Outlook won't open on windows 10PC

Daniel and Barbara Guhanick 0 Reputation points
2025-12-07T22:45:10.6133333+00:00

My PC is pretty much toast as it was hacked, I have removed Norton VPN and other vices since they were hacked. But, I can't get Outlook to open.it just sits and spins. It opens on my android phone. Any ideas? I need to print some email info. I will be getting a new PC WITH WINDOWS 11. WILL IT WORK THERE?


Moved from: Community Center | Discuss the Q&A site | Get started on Q&A

Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For home
0 comments No comments
{count} votes

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-07T22:45:18.7833333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If Outlook is not opening on your Windows 10 PC and just sits and spins, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take:

    1. Check for Conflicting Programs: Sometimes, other applications or services can interfere with Outlook. You might want to perform a Selective Startup to see if this resolves the issue. This process helps identify if any background applications are causing the problem.
    2. Update Outlook: Ensure that you have the latest updates installed for Outlook. Outdated software can lead to performance issues.
    3. Antivirus Software: If your antivirus software has integration with Outlook, it may be causing performance issues. You can try disabling any Outlook-related add-ins in your antivirus settings.
    4. Repair Outlook: If Outlook data files are corrupted, it can prevent the application from opening. You may need to repair your Microsoft 365 programs.
    5. Create a New User Profile: Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can cause issues. You can create a new user profile in Outlook to see if that resolves the problem.

    As for your question about Windows 11, Outlook should work on Windows 11 as it is compatible with the operating system. However, ensure that your version of Outlook is up to date to avoid any potential issues.


    References:

    0 comments No comments

  2. Chloe-L 5,300 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-12-09T22:39:16.7833333+00:00

    Hello Daniel and Barbara Guhanick,

    Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand how stressful it is to deal with a compromised PC, especially when you need to get work done immediately.

    Since you mentioned Outlook just "sits and spins," it is likely getting stuck trying to load an old connection or an add-in (possibly related to the Norton software you removed).

    Here is a plan to get your emails printed right now and then a quick fix to try for the app.

    Step 1: Immediate Workaround (To Print Your Emails)

    Since your PC is struggling, the fastest way to print is to bypass the Outlook app entirely and use the web version.

    1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
    2. Go to outlook.live.com (for personal @outlook.com or @hotmail.com addresses) or outlook.office.com (if this is a business/work email).
    3. Log in with your email address and password.
    4. You should see all your emails there. You can open them and print directly from the browser.

    Step 2: Fix the Outlook App (Safe Mode)

    If you want to get the app working on the current PC, let's try opening it without any add-ins to see if the old Norton files are blocking it.

    1. Right-click the Start button and select Run.
    2. Type the following command exactly: outlook.exe /safe
    3. Click OK.
    4. If Outlook opens successfully in this mode, it confirms an "Add-in" is causing the spin. You can likely use it in this mode just to get your printing done.

    Regarding your question about Window 11, my answer is yes, Outlook will work flawlessly there. When you get the new computer, you will simply need to sign in to your account, and it will download your emails fresh. It is much safer than trying to transfer files from the "hacked" PC.

    Critical tip: Make sure you know your email password and have access to your phone for 2-factor authentication before you switch to the new computer, as you will need them to log in for the first time.

    I hope the web version allows you to print what you need immediately. Please let us know if Safe Mode gets the app running again, or if you have any other questions.

    Best regards,


    If the answer is helpful, click "Accept Answer" and vote for it. If you have any additional questions about this answer, click "Comment".

    Note: Follow the steps in our documentation to enable email notifications if you want to receive related email notifications for this thread.


Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.