MS Outlook is a popular email client. Many organizations use it as their default email client for sending/receiving emails. Outlook is known for its advanced features and high level of security. But sometimes Outlook is unable to open due to some problems. Because of which users get cannot start Microsoft Outlook error messages. If you are also facing the same error message, try to open Outlook in Safe Mode.
Here we will discuss Outlook Safe Mode and the difference between Outlook Safe mode and Normal mode. We'll also learn how to open Outlook in Safe Mode. If you are also facing a similar error and looking for an easy solution, then this post will be helpful for you.
What is Outlook Safe Mode?
Microsoft Outlook Safe Mode is a feature. With the help of this, you can open email programs with limited features and no plug-ins or add-ins. Using this feature, you can troubleshoot Outlook issues.
Difference between Outlook Safe mode and Normal mode
The main difference between Outlook Safe Mode and Normal Mode is that Normal Mode is the default working mode. Using Normal Mode, you can access all Outlook features, plug-ins, and extensions. Whereas Outlook Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode, which is used to fix or troubleshoot problems.
How to Open Outlook in Safe Mode?
There are several methods available to start Outlook in Safe Mode. Here we will discuss all of them. You can choose any solution as per your convenience.
Method 1: Open Outlook in Safe Mode using Run Command
- Click on the start and click on Run (Use Window Key + R)
- Type outlook.exe /safe
- Click on the OK button to launch safe mode
Method 2: Start Outlook in safe mode Using the hold Ctrl option
- Hold the Ctrl button on your Keyboard.
- Double click on the Outlook shortcut
- Hold the Ctrl key until the popup will come up. Outlook will ask You’re holding down the CTRL-key. Do you want to start Outlook in safe mode?
- Click on the Yes button.
Method 3: Run Outlook in Safe Mode using Outlook Safe Mode Command
If you know the Outlook Exe file location, you can also use the Command prompt.
- Open Command Prompt
- Type Outlook Exe file location
- Type /safe after the location
Outlook Safe Mode command for Outlook 2019 and 2016
- 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
- 32-bit (alternative): "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
- 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
Open Outlook 2013 in Safe Mode
- 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\outlook.exe" /safe
- 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\outlook.exe" /safe
Open Outlook 2010 in Safe Mode
- 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\outlook.exe" /safe
- 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\outlook.exe" /safe
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start Outlook in safe mode using the command prompt?
To start Outlook in safe mode, follow the steps below.
- Open Command Prompt
- Type Outlook Exe file location ("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX\outlook.exe")
- Type /safe after the location
Note: XX is your Outlook version number.
How do I open Outlook in safe mode 2016?
If you are an Outlook 2016 user and want to open Outlook in Safe Mode, type the following command at the command prompt.
- 32-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
- 64-bit: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe