Microsoft confirms Outlook email crashes are due to Forms Library issue

On June 16, 2025, Microsoft confirmed that a recent update to Microsoft Outlook has resulted in emails crashing for some users. This issue is believed to primarily affect those using virtual desktop infrastructure and those who updated to version 2504 of Outlook for Microsoft 365. Users experience crashes when trying to open or compose new emails, which has caused concern among many, leading them to question the possibility of hacking or malware. Instead, Microsoft clarified that the crashes stem from the application’s inability to access the Forms Library, a critical component for rendering email functionality. Given the scale of the issues stemming from the recent update, Microsoft has acknowledged that the problem is serious enough to warrant further investigation. Acknowledging user frustration, a temporary workaround has been provided by Microsoft to mitigate the impact of the crashes while users wait for an official fix. Users are instructed to create a new folder named FORMS2 in their local app data directory following specific steps, which has reportedly resolved the crashing issues for many. Although it is not a full solution, it serves as a stopgap until Microsoft issues a comprehensive update following further assessments. E-mails play a vital role in the personal and professional lives of users, making such disruptions particularly concerning. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of keeping systems and applications updated for security and functionality, but recognizes that sometimes these updates can lead to unforeseen issues. This situation underlines the need for careful consideration and testing of software updates before they are deployed widely, particularly in environments where users rely heavily on consistent email access. As of now, Microsoft has not provided a definitive timeline for when a permanent fix will be available, but the company has committed to updating the support posting as soon as new information is available. This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between the need for updates and the potential risks they carry, especially in popular applications like Outlook. Organizations that rely on this software for daily communication should remain vigilant about updates and stay informed about any known issues affecting their users, aiming to minimize productivity interruptions.