When the Outlook desktop application is misbehaving or crashing, you are able to force run outlook in safe mode. Here're the steps to open outlook in safe mode on Windows.

When it comes to email clients, Outlook is among the most widely used both for personal and office uses. Among the best reasons for Outlook is it is filled to the brim with assorted features for a wide range of users. In fact, though I personally use Thunderbird on my small personal machine due to its simplicity of use and ease, Outlook is my goto when it comes to Work emails and communication.

Generally, Outlook application on desktop launches with no problems. However, there can be times when Outlook crashes as soon as you open it up. For example, a current update to Windows 10 caused outlook crash with 0xc0000005 error as soon as it's opened. In some cases, Outlook may not become it ought to. During these kinds of situations, you can open Outlook in Safe mode. Advertising media are Outlook in safe mode, it automatically fixes a lot of issues. So, within this simple and quick guide, allow me to show different ways to start Outlook in safe mode in Windows.

Note: The techniques and steps shown below works with any modern version of Outlook including Outlook 2013, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 365.

How to Open Outlook in Safe Mode From Taskbar

If you have pinned Outlook to the taskbar, you can start it in safe mode directly from the taskbar. Here's how.

Hold on the "Ctrl" key around the keyboard.
While holding down the key, click the Outlook icon on the taskbar.
You will notice a prompt asking if you want to start Outlook in safe mode. Click "Yes".
Now, select the Outlook profile you need to open and click "Ok".

If you did not create any extra profile, keep your default one as is and press "Ok". That is all. Outlook is going to be launched within the safe mode with the profile you select.

How you can Open Outlook in Safe Mode From Start Menu

To run Outlook in safe mode directly from the start menu, stick to the steps listed below.

Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key around the keyboard.
Type "Outlook" in the search bar.
Hold down the "Ctrl" key and then click the "Open" option around the right panel.
Click "Yes" within the confirmation window.
Select the Outlook profile from the dropdown menu.
Click "Ok".

That is it. Once you click the button, safe mode Outlook will be opened automatically. This process is useful when the taskbar icon is not responding or if you did not pin Outlook to the taskbar.

Run Command to Start Outlook in Safe Mode

Outlook includes a dedicated run command to start it in the safe mode. The run command is very useful if you're not able to open it up via the Start menu or the taskbar.

Open the Run window with "Windows Key + R" shortcut.
In the blank field, type "outlook.exe /safe" and click on "Ok".
Click "Yes" in this window.
Now, choose the Outlook profile and click on "Ok".

That's it.

How to Start Outlook in Safe Mode From Command Prompt

If you want to, you may also launch outlook in safe mode while using Command Prompt. All you need to do is perform command and you're simply done.

Open the Start menu.
Type "cmd" and click on the "Command Prompt" result.
After opening the Command Prompt window, type the below command and press Enter.
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
Click "Yes" in the Outlook window.
Choose the profile and click "Ok".

Note: If Outlook is installed in some other directory, modify the file path within the above command to match the actual Outlook.exe file path.

How you can Create Outlook Safe Mode Desktop Shortcut

If Outlook is behaving oddly often, you may create a dedicated desktop shortcut to start Outlook in safe mode.

Right-click on the desktop.
Select the "New → Shortcut" option.
Type the following path within the field and click on "Next".
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\outlook.exe" /safe
Name the shortcut and click "Finish".
To produce Outlook, double-click on the desktop shortcut you just created.
Click "Yes" within the confirmation window.
Select "Profile" and click "Yes".

Note: If Outlook is installed in another directory, modify the file path in the above command to complement the particular Outlook.exe file path.