The new Outlook app sometimes gets stuck on the “Getting Outlook Ready” screen, preventing users from accessing their emails. This issue can occur during the initial setup or even after an update. Let’s explore several methods to fix this problem and get Outlook working properly again.
Why Does Outlook Take Forever to Load?
Outlook may load slowly due to various reasons, including:
- Large mailbox size with numerous emails and attachments.
- Corrupted Outlook data files.
- Problematic add-ins interfering with the startup process.
- Outdated or conflicting software.
Quick Fixes Before Trying Advanced Solutions
Before diving into more complex solutions, try these quick fixes:
1. Restart Outlook: Close Outlook completely, including ending its process in Task Manager, then reopen it.
2. Restart Your Computer: A simple system restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
3. Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as Outlook needs to sync with the server.
Method 1: Run Outlook with Administrator Rights
Running Outlook with elevated permissions can sometimes bypass issues preventing it from starting correctly.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type “Outlook”.
Step 2: Right-click on the Outlook app in the search results.
Step 3: Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
Step 4: If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes” to allow the app to run with administrative privileges.
Step 5: Wait for Outlook to start and see if it moves past the “Getting Outlook Ready” screen.
Method 2: Switch to Classic Outlook
If you’re using the new Outlook app and experiencing issues, switching to the classic version might help.
Step 1: Open the new Outlook app if it’s not already running.
Step 2: Look for a toggle or option that says “Try the new Outlook” or “New Outlook” at the top of the window.
Step 3: Turn off this toggle to switch back to the classic Outlook version.
Step 4: If you don’t see this option, use the Windows search to find “Outlook” or “Outlook (classic)” and open it directly.
Using the classic version may bypass the issue until Microsoft addresses problems with the new app.
Method 3: Remove or Disable Outlook Add-ins
Problematic add-ins can cause Outlook to hang during startup. Here’s how to manage them:
Step 1: Start Windows in Safe Mode by restarting your computer and pressing F8 during startup.
Step 2: Once in Safe Mode, open Outlook.
Step 3: In Outlook, click on the bottom-most “More apps” button on the left sidebar.
Step 4: Review the list of installed add-ins and remove any that you suspect might be causing issues.
Step 5: Restart Outlook in normal mode and check if the problem is resolved.
If removing add-ins fixes the issue, add them back one by one to identify the problematic one. Wait for an update before reinstalling any add-in that causes trouble.
Method 4: Repair Outlook
Using Windows’ built-in repair tool can fix corrupted Outlook files and resolve startup issues.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Click on “Apps” then “Installed apps”.
Step 3: Scroll down to find “Outlook (new)” in the list.
Step 4: Click the three dots next to Outlook and select “Advanced options”.
Step 5: Scroll down and click on “Repair”. If that doesn’t work, try the “Reset” option.
Step 6: Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer and try opening Outlook again.
If none of these methods work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Outlook from the Microsoft Store to ensure you have the latest, uncorrupted version.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Getting Outlook Ready” issue and access your emails without further delay. If problems persist, contact Microsoft Support for additional assistance tailored to your specific situation.