How to Start Outlook in Safe Mode [Force Open It]
Start Outlook in Safe Mode quickly with a single command
- Starting Outlook in Safe Mode will help force troubleshoot issues with the apps.
- Corrupt Office installation and damaged data files may prevent Outlook starting in Safe Mode.
- You can create a Desktop shortcut for easy access to run Outlook in Safe Mode.
Starting Outlook in Safe Mode helps to fix issues and reduce the startup apps or services that run during launch. However, running Outlook in Safe Mode can be impossible due to some underlying issues.
Hence, we’ll show you how to open the app in Safe Mode as we dive into the article. Also, you can read about ways to fix the 0x80040900 Outlook error on Windows 11.
What does it mean to run Outlook in safe mode?
Outlook Safe Mode is a feature of Outlook that allows you to start it only with essential features. By doing so, the application will use only essential files to operate.
This will prevent it from starting with any third-party add-ons that might be causing issues. Safe Mode is an incredibly useful feature to troubleshoot the application, especially if you’re having any issues with it.
How to open Outlook in Safe Mode?
Go through the following preliminary checks before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps:
- Close background apps, and other Office applications running on your computer.
- Repair the Microsoft Office app to cleanse all corrupt files.
- Try to log out from all profiles before restarting in Safe Mode.
If you can’t start Outlook in Safe Mode, follow the solutions below:
1. Via the Command line
- Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type outlook /safe, and click OK to open Outlook in Safe Mode.
- Select the default Outlook option in the Choose Profile window and choose OK to open that profile.
Restarting Windows in Safe Mode will resolve startup apps preventing Outlook from starting in Safe Mode. You can read our guide on how to fix the Safe Mode not working on Windows 11.
2. Create shortcut for Outlook in Safe Mode
- Right-click the blank area on your desktop. Then choose New and select Shortcut.
- Type the full path of Outlook.exe and type / safe at the end of the path, then click Next.
- Name the Shortcut as Outlook Safe Mode and click Finish.
- Then, double-click the Outlook shortcut whenever you want to open it in Safe Mode.
Creating the switch shortcut allows you access to a dedicated Outlook app that can only start in Safe Mode at your disposal whenever you need it.
3. Run via Command Prompt
- Press the Windows key, type the command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
- Input the following command and press Enter:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe” /safe
Running the command prompt is a very effective method to force start Outlook. However, if the Command Prompt is not running as an administrator, check out the steps outlined in our article.
Read about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC. In addition, you can check how to fix the missing toolbar in Outlook on their PCs.
After reading this guide, you know how to run Outlook in Safe Mode. If you have further questions, kindly drop them in the comments section.
Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:
SPONSORED
If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.
