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How do I reboot Microsoft Outlook?
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Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client for managing emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts. Like any software, it may occasionally slow down, freeze, or encounter errors that require a reboot or restart to fix the issue. Rebooting Outlook can help refresh its processes, apply updates, or resolve minor bugs. This article covers multiple methods to reboot Microsoft Outlook, from basic restarts to more advanced troubleshooting steps.
1. What Does Rebooting Outlook Mean?
Rebooting or restarting Microsoft Outlook simply means closing the application completely and then launching it again. This allows the program to clear temporary memory, reload configuration files, and start fresh.
2. Why You Might Need to Reboot Outlook
Here are common reasons you might need to reboot Outlook:
Outlook freezes or becomes unresponsive
Emails are not sending or receiving
Slow performance
Add-ins not working correctly
Calendar synchronization issues
Outlook won’t open after a system crash
Applying new updates or configuration changes
3. Basic Restart Methods
Method 1: Restart Outlook Normally
The simplest way to reboot Outlook is to close it and open it again:
Save your work.
Click the X at the top-right corner of the Outlook window.
Wait a few seconds to ensure the app closes completely.
Open Outlook again from the desktop shortcut or Start menu.
Method 2: Restart via Task Manager (Force Close)
Sometimes Outlook appears closed but is still running in the background. Use Task Manager to force close it:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
Under the Processes tab, find Outlook.exe.
Click it, then select End Task.
Wait a moment, then reopen Outlook.
This method is helpful if Outlook is frozen or not responding.
4. Rebooting Outlook in Safe Mode
If Outlook won’t start properly, try rebooting in Safe Mode. Safe Mode disables add-ins and custom settings, allowing Outlook to start with minimal configuration.
Steps:
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type: outlook.exe /safe and press Enter.
If prompted, choose your Outlook profile.
If Outlook opens, the issue may be related to an add-in or customization.
To return to normal mode, simply close Outlook and reopen it normally.
5. Restarting Outlook After Updates
After updates—especially Microsoft Office or Windows updates—it’s often necessary to reboot Outlook:
Complete the installation of updates.
Restart your computer (not just Outlook).
Once restarted, open Outlook again.
This ensures updates are fully applied and Outlook loads with the latest configurations.
6. Restarting Outlook with Add-ins Disabled
If an add-in is causing issues, you can disable them temporarily and restart Outlook:
Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
At the bottom, next to Manage: COM Add-ins, click Go.
Uncheck add-ins you suspect are problematic.
Click OK, close Outlook, and then reopen it.
You can re-enable add-ins one at a time to identify the culprit.
7. Restarting Outlook Using Command Line
Advanced users can restart Outlook using command-line switches. For example:
Press Windows + R to open Run.
Type: outlook.exe /resetnavpane to reset the navigation pane.
Other useful switches include:
/cleanviews: Resets all custom views.
/resetfolders: Restores missing default folders.
After running the command, Outlook will restart with those parameters.
8. Rebooting the Outlook App (Mobile)
If you're using the Outlook app on iOS or Android:
To Restart:
Force close the app:
iOS: Swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away.
Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Outlook > Force Stop.
Reopen the app from your home screen or app drawer.
Reinstall if Needed:
If rebooting doesn't help:
Uninstall the Outlook app.
Restart your phone.
Reinstall Outlook from the App Store or Google Play.
9. Rebooting Outlook Web App (OWA)
The Outlook Web App doesn’t require rebooting in the traditional sense but you can refresh or reset your session.
Steps:
Log out of the Outlook Web App.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
Close the browser completely.
Reopen your browser and log in again at https://outlook.office.com.
If issues persist, try a different browser or use incognito/private mode.
10. Troubleshooting Tips if Outlook Won’t Restart
If Outlook refuses to restart properly, try the following:
Repair Office Installation:
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Find Microsoft Office, right-click, and select Change.
Choose Quick Repair or Online Repair.
Create a New Outlook Profile:
Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
Click Add to create a new profile.
Set it as the default and open Outlook.
Run Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant:
Download from Microsoft’s official site.
This tool diagnoses and fixes common Outlook problems automatically.
Check for Conflicting Software:
Antivirus, VPNs, or firewall software may interfere with Outlook.
Temporarily disable them to test.
Check for Corrupt PST/OST Files:
Use the ScanPST.exe tool included with Office to repair corrupted data files.
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11. Final Thoughts
Rebooting Outlook can resolve many common issues and is an important first step in troubleshooting. Whether you're using the desktop version, mobile app, or web version, a quick restart can often restore normal operation. For deeper issues, Safe Mode, disabling add-ins, and repair tools can be effective.
If rebooting Outlook doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to update your Office suite, repair your installation, or contact Microsoft Support. Regular backups of your email data and keeping your software updated can also help avoid future issues.
Need help with a specific Outlook error while rebooting? Let me know the exact issue, and I can guide you step-by-step!
