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How to Fix “We’re Sorry, but Outlook Has Run into an Error”

Seeing the message “We’re sorry, but Outlook has run into an error” after a Windows update can prevent Microsoft Outlook from opening normally. The problem may also affect other Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

An Office application can stop responding because of a problematic add-in, damaged Office files, compatibility settings, an incomplete update, or a conflict with another program.

The good news is that you can troubleshoot the problem without immediately reinstalling Microsoft Office. Start with Safe Mode and work through the solutions below.

Which Microsoft Office Apps Can Be Affected?

Although the error is commonly reported with Outlook, similar messages can appear when opening other Office applications.

You may see messages such as:

• “We’re sorry, but Outlook has run into an error”
• “We’re sorry, but Word has run into an error”
• “We’re sorry, but Excel has run into an error”
• “We’re sorry, but PowerPoint has run into an error”

If several Office applications stopped working after the same Windows update, the problem may involve the Office installation rather than Outlook alone.

Method 1: Start Outlook in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Outlook without loading certain custom settings and add-ins. This makes it useful for determining whether an extension is causing the problem.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Enter:

outlook /safe

3. Press Enter.
4. Select your Outlook profile if prompted.
5. Check whether Outlook opens successfully.

If Outlook works in Safe Mode, an add-in or customized setting is a likely cause.

You can perform a similar test with other Office applications:

excel /safe

winword /safe

If Word or Excel opens normally in Safe Mode, continue with the next method.

Method 2: Disable Outlook Add-ins

A recently installed or updated add-in can interfere with Outlook.

If Outlook opens in Safe Mode:

1. Select File.
2. Click Options.
3. Select Add-ins.
4. Look at the bottom of the window.
5. Set Manage to COM Add-ins.
6. Click Go.
7. Clear the check box next to the add-in you want to disable.
8. Click OK.
9. Close Outlook.
10. Start Outlook normally.

If Outlook works after disabling an add-in, enable the extensions individually to identify the one causing the problem.

The same approach can help with Word and Excel. If Excel is experiencing a separate startup problem, our guide to Excel Not Working provides additional troubleshooting steps.

Method 3: Check Compatibility Mode

Compatibility settings can sometimes prevent an Office application from launching correctly.

Locate the executable file for the affected Office application and check its compatibility settings.

For Outlook, common installation locations include:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE

or, depending on the installation:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE

The exact folder can vary depending on your Office version and installation type.

To check the setting:

1. Right-click the Office application’s executable file.
2. Select Properties.
3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Look for Run this program in compatibility mode for.
5. If it is enabled, clear the option.
6. Click Apply.
7. Select OK.
8. Start the Office application again.

Also check whether Run this program as an administrator has been enabled under the compatibility settings. If you do not specifically need it, return the setting to its normal state.

Method 4: Repair Microsoft Office

If Office files were damaged during an update or another system change, repairing the installation can restore the affected applications.

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Click Installed apps.
4. Find your Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 installation.
5. Open its available options.
6. Select Modify if available.
7. Choose Quick Repair.
8. Follow the instructions.

If Quick Repair does not solve the problem, try Online Repair if it is available. Online Repair requires an internet connection and performs a more extensive repair.

After the repair completes, restart Windows and open Outlook again.

Method 5: Install Pending Windows and Office Updates

A Windows update can sometimes expose compatibility problems with an older Office installation.

Check Windows Update:

Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates

Install any available updates and restart the computer.

Then open an Office application that works and check for Office updates under:

File > Account > Update Options > Update Now

If Outlook and the other Office applications still fail after an update, continue with the repair methods below.

Method 6: Create a New Outlook Profile

If Outlook itself opens but crashes while loading your profile, the profile may be damaged.

You can test the problem by creating a new Outlook profile.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Control Panel.
3. Search for Mail.
4. Open Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
5. Select Show Profiles.
6. Click Add.
7. Create a new profile.
8. Add your email account.
9. Select the option to use the new profile.
10. Start Outlook.

If Outlook works with the new profile, the original profile may be responsible for the problem.

Do not delete your original profile until you have confirmed that your email data and account configuration are available through the new profile.

Method 7: Check Windows System Files

If several applications began crashing after a Windows update, corrupted system files may be contributing to the problem.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for DISM to finish.

Then run:

sfc /scannow

Allow the scan to reach 100%.

Restart Windows after both operations complete and test Outlook again.

Method 8: Perform a Clean Boot

If Outlook works after disabling add-ins but fails during normal startup, another application or service may be interfering with Office.

A clean boot can help identify the conflict.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type msconfig.
3. Press Enter.
4. Open the Services tab.
5. Select Hide all Microsoft services.
6. Click Disable all.
7. Open the Startup tab.
8. Select Open Task Manager.
9. Disable unnecessary startup applications.
10. Restart the computer.
11. Test Outlook.

If the problem disappears, re-enable the disabled items gradually until you identify the conflicting application or service.

Restore the normal startup configuration after testing.

Method 9: Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Office

If none of the previous methods works, the Office installation may be damaged. If you encounter a separate installation failure with Microsoft Office, see our guide toOffice Installation Error Code 1603 for additional troubleshooting steps.

Start with Online Repair if the option is available. A complete reinstall should only be considered after repair fails.

Before removing Office, make sure you know your Microsoft account credentials and have access to any product information required to reinstall your Office version.

After reinstalling Office, restart Windows and test Outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook say “We’re sorry, but Outlook has run into an error”?

The message can appear because of damaged Office files, problematic add-ins, compatibility settings, a corrupted Outlook profile, or conflicts between Windows and Office components.

Can a Windows update cause Outlook to stop working?

A Windows update can sometimes expose compatibility or configuration problems involving installed applications. If Outlook stopped working immediately after an update, checking Office updates, add-ins, compatibility settings, and the Office installation is a good starting point.

Why does Outlook work in Safe Mode but not normally?

When Outlook works in Safe Mode, an add-in or customized configuration is often worth investigating. Disable add-ins individually and restart Outlook normally to identify the problem.

Should I reinstall Office immediately?

No. Try Safe Mode, disable add-ins, check compatibility settings, repair Office, and test the Outlook profile first. Reinstallation should generally be a later troubleshooting step.

Can the problem affect Word and Excel too?

Yes. If multiple Office applications display similar error messages, the underlying problem may involve the Office installation, Windows components, or third-party software rather than Outlook alone.

Conclusion

The “We’re sorry, but Outlook has run into an error” message can appear after a Windows update or when Office encounters a configuration, compatibility, add-in, or installation problem.

Start Outlook in Safe Mode to determine whether an add-in is involved. Next, disable problematic extensions and check the application’s compatibility settings. Repair Microsoft Office if the problem continues.

You should also install pending Windows and Office updates, test a new Outlook profile, and run DISM and SFC if several Windows applications are affected.

If these solutions do not resolve the problem, use Office Online Repair before considering a complete Microsoft Office reinstall.