How to Fix The “Outlook won’t open” issue ?

Is your Outlook refusing to launch, leaving you frustrated and unable to access your emails? You’re not alone. The “Outlook won’t open” issue is a common problem that can disrupt your workflow and communication, often accompanied by cryptic error messages.

Whether you’re a business professional, student, or casual user, this unexpected hurdle can be both annoying and time-consuming.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through several effective solutions to get Outlook up and running again. From quick fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in and resolve this issue so you can get back to managing your emails and schedule with ease.

Check for Outlook Update

In general Microsoft Outlook updates automatically however users can also try to update the software manually in following ways:

Note: Microsoft suite applications can be updated by updating any one application. We have shown the demo by manually updating MS Word.

• Open any of the “Microsoft Programme”, enter “Word” in the search bar of Windows, click the word.

• Click the File>Help>Check for Updates.

Note: If you have the latest version, please try further solutions provided in the blog.

Use Safe Mode/Disable add-ins

If you come across the error “Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook, Cannot open the Outlook Window,” using Safe mode can resolve the problem.

Outlook safe mode does not load third-party add-ins and helps users to detect problematic add-ins, including any faulty add-ins; If you detect any problematic add-ins, disable them by following the below steps.

• Use command Windows +R on keyboard.

• Type “Outlook /safe” in the command box, click the “Ok” button. (Kindly note after outlook use spacebar once and then write /safe).

Note: Outlook Safe Mode disables all the additional settings thus only previewing emails. If you have Microsoft 2016, this step is not for you, as Microsoft does not have a compatible mode feature for this version; however, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to solve the issue.

Also Check: How to change profile pic on Outlook ?

Disable add-ins

• Open Outlook, go to Files>Option.

• Select the add-ins and click on “Microsoft Exchange Add-in” and now choose “Disable” from the drop-down menu, and click the OK button.

Run the /resetnavpane command

The “Resetnavpane” command reverts Outlook to the default setting mode and removes all the customization of the navigation pane.

Follow the below pointers to remove the customized settings on the Outlook navigation pane.

• Use command Windows +R using Keyboard.

• Type “Outlook.exe /resetnavpane” in the command box, click the “OK” button.

Use scanpst.exe to fix Outlook Data File errors

OST and PST databases stores Outlook data that includes email, meetings, events, contacts, and tasks. Sometimes these files can be corrupt.

In this case, you should run (scanpst.exe) to fix corrupt Outlook files.

Follow the below-mentioned points to run the command.

Note: Please “Exit” Outlook to run the scanpst.exe command.

• Open “File Explorer” if you are using Windows, and enter the given command as per the “Microsoft Configuration” on your device (Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016). Kindly refer to the image below and enter the command. This process can help you access the folder list and restart Outlook, particularly if you’re dealing with issues related to your personal folder file.

Outlook 2010, Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2013: Repair Outlook Data Files command (.pst and .ost)

1. 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
2. 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
3. 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
4. 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
5. 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12

Note: The five above commands will help users to search Scanpst.exe (We have selected command no 4. since the version we have shown is Outlook 2010)

• Find “Scanpst.exe” file right click and select “Run as administrator”.

• Now, click the “Browse” option, select the file you want to repair, click on the “Open” button.

• Click on the “Start” button.

• Click the “Repair” button.

• Once your file is repaired, you will get the notification as “Repair complete” press  “OK”.

Also Check: How do I turn off work offline in Outlook ?

Creating a new Outlook Profile

The creation of a new Outlook profile help users to fix the “Outlook not opening issue”; once the user successfully creates a new profile and if it is working fine then the user can switch back to his old profile.

Perform the below-mentioned steps to create a new Outlook profile:-

• Type “Control Panel” in the search bar of Windows.

• Select the “User Accounts.”

• Now, click on the “Mail 32-bit” option, Click on the “Show Profiles…” on the prompt box.

• Click on the “Add” option, enter “Profile name” in the prompt box, click the “OK” button.

• Enter your name, email account, password, re-type password, and tap on the “Next” button. 

• Now, click the “Next” option and follow the directions on your screen.

Also Check: Quick fixes for Outlook not sending emails

What are the reasons behind “Outlook won’t starting”?

A blacked-out inbox can be a frustrating sight, especially when important emails pile up. If you’re facing the dreaded “Outlook won’t open” issue, several culprits could be behind the scenes, including problems with your email address, error codes, or issues within the Office application.

In some cases, scanning your email messages for errors might be part of the troubleshooting process.

Here’s a breakdown of the common reasons why Outlook might be refusing to launch:

• Corrupted Data Files: Outlook relies on data files to store your emails, contacts, and calendars. If these files get corrupted, it can prevent Outlook from opening properly.

• Add-in Interferences: Add-ins can enhance Outlook’s functionality, but sometimes they can also cause conflicts and hinder startup. A problematic add-in might be interrupting the launch process.

• Outdated Program or Profile: Outdated versions of Outlook or a corrupted user profile can also lead to startup problems.

• Conflicting Programs: Other software running on your computer might be interfering with Outlook. This could be antivirus software, security programs, or even other email clients.

• Registry Issues: The Windows registry acts like a vast filing cabinet for your computer’s settings. Corrupted entries related to Outlook within the registry can prevent it from launching correctly.

In some cases, the culprit might be a simpler issue like a faulty shortcut or a problem with your internet connection (if you’re using an Outlook.com account).

However, startup issues can also stem from incorrect mail server settings, issues within the menu list, or security permissions.

Additionally, malware infections or virus attacks might be responsible for disrupting Outlook’s functionality.

Conclusion

Dealing with Outlook won’t open issue can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can often resolve the issue quickly.

We’ve covered several effective solutions, from simple fixes like checking for updates and using Safe Mode, to more advanced techniques like repairing data files and creating new profiles.

Remember, the root cause can vary, ranging from corrupted files to conflicting add-ins or outdated software.

If you’ve tried these methods and still face problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support or consult an IT professional.

Regular maintenance, such as keeping Outlook updated and managing add-ins, can help prevent future occurrences.

Reference:

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)