How to load Outlook with no add-ins
In case you need to troubleshoot Outlook, it is a good idea to load Outlook without loading any 3rd party Outlook add-ins. This article explains just how to do it.
Among other culprits, Outlook add-ins are the usual suspect when Outlook runs slow or triggers unexpected errors. To determine if the installed add-ins are causing you problems, the easiest thing to do is to start Outlook with no add-ins.
Outlook command line switch for add-ins
In order to load Outlook without add-ins, you have to exit Outlook and type the following command in a RUN window or in a Windows command prompt:
Outlook /safe:3
Please note that, while the above command will cause Outlook to load with no add-ins, the add-ins are still going to be displayed in the Add-in Manager window.
If starting with no add-ins doesn’t solve your Outlook problems, you can also try to load Outlook with one of the following switches:
/cleanviews
– this switch restores default views (all custom views you created are lost!);
/firstrun
– starts Outlook as if it were run for the first time;
/cleanprofile
– loads Outlook with a new, clean user profile, while restoring default profile registry keys;
/nocustomize
– loads Outlook without customized toolbars.
You can also hold CTRL down when launching Outlook. A dialog will appear: “You’re holding down the CTRL key. Do you want to start Outlook in safe mode?” You’ll have two options: “Yes” and “No”.