Keep Getting "Outlook closed while you had items open. Reopen items from last session?" Even Though It's Not True

Anonymous
2023-07-05T13:34:20+00:00

This just started happening. Whenever I open Outlook, I get the message "Outlook closed while you had items open. Reopen items from last session?" even though this is not true -- I did not have items open when I closed Outlook. Using Windows 11. Screenshot of what version of Outlook I have:

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

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Anonymous
2023-07-07T17:46:51+00:00

I'm on build 2306. Is this the reg key in question?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences
DWORD: ReopenWindowsOption
Value: 1

Yes.

Some users that updated to 2306 have reported that the key was not already in the Registry and had to add it and the value.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-07-05T14:17:14+00:00

    Hi, I'm Diane and will be happy to help you today.

    Which version and build of Outlook are you using? See File, Office Account for the information.

    In File > Options > General - do you have the option to change the setting?

    I've seen a few other reports that Outlook 2019 is bringing up that dialog but does not have the option to change the setting. I emailed my contacts at Microsoft about it and am waiting to hear back.

    I suggested to the other users to try this key - only one responded back and said it did not help. If you try it, restart Outlook after adding the key.

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences

    DWORD: ReopenWindowsOption

    Value: 1

    -- Diane

    Give back to the community. Help the next person with this problem by indicating whether this answer solved your problem. Click Yes or No at the bottom.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-07-05T14:43:13+00:00

    Thanks for the suggestions. Interestingly, the problem has mysteriously gone away.

    Under "Startup Options," there are no options. No down arrow to click, etc.

    This is Outlook 2021:

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-07-05T16:40:39+00:00

    >>

    Under "Startup Options," there are no options. No down arrow to click, etc.

    <<

    That is how it was with my client who brought the problem to my attention on Monday.

    He said the problem went away but then came back later.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-05T17:52:43+00:00

    Weird, that it came back. I have no idea why the problem disappeared on my laptop. I exited Outlook different ways - hitting the "x", going the File/exit route, etc.. If it recurs, I'll take a look at Task Manager and see if some portion of Outlook is still in memory after exiting.

    Weird, too, that there are no options under "Startup Options."

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