I've created a new profile, copied the data folders from my old profile into my new profile, and Outlook seems to be operating fine. I'm still have ing the frequent spinning (freezing Outlook) ball though. Ball usually lasts anywhere from 5-25 seconds.

Microsoft has an update to fix the problem now. For more information, check out this knowledge base article documenting the problem: Shortly after you start Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011 on Mac OS X El Capitan (version 10.11), Outlook hangs when it tries to sync with the server. The Spinning Wait cursor is displayed, and the application status is displayed as 'Not Responding.' [.] This issue occurs in Outlook for Mac 2011 version 14.5.5 and earlier versions when they are running on Mac OS X El Capitan (version 10.11). To install the fix, you can either: • Open Outlook and click Check for Updates on the help menu (if your outlook freezes before you can update, you can create a blank profile temporarily by ALT-Clicking on the Outlook icon), • Download the update package at.

Try following the mentioned steps in this from Microsoft Support: I have read somewhere that Step #2 should resolve the issue you're having: Step 2: Open Outlook 2011 without running schedules or trying to connect to a mail server Opening Outlook without running schedules or trying to connect to a mail server is a way to determine whether the issue is related to the account settings or pending send/receive actions. To do this, follow these steps: • Press the Shift key and then click the Outlook icon on the Dock. This prevents Outlook from sending or receiving mail.

• Quit Outlook. • Open Outlook. If the issue continues to occur, go to the next step.