[Fixed] Microsoft Outlook Opening in Safe Mode

[Fixed] Microsoft Outlook Opening in Safe Mode

/ Andrew Holdeman

What is Outlook?

Outlook is an email and calendar program developed by Microsoft. It was initially released in 1998 as part of the Microsoft Office suite. The app allows users to manage their emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, notes, and more. It also provides a powerful set of tools for organizing and tracking data.

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With Outlook, users can schedule meetings, keep track of appointments, send out messages to contacts within their organization or external addresses, store data in folders and search through it quickly. Also, it integrates with many other applications like SharePoint and Dynamics 365 to provide a comprehensive experience for enterprise users.

The platform also offers automated filters and rules that help organize incoming emails and keeps all your account information secure with built-in security features such as two-factor authentication. Outlook is essential for staying organized, efficient and productive in any business or personal environment.

Perform System Restore

If Microsoft Outlook is constantly popping up with a message of opening in safe mode, you need to return to normal mode. To launch Outlook out of safe mode, sometimes you need to use the system restore.

Restoring the device to the last working condition where Outlook was doing well can resolve the safe mode error, and this could only be performed if you create restore points regularly. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch system restore from the windows main menu. In the main menu’s search bar, type system restore and double-click the option to launch it.

search system restore

Step 2: In the system restore window, select the option of create a restore point

Step 3: In the next window, select the system restore option.

system restore option

Step 4: Click next to complete the wizard. 

click next system restore wizard

Step 5: If you already have a restore point, select the appropriate restore point and click next to continue. Follow the wizard to complete the action. 

select system restore point

Disable Windows Search Service

Disabling the Windows Search Service can help prevent Outlook from opening in safe mode. This is because when this service is disabled, Outlook cannot access the indexing catalog of archived emails, making it challenging to launch.

When this service is disabled, Outlook can only access the local PST file instead of having access to all email accounts, preventing it from automatically launching in safe mode. To disable the Windows Search Service, head over to your computer’s Services panel and stop the running service. It should no longer interfere with Outlook’s performance or cause any issues. Here is how you can fix Outlook.

Step 1: Launch the Run utility with the keyboard’s windows key+ R shortcut keys.

Step 2: In the run command box, type services.msc and click ok to continue.

run services msc command

 Step 3: In the services menu, navigate to windows search and click it. Then, select stop the service from the left pane.

Use resetnavpane Command

For launching Microsoft outlook in normal mode, sometimes the ongoing issue between the Windows search service and outlook application won’t allow it to open. This causes an error, i.e., Outlook is in safe mode. The issue can be fixed by using the command prompt action. Here is how you can fix Outlook.

Step 1: Launch the Run utility with the keyboard’s windows key+ R shortcut keys.

windows r keys

Step 2: In the run dialog box, type outlook.exe /resetnavpane and click ok to complete the action. It will start Outlook in normal mode.

outlook resetnavpane

Manage/Turn off Add-ins

The other way of preventing Outlook from opening in safe mode is by disabling the add-ins enabled on your computer. Add-ins are programs or services that extend the functionality of an application like Microsoft Office products such as Outlook.

These additional pieces of software can interact directly with Microsoft applications, so if one is not working correctly, it could cause Outlook to open in safe mode. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch outlook from Windows’ main menu. Type outlook in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch the menu.

search for outlook

Step 2: In the Outlook window, navigate to the file option in the header menu. Click the file and select options in the next window.

file option in outlook

Step 3: It will launch the Outlook options window.

outlook option

Step 4: In the next window, click the add-ins option in the left pane. It will launch the options for add-ins. Navigate to the option of manage at the bottom of the screen and select the option of COM Add-ins from the context menu. Click go to continue.

com add in in outlook

Step 5: From the COM Add-ins Window, uncheck the boxes for all the targeted add-ins and click ok to complete the action.

uncheck outlook ad ins

Modify Updates

For Microsoft Outlook, two specific updates can result in errors like Outlook safe mode. It could be the KB115019 update missing an update or the KB3114409 update installed on the device causing the error. In this context, installing the KB115019 update or uninstalling the KB3114409 update can fix the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Install KB115019 update:

Step 1: Launch Google Chrome on the device and visit the Microsoft official webpage from the search.

open google chrome

Step 2: Navigate to the search box and type KB115019. It will launch the page for updates. Click the option of download to initiate the download and install the update on the device.

download kb115019

Step 3: Once installed, restart the device and launch Outlook to check if the error is resolved.

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Uninstall KB3114409 update

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the windows main menu. Type control in the taskbar search box and double-click the option to launch the menu.

windows search control panel

Step 2: In the control panel menu, navigate to the view option and select the category. Click the option to uninstall a program under the category of program.

select uninstall a program option

Step 3: Select the option of programs and features. In the window, click the link to view installed updates.

view installed updates

Step 4: From the list, navigate to the option of KB3114409 update and click it. Select Uninstall.

uninstall KB3114409 update

Step 5: Click yes to confirm the action.

confirm uninstall

Run SCANPST to Repair Outlook

Running SCANPST is a valuable tool that can help prevent Outlook from opening in safe mode. It helps by scanning and repairing the PST (Personal Storage Table) files, which make up your Outlook data file. If any corruption is detected within these files, SCANPST can fix them and allow you to open up Outlook normally.

It’s important to note that running SCANPST won’t always fix corruptions in PST files, but it’s worth trying before reinstalling or resetting the application. Running SCANPST regularly should also help prevent future issues with corruption. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch file explorer from the shortcut keys, i.e., windows key+ E. In the file explorer window, navigate to the search box and type the file path, i.e., C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16. It will launch office 16.

open microsoft office folder

Step 2: In the office 16 window, navigate to the SCANPST.exe option and double-click to open the file.

open scan pst file

Step 3: A pop-up window for Microsoft Outbox Inbox Repair will launch. Click browse to continue.

microsoft outbox inbox repair

Step 4: In the option of Select File To Scan, click the outlook files and click open to continue.

microsoft outbox inbox repair select file to scan

Step 5: In the Microsoft Outbox Inbox Repair window, click start to initiate the scan.

start inbox repair

Step 6: In the next window, click repair to fix Outlook.

click repair option in inbox repair

Step 7: In UAC, click ok to complete the action.

click ok in repair complete

Modify Registry Editor Keys

Windows registry editor can be used to fix the outlook safe mode error. Resetting the keys and their specific values can resolve the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the registry editor from the run command box. Simultaneously click windows key+ R, and in the command box, type regedit. Click ok to continue.

regedit

Step 2: In the registry editor window, type Computer > HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Office > 16.0 > Outlook key to reaching the outlook folder.

outlook folder in registry

Step 3: Click Outlook and right-click in the space to select the new>key from the context menu.

new common key in outlook

Step 4: Rename the key as security and click enter to continue.

rename security key in regedit

Step 4: Open the key and right-click in the space to select new>Dword (32-bit). Rename the Dword as DisableSafeMode and click enter to continue.

disable safemode in outlook registry

Step 5: Select the new Dword and right-click it to click modify in the context menu.

modify dword disable safemode in registry

Step 6: Set the value for the new Dword as 1. Click ok to complete the action.

change value data for safemode in outlook registry

Deselect the Run this Program in Compatibility Mode Setting

If you tend to launch Outlook in normal mode, check if it runs in compatibility mode. In the case is yes, then remove the program from compatibility mode. Here is how you can perform the action.

Step 1: Launch file explorer via the keyboard’s Windows key+ E shortcut keys.

Step 2: In the file explorer window, type C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office path in the search box and click enter to continue.

outlook properties

Step 3: In the office suite, navigate to the file outlook.exe and right-click it to select properties from the context menu.

Step 4: In the properties pop-up window, head to the compatibility tab, and in the section of compatibility mode, uncheck the box for the option of Run this program in compatibility mode for. Click Apply, followed by clicking ok to save changes.

outlook compatibility option

What is Safe Mode on Windows OS?

Safe Mode is a unique boot option in the Windows operating system that starts your computer with minimal drivers and components. It can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC by preventing programs from loading and running, allowing you to diagnose or fix specific issues.

When you start up in Safe Mode, only basic files and drivers are loaded, helping eliminate software conflicts and other startup issues that might be causing your problems. You can also use Safe Mode to access Device Manager (to check device driver status) or System Restore (to roll back recent changes).

Are There Benefits to Opening Outlook in Safe Mode

There are multiple benefits to opening Outlook in Safe Mode. First, running Outlook in Safe Mode prevents any add-ins or third-party applications from launching when Outlook starts up, and this can help avoid conflicts between the applications that might cause problems with your email client.

Running Outlook in Safe Mode will disable some features such as themes, fonts, and other user interface settings, which can help you identify potential issues with corrupt style sheets or programs that are interfering with the normal functioning of Outlook.

If you’re encountering strange errors when using Outlook, starting it up in Safe Mode will provide a clean environment for troubleshooting so you can isolate the issue more easily.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Outlook Opening in Safe Mode

Why Can’t I Open Outlook?

There are several reasons why you might not be able to open Outlook. It could be because the program is not installed correctly or that it has been corrupted due to a virus infection or hardware failure. Another possibility is that Outlook was closed abruptly and did not save its preferences and settings properly.

Why am I Not Able to Restart Outlook?

There are several possible reasons you might be unable to restart Outlook. One of the most common reasons is that Outlook has become corrupted or some of its files have been damaged or deleted. If this is the case, you will need to repair your installation of Outlook to get it working correctly again.

What are Outlook Add-ins?

Outlook Add-ins are small applications that can be used to extend the functionality of Microsoft Outlook. They provide users with new ways to work within Outlook, streamline their workflow and open up new communication possibilities. With Add-ins, users can save time by automating routine tasks such as email scheduling and tracking emails.

How do I Fix My Outlook?

If your Outlook is not working correctly, the first step is to identify what is causing the issue. Common problems with Outlook can include slow loading times, errors when sending or receiving emails, and difficulties setting up accounts.

Why am I Locked Out of My Outlook Account?

If you are locked out of your Outlook account, there are a few possible causes. It could be that you have forgotten your password or username, or it may be due to suspicious activity detected by the Microsoft security system.

Why Can’t I Exit Outlook?

It’s crucial to understand why you may not be able to exit Outlook to troubleshoot Common reasons for this include having a stuck modal window, corrupt Outlook data files, and problems with your anti-virus software. These problems can also affect other program files in your operating device.

Can I Reinstall Outlook?

Yes, you can reinstall Microsoft Outlook. Depending on the version of Outlook that you have installed, you can find instructions for reinstalling it on the Microsoft website. You may also need to get a new product key if your current one is no longer valid.

Is it Secure to Disable Safe Mode?

A safe Mode is a diagnostic tool to troubleshoot and diagnose system issues. It allows the user to access the Operating System with limited features, which will help identify and fix potential problems. Disabling Safe Mode can be done, but it is not recommended in most cases.

Andrew Holdeman
Meet the author

Andrew has extensive experience with a wide range of writing platforms and automation systems. He has spent over 6 years creating content and troubleshooting for various companies. He also enjoys spending time with his family and his fiancé, while staying active and healthy.