June 20, 2025, 1:01 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
With the new Outlook app, Microsoft is neglecting the maintenance of Outlook Classic. Since the last update, the program crashes when opening or creating emails. Microsoft is working on a patch to fix the issue–until then, there’s a workaround.
Microsoft recently released an update for its Outlook Classic app that is causing significant problems. Users report crashes when opening or creating emails, a fundamental error that should have been avoided with thorough testing.
Crashes When Opening and Writing Emails
As the company explains in a support article, the issue affects the mail program included in Microsoft 365. When attempting to open or write a new email, the application crashes and displays an exception error like “0xc0000409.” Similar issues occurred in early 2025, but this time the error arises because the Outlook module OLMAPI32.DLL cannot open a required library for Microsoft’s survey tool Form. The company is currently investigating the problem and will provide new information once it is resolved.
Workaround for Outlook Error
Until an official patch from Microsoft is available, affected users can bypass the issue with a workaround from the support page. This involves creating a special folder containing the missing Forms library. The steps are as follows:
- Close Outlook and all other Office applications.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” window.
- Type %localappdata%Microsoft and click “OK.”
- In the appearing File Explorer, click “New,” then “Folder,” name it FORMS2, and press Enter.
After these steps, Outlook should function as usual upon the next start. Microsoft has assured that they are working on a patch and will provide new information once the issue is fully resolved.