When you experience the above issue, it’s worth looking into Outlook’s PST file, app compatibility settings, app version, current profile, and more.
1. Disable Outlook’s Add-ins
Outlook supports various add-ins that help expand the app’s capabilities. Sometimes, these add-ins don’t work well with the main app, causing multiple problems. Your safe mode issue with Outlook may be the result of a buggy add-in. In this case, disable all your add-ins and see if Outlook opens in normal mode. If Outlook opens in normal mode, your add-ins are the culprit. In this case, enable one add-in at a time to find the culprit. Then, remove the faulty add-in to fix your Outlook issue for good.
2. Scan Outlook’s PST File for Issues
Outlook uses data files called PST files to retrieve your account information. Your PST file may be corrupt, causing the app to malfunction. In this case, you can run Outlook’s built-in PST file checker to check and fix the issues with your data file. Make sure to close Outlook before you run this repair tool.
3. Reset Outlook’s Navigation Pane
Outlook lets you customize the app’s navigation pane (the leftmost pane) so you can make it to your liking. Sometimes, too many changes to this pane causes issues with the app. In this case, you can reset the navigation pane’s changes and bring the pane back to the default view.
4. Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
One reason your Outlook app only opens in safe mode is that the app’s compatibility settings are incorrect. In this case, you can run the Windows Program Compatibility troubleshooter to find and fix compatibility issues with your app. The tool runs on its own for the most part, so you have little to do.
5. Update Outlook on Your Computer
You may be using an old version of Outlook on your computer. Old app versions are often buggy and cause various problems. You can resolve this issue by updating the Outlook app on your machine.
6. Uninstall the Latest Windows Update
Windows updates have been found to be causing issues with Outlook. Your app only opening in safe mode may be the result of a faulty update you’ve installed on your Windows system. In this case, you can roll back the update and fix your Outlook problem. Later, you can reinstall the update when Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and provided a fix with the update.
7. Create a New Outlook Profile
Outlook profiles can go corrupt, making it difficult or impossible for you to work in the app. This may have happened in your case. In this case, you can create a new profile and use your email account with the newly built profile.
8. Reinstall Outlook on Your Computer
If all else fails, remove and reinstall Outlook on your computer. Doing so deletes all the app files, eliminating any problems caused by those files. You then get working new files when you reinstall the app. Since nearly all the email services sync with the cloud, you don’t lose your emails or other synced data when you remove and reinstall Outlook.
Preventing Outlook From Only Launching in Safe Mode
Outlook opens in safe mode for various reasons. If the app continues to use this mode regardless of how many times you launch it, the methods described above should help you resolve your problem. Once you’ve applied the above methods and fixed your issue, Outlook will only launch in normal mode. You’ll have the option to launch the app in safe mode if you want.
