I can’t open my email on my computer

Install all available Windows updates first, because Microsoft has fixed a current Classic Outlook issue that can leave POP-account or PST-based profiles hanging at “Loading Profile.” ^1^

1. Update Windows completely

This is especially relevant if the problem began after the January 13, 2026 Windows updates and the Outlook profile uses a POP account or a PST file.

1. Right-click Start and select Settings.
2. Select Windows Update. On Windows 10, select Update & Security.
3. Select Install now or Check for updates.
4. Install everything offered and restart when prompted.
5. Repeat until Windows Update displays You’re up to date.
6. Open Classic Outlook again.

If updates do not resolve it, continue below.

2. Test Outlook without add-ins

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter:

outlook.exe /safe

3. Select OK and choose the normal profile if prompted.

If Outlook opens in safe mode, an add-in is likely causing the hang:

1. Go to File → Options → Add-ins.
2. Next to Manage: COM Add-ins, select Go.
3. Record the enabled add-ins, then clear all their checkboxes. Do not select Remove.
4. Restart Outlook normally.
5. Re-enable the add-ins one at a time, restarting Outlook after each, until the problem returns. Leave the problematic add-in disabled. ^2^

3. Create a new Outlook profile

If safe mode also hangs, test whether the existing Outlook profile is damaged. This creates a new Outlook profile, not a new Windows user account.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Control Panel.
3. Search for and open Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
4. Select Show Profiles → Add.
5. Enter a new profile name and add the work email account.
6. Hold Shift while starting Outlook.
7. Select the new profile and choose OK.

If Outlook opens with the new profile, the original profile is corrupted. Keep the old profile until the new one is fully working and all required local data is available. Microsoft documents that a successful test with a new profile identifies the original profile as the source of the problem. ^2^

4. Repair the data file or Office

If the new profile does not help:

• PST problems: Run the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool, scanpst.exe, to check and repair the PST. This is particularly relevant for POP accounts and locally stored Outlook data files.
• Office installation problems: Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Microsoft 365/Office → Modify, run Quick Repair, and test Outlook. If that fails, run Online Repair. Online Repair is more extensive and may require signing back into Office afterward. ^2^

Microsoft also provides Classic Outlook startup and profile troubleshooters through the Get Help app. These troubleshooters apply to Classic Outlook, not new Outlook for Windows. ^3^

If this is a managed business computer and Outlook still cannot start, contact the organization’s Microsoft 365 administrator. The administrator can check account policies and open a Microsoft 365 support request. Use Outlook on the web temporarily if browser access is available.

References

1. Classic Outlook profiles with POP accounts and PSTs hang after Windows updates on January 13, 2026
2. Classic Outlook
3. Resolve Outlook for Windows issues with automated troubleshooting tools