Outlook is Having Trouble Starting. How About Starting with Essentials Only

  

Mark Regan
Published: July 28th, 2025 • 8 Min Read

The message Outlook is having trouble starting, how about starting with essentials only typically appears when the program encounters a problem during its launch process. This can manifest as:

• Outlook freezing on the splash screen.
• Outlook not responding or crashing unexpectedly.
• Error Message Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook Window.

This startup issue often appears when profiles get corrupted, damaged Outlook files, add-ins conflicts with system updates or antivirus. Let’s know the causes of Outlook starting. How about starting with essentials only.

Common Reasons Why Outlook Is Having Trouble Starting

• Your Outlook profiles contain configuration settings and account data. If this profile becomes corrupted due to sudden shutdowns, crashes or file system issues – Outlook may fail to start properly.
• Add-ins can increase Outlook functionality, but some Add-ins can affect Outlook performance and also face issues Outlook is having trouble starting.
• Outlook stores mailbox data in a PST file(for POP/IMAP Accounts) or OST(for Exchange/Microsoft 365). If these files become corrupted often due to large size, disk errors, or abrupt closures Outlook may hang or display errors when launched.
• Some Antivirus programs scan Outlook data or connectivity aggressively, which can interfere with the startup process. Overprotective firewall rules or outdated antivirus engines may block essential components Outlook needs to start.
• Microsoft occasionally releases updates to fix bugs or introduce new features but not all updates. A failed or buggy update may disrupt Outlook performance, especially if system files or office dependencies are affected.
• Sometimes Outlook doesn’t shutdown completely and continues to run a background as background processes. The next time you try to open it, conflict occurs, causing the application to hang or fail.

How to Fix “Outlook Is Having Trouble Starting”?

When you know the cause of Outlook is having trouble starting then now the next step is to apply the appropriate fix. Below are several proven methods to resolve Outlook’s trouble issues.

Method 1. Launch Outlook in Safe Mode

1. Press Win+R and type Outlook.exe/safe.
   
2. If it opens then disable faulty Add-ins.
   
3. Relaunch Outlook in Normal Mode.
4. 

Method 2. Disable Add-ins and Relaunch Outlook

1. Launch Outlook in safe mode.
2. Navigate to file and click on options then press on Add-ins.
   
3. Select Manage and choose COM Add-ins and press Go button.
   
4. Select suspicious Add-ins and disable it.
   

Method 3. Create a New Outlook Profile

1. Open the Control Panel and hit on Mail.
   
2. Choose Show Profiles and click on Add to create a new profile.
   
3. Setup email account choose prompt for a profile to be used, then launch Outlook with a new profile.
   

Method 4. Repair Outlook Data Files

1. Close Outlook and navigate to SCANPST: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\ScanPST.exe.
   
2. Click on the browse button to select Outlook files as you wish to repair.
   
3. Press Start to begin the process.
   

Method 5. Use Outlook Built-In Repair Tool

1. Navigate to the Control Panel and click on Programs.
   
2. Hit on Programs and Features and select Microsoft Office.
   
3. Press Change and choose Quick Repair.

Method 6. Update or Reinstall Outlook

1. Open Outlook and go to file and press on Office Account.
   
2. Hit on Update Options and click on Update Now.
   
3. If it fails, then uninstall and reinstall Outlook.

Method 7. Check Compatibility Mode and Permissions

1. Right-click on Outlook shortcut and properties.
   
2. Navigate to compatibility and uncheck Run this Program in compatibility Mode.
   
3. Click Apply and restart Outlook.
   

Method 8. Program a Clean Boot in Windows

1. Press Win+R and hit on msconfig then click on Enter.
2. Under the services tab, check Hide all Microsoft Services and click on disable all.
3. In the startup tab, disable all startup items.
4. Relaunch Outlook to apply changes.

Advanced Fixes for Outlook is Having Trouble Starting

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work then you can follow these advanced methods that can help tackle deeper system level issues or stubborn data file corruption.

Approach 1. Use System File Checker(SFC Scan)

1. Press the Win button and type cmd and click on Run as administrator then Type command: sfc/scannow and hit on Enter.
2. Wait for the scan to complete.
3. Restart your pc and try to relaunch Outlook.

Approach 2. Modify Registry Settings(With Caution)

1. Press Win+R and type: outlook.exe/ resetnavpane.
2. Hit Enter to reset Outlook navigation and try to relaunch Outlook.

Advantages of Recommended Software

• This software can also convert OST to PDF, EML, MBOX, MSG, PST and 39+ saving features.
• It is specially optimized with advanced algorithms to make this reliable tool for all professional and individual users.
• You can also import OST to Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird, Microsoft 365 and all IMAP Supported platforms.
• With this wizard, you can also use filter options such as create PST year wise, separate PST per user, change language, split PST and many more to completely meet user expectations.
• It also offers you to convert single or batch numbers of OST files without facing any limitations.

How to Prevent Outlook from Having Trouble Starting Again?

• Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs, patch security, vulnerability, and improve performance. Running outdated versions of Outlook increases the risk of errors and compatibility issues.
• Backup Outlook data to secure and prevent data loss or settings in case of file corruption or crashes.
• Add-ins can be helpful, but too many or poorly developed ones can cause performance and startup.
• Some Antivirus or firewall settings can interfere with Outlook. Make sure you are using an updated version that is compatible with Outlook.

Closing Remarks

If you have reached here then we hope you got the solution as required to fix Outlook is having trouble starting. As we have explained, 11 techniques to fix Outlook are having trouble starting, how about starting with essentials only. As manual approaches have no assurance and also possibility of data loss. So, we recommend you to opt Expert Recommended Approach as it is specially known for faster results and no risk of losing any data.