MY Outlook hotmail is very slow.

Open Outlook.com in an InPrivate/Incognito window first; if it becomes responsive and attachments or tracking links work, disable the ad or pop-up blocker for Outlook.com and refresh the page.

1. Isolate the browser problem

Microsoft documents that AdBlock and uBlock can make Outlook.com email load very slowly or time out.^1^

1. Open an InPrivate/Incognito window:
   • Edge: press Ctrl+Shift+N
   • Chrome: press Ctrl+Shift+N
   • Firefox: press Ctrl+Shift+P
2. Sign in to Outlook.com.
3. Open an email, download an attachment, and select a package-tracking link.
4. If these work normally:
   • Open the browser’s Extensions menu.
   • Disable AdBlock, uBlock, pop-up blockers, privacy extensions, or security extensions for Outlook.com.
   • Alternatively, add Outlook.com to the extension’s allowed-sites list.
   • Return to the regular browser window and refresh Outlook.com.

Use a current version of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or—on macOS—Safari 16 or later. Microsoft notes that outdated browsers and some browser plug-ins can cause loading problems.^2^

2. If private browsing works but disabling extensions does not

Clear only the stored site data for Outlook/Microsoft sites, then close every browser window and sign in again. Microsoft lists clearing the browser cache as the resolution for several Outlook.com display and loading problems.^1^

Avoid clearing saved passwords unless that is intended.

3. If it is equally slow in private browsing

Test these separately:

• Another current browser: This distinguishes a browser-specific problem from an account or service problem.
• Another network, such as a mobile hotspot: If Outlook works there, the original network’s filtering, proxy, firewall, or DNS handling may be interfering.
• Another device: If the same Hotmail mailbox is slow everywhere, the problem is more likely account-side or service-side.
• Attachment versus tracking link: If attachments work but only one carrier’s tracking page fails, that tracking site may be the separate problem.

For urgent attachments, try opening the same mailbox in the Outlook mobile or desktop app as a temporary workaround. Browser, device, and network isolation are also recommended for Outlook web attachment failures.^3^

4. Check for a Microsoft service problem

Review Microsoft’s service status page for a current Outlook.com incident.^4^ The Outlook.com known-issues page also lists active problems and workarounds.^1^

If a service incident is listed, local browser repair will not resolve it; use another Outlook client temporarily and wait for Microsoft’s status update.

5. Escalate if it follows the mailbox everywhere

If the same account remains slow across different browsers, devices, and networks:

1. In Outlook.com, select Help.
2. Enter a description such as:
   “Outlook.com is slow across multiple browsers and devices; attachments and tracking links do not open.”
3. Complete the suggested checks.
4. Scroll to Still need help?, select Yes, and submit the request.^5^

Include the browser names, devices, approximate time the problem began, and whether every attachment and tracking link is affected.

References

1. Fixes or workarounds for recent issues on Outlook.com | Microsoft Support
2. Supported browsers for Outlook on the web and Outlook.com | Microsoft Support
3. Outlook web attachment not open and can't download - Microsoft Q&A
4. Microsoft service health status
5. Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com | Microsoft Support