Safe mode is an exclusive feature to run an application with limited items and without any extensions to bypass all errors.
If you are in trouble with your Outlook, you should run the application in safe mode to eliminate all possible errors.
This article will show you multiple methods to run Outlook in the safe mode instead of normal mode.
How to Open Outlook in Safe Mode
It is possible to run Outlook in safe mode using various methods. You just need to press and hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and double-click on the Outlook shortcut from your desktop. When prompted, choose Yes to launch Outlook in safe mode.
You can also use other methods depending on your need. Go through the following methods to easily run Outlook in the safe mode instead of normal mode.
Here are the methods to start Outlook in safe mode:
1. Use the Ctrl Key
The best and effortless way to launch Outlook in safe mode is by using the Ctrl key. Press and hold down the Ctrl key and click on the Outlook shortcut.
That will show a prompt saying that you’re holding down the Ctrl key. Select Yes to launch Outlook in safe mode.
2. Open via Run Dialog
If your Outlook doesn’t open, you can use the Run dialog box to start Outlook in safe mode. That will start the application without add-ins. Consider the following instructions to launch Outlook in safe mode using the Run dialog.
Here are the steps to open Outlook via Run dialog:
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type Outlook.exe /safe in the text box and hit Enter.
When prompted, choose the Profile Name and select OK to launch the application in safe mode. You can also create a new profile if needed.
Check out our separate post on how to align bullets in Outlook?
3. Use the Command Prompt
Command Prompt allows users to perform numerous tasks. You can use the Command Prompt to launch Outlook in safe mode. To do so, check the below procedure.
Here is the procedure for launching Outlook using Command Prompt:
- Click on the Start menu.
- Type CMD in the search box.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter the path of the Outlook application and enclose the path with double quotes.
Check the example below:- “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\Outlook.exe” /safe
- Hit Enter.
Change the file location depending on your Outlook version, and don’t forget to add the double quotes at the path’s start and end points of the path.
Follow our guide to change margins in Outlook email.
4. Create a Desktop Shortcut
Creating a desktop shortcut to run Outlook in safe mode is most practical when you often need to start Outlook in safe mode. Check the subsequent instructions to create a desktop shortcut.
Here is the process of creating a desktop shortcut to launch Outlook in safe mode:
- Right-click on your desktop and choose Shortcut from New.
- Click on Browse and select the Outlook.exe file. To locate the file, go to:
- “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE”
- Add a Space and /safe at the end of the path.
- Click Next and choose a name for the shortcut.
- Select Finish to create the shortcut.
The path can vary depending on your Outlook and Windows versions. After creating the shortcut, whenever you click on it, it will launch Outlook in safe mode.
Related contents you should read about shared mailbox in Outlook not updating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I run Outlook in safe mode?
If you run Outlook in safe mode, it will start with a limited set of features and exclude all add-ins to help you troubleshoot different Outlook issues.
What is the difference between Outlook safe mode and normal mode?
The main difference between Outlook safe mode and normal mode is when Outlook fails to load in normal mode, it launches in safe mode to avoid all errors.
When should I use Outlook in safe mode?
When Outlook fails to start in normal mode, it randomly crashes or shows instability after an update; you should use Outlook in safe mode.
Concluding Words
Depending on your need, you can use the most suitable method to run Outlook in safe mode from the above-mentioned methods.
Which method did you find most practical and useful for launching Outlook in safe mode? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
