Summary: Is your Outlook crashing frequently during startup? This can be due to many reasons. You can fix this problem quickly with the methods provided in this article. You can also learn about why Outlook keeps crashing by reading this article.
Content Table:
Why is Outlook Crashing When Opening?
Outlook crashing during the startup is a problem you may face sometimes regardless of the version you use, such as Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc. The first step to solving any issue is to learn what causes the issue. There are many reasons that can cause this problem, some of the common ones are given below,
- Conflicting add-ins.
- Outdated Outlook application.
- An issue in the Outlook application.
- The Outlook profile is inaccessible.
- Corruption in the Outlook data file.
How to Repair Outlook Crashes on Startup?
Outlook crashing at startup is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately if you want to get back to normality as soon as possible. The are many methods you can follow to repair the issue. We have curated a list for you to use to follow and repair your Outlook crash issue.
1. Open Outlook in Safe Mode
Outlook safe mode will help you open the Outlook application with default settings and necessary add-ins. You can use this to troubleshoot many of the issues in Outlook. Follow the below instructions to open Outlook in safe mode,
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialogue box.
- In the text field type exe \safe and press Enter key.
- In the pop-up window, Select the profile you want and click on OK.
- Wait for the Outlook application to open.
2. Disable Conflicting Add-ins
If your Outlook application is working fine in safe mode, the crash may be caused by the add-ins you are using. You can disable or remove them and try to open Outlook normally. Below are the steps to disable the add-ins,
- In Outlook, click on File in the menu bar.
- Click on the Options tab.
- In the window that opens, click on the Add-ins tab.
- For Manage, select COM Add-ins from the drop-down list.
- Click on Go.
- Now uncheck all the add-ins and click on OK.
- Restart Outlook normally.
3. Update Outlook Application
An Outdated Outlook Application can cause many issues including crashing at startup. Updating the application will repair many of the issues present in the older version. Find the instructions to update your Outlook using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc,
- Open any of the Microsoft Office applications.
- Click on the File on the menu bar.
- Now click on Account and then click on Update Options.
- Finally, click on Update Now.
- Wait for the updation to complete and open the Outlook application.
4. Repair Outlook Application
If you are facing Outlook crashing when opening even in the latest versions. There may be issues with files for the application. You can follow the below steps to repair Outlook,
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialogue box.
- In the text field type cpl and click on OK.
- Search for Microsoft 365 – en-us.
- Select it and click on Change.
- In the window that opens, select Quick Repair, and click on Repair.
- Click on Repair in the following window.
- Wait for the process to complete and open Outlook.
5. Create New Outlook Profile
Another reason for the Outlook crash is the profile is inaccessible or corrupted. In this case, you need to create a new profile. You can use the below steps to do this,
- Open the Control Panel in your system.
- Find and click on the Mail option.
- In the mail setup, click on Show Profiles.
- Click on Add button.
- Provide a profile name and click on OK.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete creating the profile.
- Select the new profile as default.
- Open your Outlook application.
6. Rebuild Outlook Data File
The most common Outlook error causing the reason is corruption in the Outlook data file. You rebuild the Outlook data file to overcome corruption. Please follow the rebuilding steps,
- Open the Control Panel in your system.
- Find and click on the Mail option.
- In the mail setup, click on Data Files.
- Select your data file and click on Open File Location.
- Right-click on the file and select Rename.
- Add .old to your file name and press Enter key.
- Open the Outlook application.
Note: Rebuilding is to be done if you are dealing with .ost files.
7. Repair Outlook Data File
If your data file is a .pst file, then repairing is the way to go than rebuilding. You can follow the two methods given below to repair corrupt PST files.
a. Use ScanPST Tool
ScanPST is a built-in repair tool by Microsoft to handle errors in the Outlook data file. You can find the file in the following locations,
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14
- Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
Follow the steps below to use the scanpst.exe file to repair the PST file,
- Go to the location and double-click on the ScanPST file.
- In the tool, click on Browse to choose the corrupt PST file.
- Now click on the Start button to begin the scan process.
- If there are any errors found, click on the Repair button.
- Once the repair is completed open your Outlook.
Note: This is a time-consuming process, please be patient.
b. Use SFWare PST Repair Tool
If you want, you can use a purpose-built repair tool. We recommend you use the SFWare PST Repair tool, a user-friendly software that can manage many issues both PST and OST files. Download and install the tool and follow the steps below,
- Launch the software and click on the Open PST File option.
- Click on the Browse button to select the corrupt PST file.
- Then click on the Next button.
- Select a scan mode and click on Browse to select a location to save the repaired file.
- Now click on the Repair button.
- Once the process is completed you can preview the result in an Outlook-styled window.
- If you are satisfied with the result save the file.
Conclusion
Outlook crashing when opening is a frustrating issue. This will slow down our productivity. But with the solution given in this write-up, you will get back to working normal in no time. Let us know how these methods help you in the comments.