Microsoft has provided a solution for CPU spikes that occur while typing in the classic Outlook version.
Since November, various reports from Outlook users have been coming in via social media and Microsoft’s community website. They noticed significant CPU spikes when typing a message in Outlook 2016. According to one user, deactivating add-ins, graphics acceleration, or spell-check options did not resolve the issue. Last week, Microsoft shared a temporary solution in a blog post, but now the company has come up with a definitive solution (which will only be available from May).
High CPU usage
Windows users noticed high CPU usage while typing in recent versions of the classic Outlook email client a while ago. The CPU spikes at times to 30 and 50 percent, causing power consumption to increase. As a user, you can monitor this by opening Task Manager while typing.
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After various reports, Microsoft acknowledged these CPU spikes. According to the company, the problem would occur after updating to version 2406 Build 17726.20126+ on Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, or the Insider channels.
Solution
Microsoft has now found a solution for the problem, but it will only be available in the beta channel in “early May”, in the current channel preview in “mid-May”, and in the current channel in “late May”.
Don’t want to wait that long? Then you can revert to version 2405 of classic Outlook. However, the company advises against this as there have been new security updates since that version. Microsoft shares the instructions on its support page.
This article originally appeared on April 17, 2025, and was updated with the latest information.