How to Open Outlook in Safe Mode

Struggling to open Outlook? 🤔 Sometimes, Outlook might not open correctly, or you might find that certain windows just won’t load. If you’re experiencing issues like frozen settings when you try to make changes, suspect a newly installed extension might be harmful, or notice that features are acting up, it’s time to try Safe Mode.

This guide will show you how to open Outlook 365 and Outlook 2019-2020 in Safe Mode, ensuring you can get back to your emails without a hitch.

How to Start Outlook in Safe Mode Using the Outlook Shortcut

Starting Outlook in Safe Mode is Easy! 🚀 To get started, simply press and hold the Ctrl key and click on the Outlook shortcut.

A warning dialog box will pop up, asking if you’re sure you want to open Outlook in safe mode. Just click Yes, and you’re all set to troubleshoot without any interruptions!

Open Outlook in Safe Mode From the Command Line

Want another way to start Outlook in Safe Mode? Just use the Command Prompt! Here’s how:

• Open the Run Dialog: Press Win+R on your keyboard or type run in the Windows search box and hit Enter.
• Enter the Command: In the Run dialog box, type outlook.exe /safe and click OK.
• Choose Your Profile: In the “Choose Profile” window, select the default Outlook profile and press OK.

Now, Outlook will launch in Safe Mode, ready for you to resolve any issues!

How to Create an Outlook Safe Mode Shortcut

If you find yourself needing to open Outlook in Safe Mode often, creating a dedicated shortcut on your desktop can save you time. Here’s how to set it up:

• Prepare to Create the Shortcut: Right-click or tap and hold on a blank area of your desktop.
• Create the Shortcut: Select New > Shortcut.
• Enter the Path: Type the full path to Outlook.exe, add /safe at the end of the path, and then click Next. (Check the “Command Prompt Method” section below if you need help finding the file path).
• Name Your Shortcut: Enter a descriptive name like “Outlook Safe Mode” and click Finish.

You’ll know Outlook is in Safe Mode because the program title will include “(Safe Mode)”.

Exiting Safe Mode: Simply double-click the regular Outlook shortcut to start Outlook normally. Remember, Safe Mode only activates when you use one of the methods detailed here.

Command Prompt Method

Before using the Command Prompt to open Outlook in Safe Mode, you need to find the full path to the Outlook.exe file. This path varies depending on whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Outlook.

• Find Your File Path: If you’re unsure of the path, refer to the guidance in the next section.
• Open Command Prompt: Type cmd in the Windows search box and open Command Prompt.
• Enter the Command: Type the following command, substituting <PathToYourOutlook> with your actual file path: "<PathToYourOutlook>\OUTLOOK.EXE" /safe
  For example: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE" /safe

After addressing issues in Outlook, simply close the program and open it again using your regular shortcut to return to normal mode. Outlook will start in normal mode unless initiated through the Safe Mode methods described here.

For Advanced Troubleshooting: If you need to delete add-ins or perform other admin-level tasks in Safe Mode, launch the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Outlook.exe Location

Locating the Outlook.exe file can be done in a couple of easy ways:

• Use Command Prompt:
  • Copy and Paste: Simply copy the appropriate command from below based on your version and bit type of Outlook, then paste it into Command Prompt and hit Enter.
    • Make sure to copy from the first double-quote to the end of /safe without including any bold text or leading spaces.
• Search on Your Computer:
  • Built-in Search: Use the Windows search tool to look for outlook.exe.
  • Third-Party Tool: Download and use a program like Everything to help you find files quickly.

Here are the commands for various versions of Outlook:

1. Outlook for Microsoft 365, 2019, 2016:

• 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
• 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
• Click-to-Run 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office 16\ClientX86\Root\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
• Click-to-Run 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 16\ClientX64\Root\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe

2. Outlook 2013:

• 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\outlook.exe" /safe
• 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\outlook.exe" /safe

3. Outlook 2010:

• 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\outlook.exe" /safe
• 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\outlook.exe" /safe

This guide should help you quickly find and use the Outlook.exe path suitable for your needs.

Can You Use Outlook in Safe Mode?

Yes, you can use Outlook in Safe Mode, and it might be your best bet if you’re encountering issues. When you start Outlook in Safe Mode, it launches without any extensions, custom toolbar settings, or the Reading Pane—common culprits that can cause problems.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Why Safe Mode Helps: By disabling potential problem areas, Safe Mode allows you to pinpoint what might be causing Outlook not to open correctly.
• Not Windows Safe Mode: It’s important to note that Outlook’s Safe Mode is different from Windows Safe Mode. Even if you boot Windows in Safe Mode, you’ll need to specifically open Outlook in its own Safe Mode to troubleshoot Outlook issues effectively.

Using Safe Mode in Outlook is a straightforward way to diagnose and potentially fix any disruptions in your usual email workflow.

Conclusion

Encountering issues with Outlook can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. Fortunately, Safe Mode provides a reliable solution for troubleshooting and resolving these problems efficiently. By understanding how to open Outlook in Safe Mode—whether through a shortcut, command prompt, or manually locating the Outlook.exe file—you equip yourself with a powerful tool to diagnose issues effectively.

Remember, Safe Mode disables extensions, custom toolbar settings, and the Reading Pane to offer a clean slate for identifying problems. It’s different from Windows Safe Mode, so be sure to follow the steps outlined in this guide to correctly initiate Outlook’s Safe Mode.

Embrace these strategies to ensure Outlook runs smoothly and continue to manage your emails and tasks without interruption. Always exit Safe Mode by restarting Outlook normally, and consult this guide whenever you need a quick refresher on the process.

FAQ

What is Outlook Safe Mode?

Outlook Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that starts Outlook without certain features like extensions, custom toolbar settings, and the Reading Pane. This mode helps isolate and diagnose issues affecting normal operation.

How do I start Outlook in Safe Mode using a shortcut?

To start Outlook in Safe Mode using a shortcut, press and hold the Ctrl key while clicking the Outlook shortcut. Confirm your choice to start in Safe Mode in the dialog box that appears.

Can I open Outlook in Safe Mode from the Command Prompt?

Yes, you can open Outlook in Safe Mode from the Command Prompt by entering the command outlook.exe /safe after navigating to the Outlook executable’s path in the Command Prompt window.

How do I find the path to my Outlook.exe file?

You can find the path to your Outlook.exe file by using the Windows search tool to search for outlook.exe or by using a command in the Command Prompt as detailed in the article. The path depends on your Outlook version and whether it’s a 32-bit or 64-bit installation.

What should I do after using Outlook in Safe Mode?

After using Outlook in Safe Mode, investigate the disabled items such as extensions and toolbar settings to identify what might be causing the issue. Restart Outlook normally to return to the regular mode.

Is Outlook’s Safe Mode the same as Windows Safe Mode?

No, Outlook’s Safe Mode is not the same as Windows Safe Mode. Outlook’s Safe Mode specifically pertains to the Outlook application, focusing on disabling Outlook-specific features to troubleshoot issues, while Windows Safe Mode affects the entire operating system.