How to start Outlook in safe mode

This article outlines four quick ways to open Outlook in safe mode, helping you troubleshoot crashes, errors, and performance issues. Additionally, it offers solutions for resolving problems when Outlook cannot start normally.

Like any other software, Microsoft Outlook can sometimes run into issues. If you're experiencing crashes, slow performance, or errors, starting Outlook in safe mode can help identify the problem. This mode launches Outlook with minimal settings and disables add-ins that might cause conflicts. Here's how to do it on Windows:

Note. These instructions are for classic (old) Outlook. The new Outlook cannot be run in safe mode.

Outlook safe mode

Outlook Safe Mode is a built-in diagnostic feature designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve issues with the application. When launched in this mode, Outlook starts with minimal functionality, bypassing custom settings, extensions, and add-ins. It loads only essential files and services, allowing you to pinpoint problems that might prevent the program from running correctly.

When Outlook is in safe mode, the following restrictions are applied:

  • Disabled add-ins. Extensions, such as third-party tools and plugins, are temporarily turned off.
  • Default settings. Custom configurations, including toolbars, views, and navigation settings, are reset to their original state.
  • Limited functionality. Only core features are enabled. Advanced features, like custom rules and automation scripts, are unavailable. Any customizations and command-line options that could interfere with the program's operation are ignored.

In summary, Outlook Safe Mode is a valuable fix-it solution that helps you diagnose and resolve performance issues or errors by running the program in a simplified, conflict-free environment.

When run Outlook in safe mode?

Safe mode is especially useful for diagnosing and resolving various Outlook issues. By starting the application in this minimal state, you can determine whether the root cause lies in custom settings, add-ins, or other external factors.

Here are common scenarios where safe mode can help:

  • Outlook refuses to open normally. You encounter errors like "Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Unable to open Outlook window."
  • Outlook is not responding. The application hangs, freezes, or becomes unresponsive.
  • Frequent crashes. Outlook crashes intermittently, often without an obvious cause.
  • Add-in conflicts. Certain plug-ins trigger errors or slow down the application.
  • Corrupted view settings. Problems with the arrangement or organization of your mailboxes make the interface unusable.
  • Customization issues. Occasionally, user-defined settings, such as customized toolbars, layouts, or themes, can conflict with Outlook's core functionality and cause instability.

By using Outlook Safe Mode, you can isolate these problems and determine the steps needed to restore normal functionality. If Outlook works fine in safe mode, you can then enable add-ins one by one and restore custom settings one at a time to identify the problematic one.

There are a few simple techniques to open Outlook in safe mode. Below are four quick methods you can use.

Open Outlook in safe mode via keyboard shortcut

The simplest way to start Outlook in safe mode is by using the Ctrl key:

  1. Close Outlook if it's already running.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
  3. While holding Ctrl, click the Outlook shortcut on your desktop, or start menu, or Windows taskbar.
  4. Continue holding Ctrl until a dialog box appears, asking if you want to start Outlook in safe mode. Click Yes to confirm. Open Outlook in safe mode using a keyboard shortcut.
  5. Another small window will appear asking you to choose the Outlook profile. Do that and click OK. Choose profile.

That's it! Outlook will now open in safe mode.

Launch Outlook in safe mode using the Run dialog

Launching Outlook in safe mode through the Run dialog is quick and straightforward – here's how to do it:

  1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select Run from the context menu.
  2. In the Run dialog box, type Outlook.exe /safe and click OK.
  3. If prompted, choose the desired profile and click OK.
Launch Outlook in safe mode using the Run dialog.

Tip. If for some reason Windows cannot locate Outlook.exe on your computer, try specifying the full path to the executable file. For example: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE" /safe. See how to find full path to outlook.exe file.

Start Outlook in safe mode via custom desktop shortcut

If opening Outlook in safe mode is part of your regular troubleshooting, a dedicated shortcut will help you avoid repeated steps. Here's how to set it up:

  1. Locate Outlook.exe path. Start by finding the full path to the Outlook executable file on your computer. For this, you can check the default outlook.exe location or use one of these methods.
  2. Create a new shortcut. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, and then click New > Shortcut.
  3. Customize the shortcut. In the shortcut wizard, enter the full path to the Outlook.exe file enclosed in quotation marks, followed by the /safe command switch. Then, click Next to proceed.

    For example:

    • If you're using a 64-bit version of Outlook 365 or 2019 on a 64-bit version of Windows, enter:

      "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\Outlook.exe" /safe

    • For a 32-bit version of Outlook on a 64-bit version of Windows, the path is usually:

      "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\Outlook.exe" /safe

    Create a custom desktop shortcut to open Outlook in safe mode.
  4. Save your shortcut. Give your shortcut a descriptive name to make it clearly identifiable. Then, click Finish to complete the process. Name and save your Outlook safe mode shortcut.

Faster way to create Outlook safe mode shortcut

If you already have an Outlook shortcut on your Windows desktop, you can just duplicate it, and then modify by adding the /safe switch:

  1. Copy the Outlook shortcut. To make a copy of the existing desktop shortcut, you can either:
    • Right-click the shortcut, select Copy, then right-click anywhere on the desktop and choose Paste.
    • Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste.
  2. Modify the shortcut:
    • Right-click the copy of your Outlook shortcut and select Properties.
    • In the Target field, add /safe at the end of the existing path. It should look something like this:
    Modify the Outlook shortcut for starting the app in safe mode.
  3. Rename the shortcut:
    • In the Properties window, switch to the General tab.
    • Change the shortcut name to something like Outlook Safe Mode to help you easily identify it.
    • Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog box.
    Rename and save a custom Outlook safe mode shortcut.

Now, you have a custom Outlook safe mode shortcut that you can use anytime for faster access.

Boot Outlook in safe mode using command prompt

If you are an IT pro and prefer using the Command Prompt, you can easily launch Outlook in safe mode with a simple command. The steps are:

  1. Open Command Prompt. In the Windows search box, type cmd, and then click the Command Prompt app to start it. Open Command Prompt on Windows.
  2. Enter the command. In the Command Prompt window, type the command like this:

    "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\Outlook.exe" /safe

    Be sure to specify the correct path to the Outlook.exe file on your computer. For example, if you're using a 64-bit version of Windows with a 32-bit version of Outlook 365, the command would be:

    "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\Outlook.exe" /safe Use a command prompt to boot Outlook in safe mode.

  3. Execute the command. After entering the command, press Enter to execute it.
  4. Select your profile. When prompted, choose your Outlook profile and click OK to proceed.

In just a moment, Outlook will boot in safe mode, allowing you to troubleshoot any issues with minimal interference from add-ins or custom settings.

How to determine that Outlook is running in safe mode?

You can confirm that Outlook is running in safe mode by checking for specific indicators that appear in the program's interface. Here's how to identify them:

Outlook title

When Outlook is running in safe mode, the title bar displays a clear notification. To verify, click the File tab and look at the title bar, where it will say Microsoft Outlook (Safe Mode). When Outlook is running in safe mode, the title bar displays a notification.

Taskbar thumbnail preview

Hover over Outlook's thumbnail in the Windows taskbar. If Outlook is in safe mode, the tooltip will include the text (Safe Mode), confirming its status. Outlook's thumbnail in the Windows taskbar shows it's running in safe mode.

These two visual cues make it easy to confirm that Outlook is operating in safe mode.

How to get out of Outlook safe mode

Usually, Outlook starts in normal mode unless you specifically open it in safe mode using one of the methods outlined earlier. However, if Outlook encounters serious performance issues or repeated crashes, it may prompt you to run in safe mode as a corrective action.

To exit Outlook safe mode and return to normal operation, follow these steps:

  1. Close Outlook completely.
  2. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look for any active Outlook processes. If found, select the process and click End Task to stop it.
  3. Launch Outlook as usual, without using a shortcut or command containing the /safe switch.

If Outlook still opens in safe mode, it could indicate persistent issues, such as registry conflicts or corrupt files, which may require further problem-solving.

I can only run Outlook in safe mode: reasons and fixes

If Outlook only starts in safe mode, it usually points to issues such as problematic add-ins, corrupted files, registry errors, or outdated software.

Automated safe mode is designed to protect your data and allow basic troubleshooting. To address the issue and restore Outlook to its normal startup mode, try the following techniques.

Disable add-ins

Third-party add-ins are a common cause of Outlook issues. To identify and disable problematic add-ins, do this:

  1. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
  2. At the bottom of the window, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
  3. Uncheck all add-ins and click OK.
  4. Close and restart Outlook normally.

If Outlook starts without issues, enable the add-ins one at a time to pinpoint the problematic one.

Delete cache files

Outlook cache files can sometimes cause errors. Clearing these files might help restore normal operation. For the detailed instructions, please see How to clear Outlook cache.

Repair Office installation

Corrupt Office installations can force Outlook into safe mode. Repairing it may resolve the issue:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Select Microsoft Office, then click Change.
  3. Choose Quick Repair or Online Repair and follow the prompts.

Repair your Outlook data files

Outlook stores data in .pst and .ost files, which can become corrupted over time. Use the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) to fix these files.

For detailed instructions, see Microsoft's documentation: How to repair Outlook Data Files.

Update Outlook

Outdated software may cause persistent issues. To ensure that your Outlook is up to date, go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.

For more details, see How to update Outlook for Windows

Create a new Outlook profile

Sometimes, the problem might lie within your existing profile settings. Creating a new profile can help rule this out:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
  2. Click Add to create a new profile and follow the prompts.
  3. Set the new profile as the default and restart Outlook.

In conclusion, knowing how to open Outlook in safe mode provides a simple yet powerful tool for tackling issues like the application not responding or getting stuck at processing. With these simple methods, you're all set to troubleshoot and get things back on track. Keep this guide close, and you'll never have to worry about Outlook hiccups slowing you down! 😊

You may also be interested in

Table of contents

Post a comment



Thank you for your comment!
When posting a question, please be very clear and concise. This will help us provide a quick and relevant solution to
your query. We cannot guarantee that we will answer every question, but we'll do our best :)