Share this article

Improve this guide

FIX: Outlook got stuck on loading profile

8 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Outlookis one of the oldest email applications in the market with over 500 million active users. And, despite its multi-functionality andsheer plethora of various features, it still has its flaws.

One common issue that attracted a lot of attention isOutlookbeing suddenly stuck at the loading profile screen inWindows 10.

Various users claim they’re unable to go past the initial loading screen. We can agree this is a critical error that renders the application completely unusable. Because of the gravity of the error, we enlisted the possible solutions below.

If you’re having a hard time with theOutlookfreeze, make sure to check the list below.

What to do if Outlook gets stuck loading profile

Solution 1 – Disable connection temporarily

Some cautious users noticed this unusualOutlookbehavior is somehow related to their network. Namely, it seems that at the startup,Outlookwas trying to connect to a certain online service but hasn’t succeeded. That, consequently, leads to a stall and the application is unable to move past the Loading Profile screen.

Where this is a bug of some kind or some file corruption issue within theOutlookfiles, no one knows. But, either way, the first troubleshooting step is to disable the connection and startOutlook.

So, just unplug the LAN cable or disconnect from Wi-Fi and try runningOutlookagain. Bear in mind that this is just a workaround and not a solution per se. In order to resolve the issue for good, you should check the steps below.

Solution 2 – Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware Acceleration is indeed useful and it improves the visual experience within Office applications, but only if you have the fitting configuration. On the contrary, it can downgrade performance or even inflict crashes and freezes on unsupported devices.

If you’re stuck with an old, integrated GPU, Hardware Acceleration can do more harm than good. And, in the worst-case scenario, it can renderOutlookcompletely unusable and cause a halt on the profile loading screen.

So, you might want to disable it temporarily and look for changes. In order to do so, you’ll need to runOutlookin Safe mode.

The instructions below should lead you through the whole procedure:

Solution 3 – Install Windows Updates

Windows 10 is all about frequent updates. They can occasionally pose as an annoyance, but in the long run, they provide users with the necessary security and performance improvements. SinceOfficebelongs to Microsoft, it receives its updates via the Windows Update feature.

With that in mind, it’s likely that some of the available or upcoming updates will tend toOutlookissues. Including the profile loading issue that we’re addressing in this guide.

So, it’s advisable to check and install the latest Windows updates before we can move on to additional steps. As you’re probably aware,Windows 10updates will install automatically after working hours.

But, it won’t cost you to check for updates on your own. In order to do so, follow the instructions below:

Additionally, you can install updates manually. The steps below will inform you how:

That should relieve you of the trouble with the profile loading screen.

Solution 4 – Run as admin and change compatibility mode

Optimization is arguably the biggest problem for third-party apps inWindows 10. TheMicrosoft OfficeSuite is somewhat covered with upgrades provided via Windows Update, but occasionally, this won’t suffice.

In case you have an older iteration ofMicrosoft’s Outlook, there’s a chance it will underperform inWindows 10.

Luckily, you can force the system to adjust toOutlookwith the compatibility mode. In addition, it’s recommended to runOutlookas an administrator and check for improvements. It should help you overcome the Profile Screen halt.

Follow the instructions below to tweakOutlook‘s Compatibility features:

That should be enough to get you going. On the other hand, if the problem is persistent, make sure to continue with the listed steps.

Solution 5 – Run Inbox Repair Tool

The Personal Storage Table or PST is a file format that stores personal files related toOutlookand similar Office applications. In case a PST file gets corrupted or incomplete, you won’t be able to startOutlook.

Unlike system file errors, you don’t need to use the System File Checker to scan for errors.Officecomes with a specific repair tool, and its sole purpose is to check and repair PST (and OST) files.

You can’t scan all the files at the same time, so you’ll need to isolate one individual PST file and start from there. Follow the instructions below to run the Inbox Repair Tool:

If this solution falls short just like the others before, move to the next enlisted step.

Solution 6 – Repair Office

If repairing one file isn’t enough to get things started, maybe we should look-up up a more thorough approach. You can always completely reinstall the whole Office suite and start from scratch. However, you don’t need to do so if you can repair the installation in a few simple steps.

Additionally, you don’t need any installation media to retrieve the integrity ofOfficeand its applications, respectively. Just follow closely the instructions below:

Solution 7 – Remove and create new Outlook profile

TheOutlookProfile poses as much more than an account in an e-mail application. It also stores your preferences that affect howOutlookperforms and looks.

In the abundance of applicable settings, one of them might invoke an error or multiple errors. So, what you’ll need to do is to create an alternativeOutlookprofile and switch all your accounts to it.

After that, you can delete the troubledOutlookprofile and stick with the functional one. If you’re not sure how to do it, make sure to follow the steps below:

You can delete the old profile or keep it – it’s your choice.

In conclusion, we hope this was a helpful read. Don’t forget to share your experience withOutlookand related issues. We look forward to hearing from you in the comment section below.

To change your Outlook profile, click on File, go to Account Settings, and then select Change Profile. In this manner, the next time you launch Outlook, the Choose Profile window will appear on the screen.

Outlook profiles are stored in the Windows registry. Any information related to your Outlook profile is directly retrieved from the Registry.

There are several explanations as to why Outlook gets stuck on loading the user profile: incompatible add-ins, incorrect email settings, incompatible software, running outdated OS versions, unstable Internet connections, firewall settings, and more.

To rebuild your Outlook 365 profile, you need to repair Office from the Control Panel. To do that, launch the Control Panel, go to theUninstall a programsection, select your Office version, click on theChangebutton and then follow the on-screen instructions to repair your profile.

Also, you can trythe best Windows 10email clients and apps to use from our list.

FIX: Outlook got stuck on loading profile#

What to do if Outlook gets stuck loading profile#

Solution 1 – Disable connection temporarily#

Solution 2 – Disable Hardware Acceleration#

Solution 3 – Install Windows Updates#

Solution 4 – Run as admin and change compatibility mode#

Solution 5 – Run Inbox Repair Tool#

Solution 6 – Repair Office#

Solution 7 – Remove and create new Outlook profile#