My desktop outlook app will not open

On my desktop with Microsoft 365, running on Windows 11, I've had some luck with this procedure: I open Task Manager (right click on the taskbar), scroll down to Microsoft Outlook, select it, and then click End Task (at the top or right click). This is not a permanent fix, but it does let me get into Outlook on the next try. It seems that the OS does something that maybe keeps two Outlook windows from being open simultaneously, but the way it is implemented it appears to be a bug.

Hello Kevin M! I'm Gunasekar and I'd be happy to help you with your question.

I understand that you're experiencing an issue with the Outlook desktop app on your Windows 11 system. You could try the following suggestions below and check the outcome.

1. Check if the Program works in safe mode or not.

Start-> type; Outlook.exe /safe (Note the space in the command)

When you run Outlook in safe mode, it bypasses functionality and settings such as alternative startup location, changed toolbars, startup folders used by Outlook, Outlook add-ins, and most COM add-ins. While add-ins can enhance your experience, they can occasionally interfere, or conflict with Outlook.

If the issue persists,

2. Repair Office applications.

a. Right-click the Start button Windows Start button (lower-left corner), select Settings, and click > Apps. b. Select the Microsoft Office product you want to repair, and select Modify. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair. (Select Online repair)

3. If the issue continues, Create a new Outlook profile.

a. Open control panel. b. Change the category to small or large icons. c. Click Mail (Microsoft Outlook). d. In the window, click Show Profile. e. Click Add, name it (whatever name you want to) f. Enter your e-mail address and click next. g. Your new Outlook Profile has been created.

When starting outlook, select the new profile created and sign in with your account.

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I’ll be glad to assist you further.

Best regards,

Gunasekar N

WOW, thank you for this very simple fix, that did it! I could not get any other solution suggested by MS to work - turns out the easy route was the ticket. I appreciate you taking the time to post!

Hi there,

My husband has a windows 11 computer running office 365. He is using Outlook and doesn't want to change to Outlook New (which I use and hate!!!).

His Outlook won't start at least 2 to 3 times a month. I run the repair and restart his computer and he is fine for a few more days.

Why does this happen constantly? It is most frustrating. He is not computer literate so if I am not around he wouldn't have a cooking clue about what to do to get his Outlook up and running again.

1. Open Task Manager,
2. look for Outlook under Background Processes,
3. click on it then on End Task.

Worked for me. Quick and simple.