If your Mac is stuck on the "Verifying Outlook" process and it's been going on for a few days without progress, you can try a few troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
1. **Force Quit Outlook:**
- Press `Option + Command + Esc` to open the Force Quit Applications window.
- Select Microsoft Outlook from the list and click the "Force Quit" button.
2. **Restart your Mac:**
- Sometimes, a simple restart can help resolve software glitches. Restart your MacBook M2 and try launching Outlook again.
3. **Update Outlook:**
- If you're using an outdated version of Outlook, it might be causing compatibility issues. Make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Office or Outlook installed.
4. **Check for macOS Updates:**
- Ensure that your macOS is up to date. Sometimes, software conflicts can arise due to outdated operating systems.
5. **Disable Add-ins:**
- In some cases, third-party add-ins or plugins can cause Outlook to hang during the verification process. Try starting Outlook in Safe Mode by holding down the `Shift` key while launching the application. This will disable any add-ins. If Outlook opens successfully in Safe Mode, you can then disable or update the problematic add-in.
6. **Repair Outlook Profile:**
- Sometimes, a corrupted Outlook profile can cause issues during verification. You can try creating a new Outlook profile and see if that resolves the problem.
7. **Reinstall Office/Outlook:**
- If none of the above steps work, you might need to uninstall and then reinstall Microsoft Office or Outlook.
8. **Contact Microsoft Support:**
- If the issue persists, you might want to reach out to Microsoft's official support for further assistance. They might be able to provide specific guidance based on your situation.
Remember to always back up your important emails and data before attempting any troubleshooting steps that might affect your Outlook data.
If none of the above steps work, the issue might be more complex, and you might need to consult with a professional technician or a Mac expert to diagnose and resolve the problem.