If you find your Outlook program to be stuck at loading profile screen, you can try fixing it by following the measures listed below. As there can be numerous reasons causing the error, you will need to follow the information provided below to overcome the problem.
Guide to Fix Outlook Stuck at Loading Profile Screen
MEASURE 1: Boot Outlook in Safe Mode
Close Outlook program and go to the Start option. Enter Outlook.exe /safe in the Start field and hit Enter key on your keyboard and close Outlook again. Then launch it as usual. While in most of the cases performing these steps should clear the problem, however, if the problem persists, follow the next measure.
MEASURE 2: Make Sure There is no Dialog Box Opened in the Background
As some actions you perform in the Outlook program needs your confirmation, you may not be able to use Outlook until you allow or disallow the confirmation. For example, when trying to Dismiss All in the reminders list, Outlook opens a box requesting you to confirm your action. If you don’t select cancellation or confirmation option in the prompted box, Outlook won’t allow you to do anything else. So, check for any such boxes in the background by pressing ALT + Tab in your keyboard. If you find any such box preventing you from accessing Outlook, give it an appropriate command first.
In case there is no such box opened in your computer for Outlook, follow the next measure to clear the error.
MEASURE 3: Make sure that Outlook is not Working on a Large or Long Process
When trying to delete or move a large number of emails at once in your Outlook, the program may appear to be hanging or freezing a lot. This usually happens because performing an action on hundreds and thousands of emails at once stresses the memory of Outlook. This, in turn, makes Outlook function sluggishly or hang or freeze a lot. If you are seeing the error while performing any such action (either in Outlook or any other program) in your computer, it is best to allow Outlook (or the particular program) to first complete the process. Once the process gets completed, you can begin working in Outlook.
However, if there isn’t any process running in Outlook, you can follow the next measure.
MEASURE 4: Make Sure that You Have Latest Windows and Office Updates Installed in your Computer
Outlook works best when it’s running with the latest updates. So, it is best to ensure that you have configured your Windows to automatically download and install updates. Keeping your program up-to-date helps Windows keep your system free from bugs, adds new features, and enhances your system’s performance.
However, if your Outlook program is already running with the latest updates, and your computer is also up-to-date, you can try repairing the Office programs.
MEASURE 5: Repair Office Programs
1.) Quit from all the Office programs that could be running on your computer.
2.) Once you have closed all the Office programs, go to the Control Panel section on your computer and choose Programs and Features option.
3.) Then, from the list of installed programs that appears on your screen, right-click on the Microsoft Office (Version) and click on the Uninstall/Change option.
4.) After that, follow the on-screen prompts to repair the Office program.
If even after repairing the Office program the problem persists, go to the next measures.
MEASURE 6: Repair Outlook Data Files
When you install an Office program on your computer, an Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) also gets installed along with the Office installation. Using this tool, you can resolve the issue with Outlook by scanning and repairing the Outlook Data files. To do this:
1.) Close Outlook and depending on the Outlook version you are using, open one of the following file locations:
- Outlook 2007: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice1
- Outlook 2010: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice14
- Outlook 2013: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice15
- Outlook 2016: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16
2.) Once you have open the relevant location as per your Outlook version, open SCANPST.EXE and click on the Browse option to find the Outlook Data File (.pst) which you wish to scan and repair.
3.) Next, click on the Start option to begin scanning. If you see any error appearing after the scan, just click on the Repair option to start repairing process to fix the error.
5.) Once the repair process gets completed, launch Outlook program with a profile which is associated with the Outlook Data File you just repaired.
If repairing the Outlook Data Files doesn’t resolve the issue, try fixing the error by following the next measure.
Measure 7: Create a New User Profile
An Outlook profile you create contains numerous settings that help manage the look and feel of Outlook on your computer. So, creating a new profile and adding it your email accounts can help fix the error in most of the cases. To create a new user profile:
1.) Close Outlook and click on the Start option and go to Control Panel section. In the Control Panel section, go to the User Account > Mail > Show Profiles option.
2.) Next, choose the Add option and enter a suitable name in the Profile Name section and click on the OK button.
3.) Then, you will need to enter an email address and password for the primary email account which you use in the Outlook program. After that, follow the on-screen prompts to create your new user profile.
4.) Once your new user profile gets created, click on the “Prompt for a profile to be used” option located under Show Profiles dialog.
5.) And then, launch Outlook and choose your new profile. Your Outlook program should work as usual.
NOTE: If creating a new user profile clears the error, simply go back to the Show Profiles section and delete your Old user profile.
In most of the cases, following the above-mentioned measures should clear the error in your Outlook program. If you are still not able to overcome the problem, it is best to seek assistance from a professional.
