Security is the temple of Apple products but occasionally malware somehow gets into the protected Mac systems. When Mac Gatekeeper is active and you install an app or an update, it verifies the authenticity of it.
Sometimes, the experience is unexpected when the pop-up “verifying Microsoft Outlook” starts popping on the Mac screen repeatedly! Apparently, it does not have any reason or clear intent to show up again and again.
So, how to stop it?
You can Force Stop Outlook, double check the security settings, run necessary updates, or reboot into Safe Mood to fix the ”Verifying Microsoft Outlook” issue.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the reasons why you’re getting this popup and methods of removing it.
So, let’s get your Mac experience back on track agian.
What exactly is a “Verifying Microsoft Outlook” Error?
The “Verifying Microsoft Outlook” error typically occurs on macOS when the system is attempting to verify the authenticity or integrity of the Microsoft Outlook application. This verification process can happen during various scenarios such as initial setup, after an update, or during regular usage.
Occasionally, CoreServicesUIAgent, the macOS function responsible for authentication, becomes unresponsive. As a result, it starts exhibiting an endless “Verifying Microsoft Outlook” notification.
The bad news is that it is becoming a common issue these days. So, your Mac system could become a victim of this irritating malware.
Why is the Mac stuck ‘Verifying Microsoft Outlook’?
“Verifying Microsoft Outlook” is a very annoying pop-up on Mac screens.
It appears due to the following possible reasons:
- The Outlook application files are often corrupted (or become corrupted due to any unknown issues). It causes the verification process to fail.
- An incomplete or interrupted update of Outlook can lead to verification issues.
- Conflicts with other installed software or system processes can interfere with the verification process. As a result, the Mac stuck in verifying Microsoft Outlook.
- Poor internet connection or network problems disrupt the verification process. It is the reason why verifying Microsoft Outlook pop-up continuously.
- Insufficient permissions or incorrect settings for Outlook files or folders are the primary cause of verification problems.
- If you are running an outdated version of macOS, it leads to compatibility issues during the verification process.
- Insufficient system resources such as memory or disk space can hinder the verification process. It’s very common for those Mac users who have storage issues.
- Overzealous antivirus software often mistakenly flag Outlook files. So, it can cause verification delays.
- Incorrect system settings related to security or privacy settings affect the verification process of Microsoft Outlook.
These reasons are based on common issues reported by users and troubleshooting guides for macOS and Microsoft Outlook.
How to fix it when ‘verifying Microsoft Outlook’ gets stuck?
Let’s see how we can fix the verifying Microsoft Outlook malware on a MacBook, iPad, iMac, or Mac mini.
1. Force Quit & Relaunch Outlook
Force-quitting and relaunching outlook is the most effective method of getting rid of this error.
It should be your action whoever you stuck in verifying Microsoft Outlook pop-up.
Prerequisites:
- Remember, we will also force quit the CoreServicesUIAgent process.
- We will also restart Microsoft’s email client from the beginning. It is often necessary to resolve sporadic issues with verification.
- To terminate both processes, you need to utilize the Activity Monitor in macOS.
Steps to Force Quit Verifying Microsoft Outlook:
Here is how to:
Step 1: Quick Access: Activity Monitor
- Navigate to Launchpad.
- Choose “Other“.
- Click on “Activity Monitor”.
Step 2: CPU Control: Stop Outlook Process
- Go to the CPU tab.
- Locate Microsoft Outlook.
- Select it and Choose “Stop“.
Step 3: Emergency Action: Force Quit!
- Proceed to the option for “Force Quit“.
Step 4: Coreservicesuiagent Intervention: Forcefully Halt
- Locate coreservicesuiagent services.
- Highlight it.
- Choose “Stop“.
- Select “Force-Quit“.
Pro Tip:
You can use the Activity Monitor’s Search box for quicker access to Microsoft Outlook and CoreServicesUIAgent processes.
2. Restart Your Mac
If the verifying Microsoft Outlook issue does not get out of your screen, consider restarting your Mac. It sounds cliché! Isn’t it?
However, a reboot can often resolve temporary bugs and conflicts that hinder core processes from functioning correctly.
Steps to Restart Your Mac:
To do that, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Restarting Your Mac
- Navigate to the Apple menu.
- Choose the “Restart” option.
Step 2: Refresh Restart Option
- Deselect Reopen windows upon next login. (This causes macOS to restart apps without a past state.)
- Now, pick Restart once more.
I hope your verifying microsoft outlook mac stuck is resolved now!
If not, follow the methods explained below.
3. Provide Microsoft Outlook Full Disk Access
Next solution? Let’s grant Microsoft Outlook higher disk permissions on your Mac to see if that sorts out the “Verifying Microsoft Outlook” problem.
Here’s how to do it:
Steps to provide Microsoft Outlook full disk access:
Don’t miss any step for a successful junk removal process!
Step 1: System Settings
- Access the Apple menu.
- Choose “System Settings” from the options.
Step 2: Full Disk Access
- Navigate to “Privacy & Security.”
- Select “Full Disk Access.”
Step 3: Drag and Drop
- Open a Finder window.
- Navigate to “Applications.”
- Locate Microsoft Outlook.
- Drag and drop Microsoft Outlook into the System Settings window.
Step 4: Verification Needed – Touch ID or Password
- Authenticate the action with Touch ID.
Alternatively, enter your Mac user account password.
Step 5: Confirm Access to Microsoft Outlook
- Scroll down the list of Full Disk Access apps.
- Ensure the switch next to Microsoft Outlook is active.
To access Full Disk Access on macOS Monterey or older systems, open the Apple menu. Then, navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Security. After this, proceed with steps 4–7.
4. Update Microsoft Outlook and Other Microsoft Apps
It’s super important to keep Microsoft Outlook up to date on your Mac. This helps avoid any compatibility hiccups that cause verification problems. There’s this handy tool called Microsoft AutoUpdate that takes care of updates automatically. However, it’s always a good idea to give it a quick check just to be sure everything’s on track.
If you’re seeing that Verifying Microsoft Outlook error but Outlook still manages to launch, no worries!
- Just click on “Help” in the menu bar and then select “Check for Updates.”
That should sort things out for you.
- Once the Microsoft AutoUpdate window pops up, simply hit the “Update” button next to Microsoft Outlook (if there are any new updates waiting).
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to update your other Microsoft apps too. Just to keep everything running smoothly!
What if your email client decides to be stubborn and doesn’t launch?
Don’t sweat it.
Here’s a quick fix!
Steps to Update All Apps of Microsoft:
Let’s just trigger Microsoft AutoUpdate manually to fix it:
Step 1: Quick Fix: Manual Trigger
- Hover over the Finder icon on the Dock.
- Right-click to reveal options.
- Choose “Go to Folder” from the list.
Step 2: Manual Trigger – Step-by-step
- Enter the path /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0.
- Hit Enter to navigate to the destination.
Step 3: Double-Click
- Locate “Microsoft AutoUpdate” in the folder.
- Double-click the application icon.
Step 4: Update Check
- Open Microsoft AutoUpdate.
- Choose “Check for Updates.”
- Wait while it scans for newer updates.
Step 5: Follow Along
- Click on “Update” next to Microsoft Outlook.
- If there are other Microsoft app updates, hit “Update All” to cover them too.
That’s all!
Tip: Want to keep your account safe and hassle-free? Just add two-factor authentication for extra security and smoother Outlook use. Easy peasy!
5. Update macOS
Updation of macOS can resolve issues with app verification.
Follow these steps to install the newest system software updates on your Mac:
Steps to Update macOS:
Step 1: Update Instructions
- Launch the Settings app on your system.
- Navigate to the General section.
- Choose the Software Update option.
Step 2: Update Now
- Click on “Update Now” and see the magic.
In older macOS versions like Monterey, click on the Apple icon and then choose ‘System Preferences.’ After that, select ‘Software Update’ to make sure your system software is up to date.
6. Run an Anti-Malware Scan
Macs are popular and costly systems, they can still get malware. So, if you are having trouble verifying Microsoft Outlook, it could be a sign of infection.
If the problem keeps happening, try running a security scan with an anti-malware app to find and get rid of any possible threats.
Steps to Run an Anti-Malware Scan – Malwarebytes:
Here’s a simple guide on using the free version of Malwarebytes for Mac:
Step 1: Open an Antivirus Software
- Download and install Malwarebytes.
- Open the anti-malware tool and choose Scanner.
You can also try any one of the antivirus softwares given here:
Step 2: Scan Malware
- Select “Scan.”
- Wait while the anti-malware tool checks your system for malware.
- Then, check the scan report and follow the suggestions to fix, remove, or isolate any infected items.
Done!
Steps to Run an Anti-Malware Scan – EtreCheckPro:
Here’s how you can scan Mac using EtreCheckPro:
- Go to the official website of EtreCheckPro and download the freemium version of the software.
- Once the download is complete, install the software on your macOS.
- Now, open EtreCheckPro and run it to generate reports on any issues with your macOS system.
- Look through the reports to find any issues that need fixing before you can solve the problem with Outlook getting stuck on verification.
- Address those issues based on the recommendations provided in the reports.
- Once you have resolved the identified issues, try using Outlook again and see if the verification issue remains there.
That’s all set!
7. Reboot into Safe Mode
When your Mac is in Safe Mode, it stops any clashes between system settings, startup programs, and kernel extensions that are messing with verifying Microsoft Outlook.
So, try starting your Mac in Safe Mode to troubleshoot if you are having trouble verifying Outlook.
If you use an Intel Mac:
- Turn off your Mac.
- Hold down the Shift key and press the Power button.
- Your Mac should boot into Safe Mode momentarily.
If you use an Apple Silicon Mac:
- Turn off your Mac.
- Hold the Power button until you reach the Startup Options screen.
- Select Macintosh HD.
- Hold the Shift key and select Continue in Safe Mode.
- Your Mac should boot into Safe Mode momentarily.
To start, put your Mac into Safe Mode. Open Outlook and see if the verification is done. When you are done, restart your Mac normally to leave Safe Mode.
8. Remove and Reinstall Outlook
Try deleting and reinstalling Microsoft Outlook on your Mac if you are still having trouble with this nasty pop-up – Verifying Microsoft Outlook.
This could be the magic fix you’ve been looking for!
Steps to Remove and Reinstall Outlook:
To do that, follow the steps given below.
Step 1: Finder Fun
- Open a Finder window.
- Then, select the option “Applications.”
Step 2: Clean Sweep
- Right-click Microsoft Outlook.
- Select “Move to Trash.”
- Repeat for other Microsoft Office apps on your Mac. Some of the examples include: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Step 3: Fresh Install
- Visit Office.com
- Select “Install apps.”
- Download the latest Microsoft Office installer.
Step 4: Reinstall Steps:
- Run the Microsoft Office installer.
- Follow all on-screen instructions diligently to reinstall the application.
If the Verifying Microsoft Outlook error appears immediately after installation, use the Installer app in macOS to reinstall Microsoft Office.
Simply uninstall all Office apps again, and then follow the procedure:
Step 1: Finder Adventure
- Open a Finder window.
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Type in the following path and hit Enter: /System/Library/CoreServices/Installer
- Then, double-click the Installer.
Step 2: Fetch the PKG
- Head to your Mac’s Downloads folder.
- Select the Microsoft Office PKG file.
Step 3: Continue and Install
- Click on “Continue.”
- Follow all on-screen instructions provided by the Installer app to reinstall Microsoft Office.
9. Disable GateKeeper in macOS
What is GateKeeper?
GateKeeper is one of the main security aspects or features of macOS. It manages app installations to hinder unidentified or detrimental programs from executing. Are you certain about downloading Microsoft Outlook from the Microsoft website?
Then, ponder disabling GateKeeper momentarily to halt the CoreServicesUIAgent process and bypass verification.
Steps to Disable GateKeeper in macOS:
Since Apple rebranded Mac OS X to macOS in 2016, the sole method to deactivate GateKeeper is via Terminal. Here is how:
Step 1: Access Terminal via Launchpad
- First of all, open the Launchpad.
- Then, select Other from the given options.
- Select Terminal from the menu.
Step 2: Run Command
- Run the following command: sudo spctl –master-disable
Step 3: Closing!
- Exit Terminal.
Are you interested to re-enable GateKeeper?
Pretty simple process!
Just run the command below in a Terminal window: sudo spctl –master-enable.
10. Switching to the App Store Version of Outlook
If you’re having trouble with Outlook on your Mac, did you know you can get it separately from the App Store? Yep, just like on your iPhone or iPad.
Give it a shot if the other fixes haven’t done the trick for you.
Here are the necessary steps to follow:
Step 1: Trash Microsoft Outlook
- Head to the Applications folder.
- Find Microsoft Outlook.
- Drag it into the Trash.
Step 2: Find Outlook on Mac App Store
- Launch the Mac App Store.
- Use the search bar.
- Look for “Microsoft Outlook.”
- Then, select “Get.”
Step 3: Install > Open > Sign-in
- Select Install.
- Then, select Open.
- Now, sign in with your Microsoft Account credentials.
If you’re having trouble verifying apps like Word or Excel, try grabbing their versions from the App Store.
You can download and install them just like Outlook.
Easy fix, right?
11. Create a New macOS User Account
Sometimes, the problem with Outlook getting stuck on verification is tied to a particular user account. If that’s the case, you need to make a new user account on your Mac.
Here’s what you can do:
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu on the Mac toolbar.
- Look for Users & Groups in the second row of all the apps in the System Preferences tool and double-click on it to open.
- Click the padlock icon and enter your Mac password to unlock the Users & Groups settings.
- Below the Login Options, locate and click on the plus (+) icon.
- Select the New Account drop-down arrow and set the choice to Administrator.
- Fill in the other fields as per your preference, then click Create User.
- Restart your MacBook or iMac.
- When the login screen appears, you will see two user accounts. Select the new one and log in using your password.
That’s it!
You have successfully created a new user account on your Mac.
12. Restore macOS to a Previous Version
If you are having trouble with Outlook on your MacBook or iMac, reset your macOS setup. It will not give you any verification windows for Outlook.
So, follow this procedure to do it:
Step 1: Time Machine Access:
- Locate the Time Machine icon on the Mac toolbar.
- Click on the Time Machine icon to open it.
Step 2: Time Traveling with Time Machine
- Click on “Enter Time Machine” from the options.
- Choose a restore point displayed on the screen.
Step 3: Restoring Your Time Machine Journey
- Select the “Restore” button to initiate the process.
Wrapped-up!
Want to ensure your Mac stays secure? Learn how to remove the nearbyme.io virus and safeguard your system from potential threats today!
FAQs
I have tried all methods to remove verifying Microsoft Outlook pop-up but nothing works. What to do now?
Have you tried clearing cache? Clearing cache files can help resolve various issues including the stubborn popup verifying Microsoft Outlook. You can use third-party tools like Onyx or CleanMyMac, or manually delete cache files in ~/Library/Caches/.
Wait a second!
Have you tried contacting Microsoft Support team? If not, you should reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. Last week, one of my friends was also facing this issue. She contacted the Microsoft team to resolve her issue.
The team immediately helped her. Now, she’s happy with her Mac.
Does disabling add-ins and extensions work to fix verifying microsoft outlook mac stuck?
Yes! Disabling Add-ins and extensions work to fix verifying Microsoft Outlook Mac stuck.
Here is how to turn off them:
- Launch Outlook.
- Click “File” in the top left corner.
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
Head over to the options window, then click on “Add-ins“. There, you will find a list of all the add-ins and extensions you have installed. Simply uncheck the box next to each add-in or extension you want to disable.
This way, they won’t load when you start Microsoft Outlook. Easy as pie! After finishing the previous step, just click “OK” to save your changes. Then, restart Outlook and you are good to go!
How to get rid of verifying Microsoft Outlook pop-up stuck on Mac?
Make sure your Mac’s Wi-Fi is working properly by checking it. If not, try restarting your router to be on the safe side. This way, Microsoft Outlook can verify your email address smoothly with a stable internet connection.
What are the Benefits of Verifying Microsoft Outlook?
Verifying your Microsoft Outlook account beefs up your security game by adding an extra shield.
It’s like locking your door with an extra key! This extra layer of protection also puts a damper on those sneaky phishing attacks trying to swipe your personal info or sneak into your accounts.
Plus, it helps keep your inbox clean by blocking out spam and other pesky emails.
Conclusion
Dealing with the annoying Verifying Microsoft Outlook malware on your Mac is a real pain. However, now you know the ways to make it go away. Try simple fixes like closing Outlook and opening it again. If that doesn’t work, you can try more advanced tricks like starting Outlook in Safe Mode.
Give these methods a shot, and hopefully, one of them will do the trick for you! If you follow the steps detailed in each section of this guide, you will tackle the specific reasons behind Outlook verification issues on your Mac.
Remember to try the solutions in the sequence mentioned above.
Enjoy your Mac!