A Complete Guide to Open Outlook in Safe Mode

Updated On - October 22, 2024 by Armaan | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Summary: – MS Outlook is a widely used email client with a complete suite of features to streamline communication and organization. It allows users to manage emails, schedule appointments, keep track of tasks, make contact management, and do other things. However, like any software, Outlook can also encounter issues that may disrupt its normal working and functioning. In such cases, opening Outlook in Safe Mode can be a valuable troubleshooting step. But what exactly is Safe Mode, and how can you Open Outlook in Safe Mode, whether using the 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 or Outlook 365 versions? Let’s explore this comprehensive guide.

Understand What is Safe Mode in Outlook

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to start Outlook with basic functionality and without loading any add-ins or customization files. By running Outlook in Safe Mode, you can isolate and identify problems caused by add-ins, corrupted data files, or other issues that may be hindering its performance.

Some common scenarios where opening Outlook in Safe Mode can be beneficial:

• If your Outlook application crashes or freezes frequently, running it in Safe Mode can help determine if the issue is related to add-ins or other factors.
• Sometimes, third-party add-ins installed in Outlook may conflict with each other or with Outlook itself. So, running Outlook in safe mode allows you to turn off these add-ins temporarily to identify the culprit.
• If Outlook encounters errors during startup, Safe Mode can help bypass these errors and provide access to your emails and data.
• If your Outlook data file is getting corrupted or damaged, then opening Outlook in safe mode may fix the issue.

Best Methods to Open Outlook in Safe Mode

There are several methods available for opening Outlook in Safe Mode, and it is ideal for all versions of Microsoft Outlook, such as 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Outlook 365. Follow the steps given below for each solution and work flawlessly with your specific Outlook version.

Method 1: Open Outlook in Safe Mode Using Run Dialog Box

Following the steps given below, you can easily open and view Outlook mailbox data.

1. Click the Windows + R keys together, and the Run dialogue box opens on your screen.
2. Here, you need to enter outlook.exe /safe in the box and click OK to continue further.
3. In the opening Choose Profile tab, go with the default selected Outlook and click on the OK button.
4. Here, your Outlook opens up in the safe mode.

Method 2: Run Outlook in Safe Mode by pressing the Ctrl Key

1. Click & Hold the Ctrl button on your keyboard.
2. Now, double-click on the Outlook application icon present on your screen.
3. You need to hold the Ctrl key until a pop-up tab displays and asks if you want to start Outlook in Safe Mode.
4. After that, click on the Yes button.

Method 3: Open MS Outlook in Safe Mode Using Command Prompt

1. First, we explain all the commands that you need to use based on the Outlook versions.

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

Outlook Safe Mode command for 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

Outlook Safe Mode command for 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

2. Now, run Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Here, enter the command C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe” /safe.
4. Click the Enter key to continue the process.
5. Finally, your Outlook is opened in safe mode.

Method 4: Opening Outlook in Safe Mode Using Desktop Shortcut

1. Right-click anywhere on your desktop screen.
2. Select New>>Shortcut.
3. In the opening Create Shortcut, enter the location on an Outlook.exe and add /safe in it. You can also add the path of the Outlook application using the Browse button.
4. After that, click on the Next button to continue.
5. Here, you need to name the shortcut according to your requirements.
6. Then, click on the Finish button to make a shortcut successfully.
7. Exit the Create Shortcut wizard.
8. Now, your new shortcut will directly open Outlook in Safe Mode.

These above-explained manual methods will definitely help you start or open Outlook in safe mode. However, there is the possibility that you cannot start Microsoft Outlook because of the corrupt or damaged Outlook data file. In that case, you need to repair the corrupt, damaged or inaccessible Outlook PST file to use Outlook again.

Method 5: Repair PST File to Open Outlook Easily

If your corrupted or damaged PST file is the reason behind not opening Microsoft Outlook on your computer or system, and because of that, you need to open Outlook in safe mode, then we have an exclusive and robust third-party solution which helps you to repair the corrupt Outlook PST files in a few simple steps. Regain PST File Recovery Tool is an adaptive and reliable solution that allows users to quickly repair corrupt PST files and restore all the mailbox items like emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and journals into a new PST file. The software allows users to add any size and version of PST files to repair.

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Simple Steps to Repair PST File For opening it in Outlook

1. Download, Install and Run Outlook PST Recovery Software.
2. Here, click Add File>>Browse to select the corrupt PST file.
3. The scanning process of the added PST files has started.
4. Here, the software shows all the recovered mailbox data from the PST file.
5. It will also allow you to preview the desired folder as per your requirements.
6. Select the PST file as a saving option and choose the destination path where you want the resultant file.
7. Now, click on the Save Now button to complete the process.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explained the five best methods to open Outlook in Safe Mode to diagnose and resolve issues with confidence. Here, we learned what Safe Mode is in Outlook, common scenarios where we need to do it, and effective methods to start Outlook in Safe Mode. In addition, we also recommend a third-party solution that is helpful in the case of corrupted PST files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1. Why would I need to open Outlook in Safe Mode?

Ans. Opening Outlook in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot various issues, such as frequent crashes, freezing, startup errors or corruption of PST files. It allows you to run Outlook with basic functionality, bypassing add-ins and customization files that may be causing problems.

Ques2. How do I know my Outlook is running in Safe Mode?

Ans. When you open Outlook in Safe Mode, you’ll see “Safe Mode” displayed in the title bar of the Outlook window. Additionally, certain features or functionalities may be limited in Safe Mode compared to normal mode.