Outlook Failed to Launch in Safe Mode? How to Force It

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email and productivity application. However, there are instances where Outlook may encounter issues and fail to launch in safe mode.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions and expert tips to help you overcome the obstacles and get Outlook up and running smoothly in Safe Mode.

Why does Outlook fail to launch in safe mode?

There could be various reasons for this problem; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

• Add-in conflicts – Outlook add-ins enhance functionality but may conflict with each other or with Outlook itself, causing the issue. Try disabling the add-ins.
• Corrupt data files – This email app relies on data files such as PST and OST to store emails, contacts, and other data. If these become corrupted, they could cause this problem.
• Outdated version of Office – Running outdated versions of Outlook or other software components can lead to compatibility issues, making it difficult for Outlook to launch in Safe Mode.
• Profile issues – Corruption or issues with the Outlook user profile can prevent the application from starting in Safe Mode. You need to repair the corrupt profile to fix the issue.
• Third-party antivirus software – The antivirus programs may interfere with Outlook’s ability to launch in Safe Mode. Try disabling the antivirus temporarily.

So, these are some of the factors contributing to this error; let us check out the solutions to resolve the issue.

How can I fix the Outlook failed to launch in safe mode issue?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

• Try restarting your computer.
• Ensure your Windows is up to date.
• Try disabling the antivirus temporarily.

If you are done with these steps, move to the detailed methods to fix the problem.

1. Repair/Reinstall the Office app

1.1 Repair the app

1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
2. Select View by as Category, and click Uninstall a program.
3. On the Programs and Features window, select Office and click Change.
4. Now select Quick Repair, click Repair, and follow the onscreen instructions.

1.2 Reinstall the app

1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
2. Select View by as Category, and click Uninstall a program.
3. On the Programs and Features window, select Office and click Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall.
5. Go to the Microsoft account page, and sign in.
6. Click Services & subscriptions, locate Office, and click Install.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

2. Create a new Outlook profile

1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
2. Select View by as Large icons and click Mail.
3. On the Mail Setup – Outlook window, click Show profiles.
4. Click Add in the pop-up window.
5. Next, enter the profile name and click OK to confirm.
6. On Add New Account window, mention your email address and other details, then click Next.
7. Click Finish, then click OK to close the window.

3. Repair the Outlook data file

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to one of these paths according to your Outlook:
   • For Outlook 2021: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
For Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
For Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
For Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
For Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
For Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
3. Locate and double-click SCANPST.exe.
4. On the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool window, locate the corrupted PST file.
5. Choose Start to initiate the scanning.
6. If the tool comes with errors, click Repair to fix the errors.

4. Disable the add-ins

1. Launch Outlook. Click Get Addins from the top right corner of the menu.
2. From the left pane, select My add-ins.
3. Locate the add-in to disable, click the three dots, and select Remove.

5. Restore Outlook to the previous version

1. Press the Windows key, type outlook, and click Open file location.
2. Right-click Outlook and select Properties.
3. Go to the Previous Versions tab, select the version you want to revert to, and click Restore.

If this doesn’t work for you, try performing a system restore to restore your computer to the selected version.

So, these are methods to follow to fix the Outlook failure to launch in safe mode & regain control of your Outlook experience and ensure uninterrupted productivity.

If Outlook won’t open for you on Windows 10, then we suggest you check out this informative guide to find quick solutions. Moreover, if you keep encountering the “Contacting the server for information” error, we can help out.

Please feel free to give us any information, tips, and your experience with the subject in the comments section below.