is gradually transitioning users from the classic Outlook client to the new Outlook and from Windows 10 to Windows 11. To facilitate this transition, Microsoft is offering an additional year of free updates until October 2026 for users who create backups, allowing more time for users to adapt to the new versions. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Users are encouraged to apply the latest updates or implement the provided workaround to ensure the stability and functionality of their Outlook applications.

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Source: Techzine Global Microsoft fixes Outlook bug that caused crashes