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pomdave's avatar
pomdave
Copper Contributor
Dec 07, 2025

Outlook failure

Since yesterday, December 6th, for some unknown reason I can no longer access Outlook from either the desktop or Start Bar I can only open it through Edge or some other similar sites.  I have gone through the repair mode - still nothing.

Any ideas as to why and how to get back to normal.

Rgds,

Dave R.

outlook

1 Reply

  • Kidd_Ip's avatar
    Kidd_Ip
    MVP
    Dec 08, 2025

    Try below steps to check and fix:

     

    1. Check Shortcut Integrity
    •    Right click the Outlook icon in the Start Menu or desktop → More > App settings.
    •    If available, select Reset.
    •    Alternatively, delete the shortcut and recreate it: 
    o    Search for Outlook in the Start Menu.
    o    Right click → Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.
    2. Run Outlook in Safe Mode
    •    Press Win + R, type: 

    outlook.exe /safe


    •    If it opens, the issue may be caused by an add in. Disable add ins under File > Options > Add ins.
    3. Clear Cached Profiles
    •    Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
    •    Create a new profile and set it as default.
    •    This rules out a corrupted Outlook profile.
    4. Repair Office Installation (Full Repair)
    •    Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Microsoft Office (or Microsoft 365).
    •    Choose Modify > Online Repair (not Quick Repair).
    •    This reinstalls core components without removing your data.
    5. Check Windows Updates
    6. Reinstall Outlook
    •    If none of the above works, uninstall Office/Outlook and reinstall.

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