What to Do When Microsoft Outlook Won't Open for You

 

outlook app
outlook app

Various things can cause this problem, but there are many fixes to try with Outlook

 

Many times you may find that Outlook doesn't open properly, or it opens briefly and then closes automatically again — and this can happen for several reasons. But if you want to know the cause so you can fix it, you're in the right place, welcome, and let's get started:

When you select Microsoft Outlook from the Start menu or from its shortcut icon, but the program won't open, the appropriate fix depends on what problems you are experiencing and also on the version you are using.

Reasons Why Outlook Cannot Start

Several issues can cause the program to open incorrectly or not open at all. Some common culprits include the following:

  • Problematic add-ins or extensions.
  • Corrupted files.
  • A corrupted profile.
  • Navigation pane issues.

There are also other issues that can contribute. Perhaps you added a new program to your computer that is incompatible with Outlook, for example, or your system has a virus. Regardless of the specific cause, there are several key troubleshooting fixes to try that may help.

How to Fix Outlook Not Opening on Windows

If you're using Outlook on a Windows computer and the program won't open or opens with problems, try these troubleshooting steps in the order presented here, from simplest to most complex.

  1. Open Outlook in Safe Mode. If Outlook opens as expected in “Safe Mode”, the problem is likely an add-in or toolbar extension.

  2. Disable add-ins. One or more add-ins may be conflicting with Outlook and causing the problem. Disable all add-ins and see if that resolves the issue.

    1. Select File > Options > Add-Ins.
    2. In the Manage section, select Go.
    3. Uncheck the checkboxes next to the add-ins you want to disable.
    4. Select OK.

  3. Scan your system for viruses, Trojans, spyware, and other malware. If you find a problem, resolve it using your security software, restart the computer, and try launching the program again.

 

And now:

 

  1. Repair Outlook. The Outlook application may be corrupted. Use the built-in Microsoft Office repair tool to fix it.

    1. Close all Office applications.
    2. Go to Start > Control Panel.
    3. Select Category View.
    4. Under Programs, select Uninstall a Program.
    5. Right-click Microsoft Office and choose Change.
    6. Select Repair or Online Repair. Choose Yes if a User Account Control prompt appears.
    7. Restart Outlook after the process completes.

  2. Repair your Outlook profile. Outlook profiles can become corrupted, causing all kinds of problems, including Outlook not opening.

    1. Select File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
    2. Go to the Email tab.
    3. Choose Repair to open the Repair Wizard (this option is not available for Outlook Exchange accounts).
    4. Follow the prompts to complete the wizard and restart the program.

  3. Repair Outlook data files. If Outlook still won't open, use the Inbox Repair tool to find and possibly fix the problem.

    1. Exit Outlook.
    2. Download and open the Inbox Repair Tool from Microsoft.
    3. Select Browse and navigate to the Personal Folders file (.pst), then select Start.
    4. Choose Repair if the scan finds errors.
    5. When the repair is complete, restart the program.

  4. Reset the Navigation Pane. A startup problem with the Navigation Pane can prevent Outlook from opening correctly. Resetting the Navigation Pane may resolve the issue.

    1. Exit Outlook.
    2. Go to Start > Run, or press Windows Key + R.
    3. Type or paste outlook.exe /resetnavpane and select OK.
    4. Open Outlook. The Navigation Pane will be reset.

How to Fix Outlook Not Opening on Mac

The following troubleshooting techniques apply to Outlook 2016 for Mac and Outlook 2011 for Mac.

  1. Check for updates. A recent update may include a fix for the issue of being unable to start the program. Check for any available updates and install them, even if you can't open Outlook.

    1. Select Help > Check for Updates.
    2. Choose Update to download and install all available updates.

  2. Rebuild the Outlook database. Using the Microsoft utility to rebuild a corrupted database may resolve the issue of Outlook not opening on Mac.

  1. Exit all Office applications.
  2. Hold the Option key and select the Outlook icon in the Dock to open the Microsoft Database Utility.
  3. Select the database identity you want to rebuild.
  4. Choose Rebuild.
  5. When the process is complete, restart Outlook.

 

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