outlook will not let me in

End the Outlook process in Task Manager, reopen it, and then use the recovery steps below for either new Outlook or classic Outlook.

1. Close the stuck Outlook process

1. Right-click Start and select Task Manager.
2. Select Microsoft Outlook or OUTLOOK.EXE.
3. Select End task.
4. Close Task Manager and open Outlook again.

This is Microsoft’s first recovery step for new Outlook when it stops working.^1^

2. Identify which Outlook app you have

• New Outlook: Usually labeled Outlook (new) or new Outlook for Windows in the Start menu.
• Classic Outlook: Usually labeled Outlook (classic) or is installed as part of Microsoft 365/Office.

The repair procedures are different.

If you have new Outlook

1. Open Start and find new Outlook for Windows.
2. Expand its menu and select Uninstall.
3. Restart Windows.
4. Open Microsoft Store, search for Outlook, and select Get.
5. Open Outlook and follow the prompts to add the account again.

Reinstalling through Microsoft Store is the documented recovery procedure for new Outlook.^1^

If you have classic Outlook

Test whether an add-in is crashing Outlook:

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

outlook.exe /safe

3. Select OK, accept the default profile, and sign in if requested.
4. If Outlook remains open, go to File → Options → Add-ins.
5. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins → Go.
6. Record or photograph which boxes are selected, then clear all the boxes. Do not select Remove.
7. Restart Outlook normally.
8. Re-enable the add-ins one at a time, restarting Outlook after each one. Leave the add-in that causes the crash disabled.^1^

If Outlook also crashes in safe mode, repair Office:

1. Search Windows for Control Panel.
2. Select Programs → Uninstall a program.
3. Right-click Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office.
4. Select Change → Online Repair and complete the repair.^2^

If repair does not help, create a separate Outlook profile:

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Control Panel → User Accounts → Mail → Show Profiles.
3. Select Add—do not remove the existing profile or its data files.
4. Name the new profile, enter the email address, and finish setup.
5. Hold Shift while starting Outlook and select the new profile.^2^

If the new profile works, the original profile is damaged. If it still crashes, Windows 10 or later users can run the classic Outlook advanced diagnostic troubleshooter through Get Help; it does not support new Outlook.^2^

References

1. Outlook for Windows not responding, hangs, freezes, or stops working
2. Outlook crashes or stops responding when used with Office 365 | Microsoft Support