When this issue occurs, Outlook continually displays the loading profile screen and must be forcibly closed. This can happen after adding a new profile for the first time or with an existing one. Occasionally, the addition of a new profile causes the problem. Sometimes, even an update to Outlook or the system’s operating system (OS) can trigger this issue.
Basic Troubleshooting
Method 1: Launch Outlook in Offline Mode or Try Another Network
Outlook may get stuck on the profile screen if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is restricting communications between Outlook and its servers, particularly during startup when the application needs to communicate with its servers. Here, launching Outlook in offline mode or connecting to a different network could solve the problem.
Use Outlook in Offline Mode
Try Another Network
Method 2: Connect the Second Monitor
If you are operating Outlook within a multi-monitor setup and the application was last closed on a secondary monitor, it may get stuck on the loading screen if it attempts to load on a disconnected secondary screen. Resolve this by reconnecting the second monitor to the system.
Method 3: Reset the Internet Options of the System
Outlook uses the system’s Internet Options to communicate with its servers. Altered settings in these options can cause the email client to become stuck on the Profile Loading screen. Resetting the Internet Options on your system could resolve the issue.
Method 4: Reset the Navigation Panel of Outlook
Outlook’s navigation panel, on the left side of the screen, offers quick access to emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts. Sometimes, a glitch in this panel can prevent Outlook from launching correctly. To fix this, you can reset the navigation panel to its default state.
Method 5: Open Outlook as Administrator
Outlook requires administrative rights to perform certain actions. Without these rights, various issues can occur. Running Outlook as an administrator might solve the problem.
Method 6: Launch Outlook in Safe Mode
Outlook add-ins can sometimes conflict with the client, causing the application to get stuck at the loading profile screen. Launching Outlook in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot this problem.
Method 7: Delete the Outlook Credentials in the Credential Manager
Damaged or invalid Outlook credentials stored in Windows Credential Manager can prevent the application from progressing past the profile loading screen. Deleting these credentials can fix the issue.
Method 8: Check for Conflicting Applications
Outlook can get stuck on the loading profile screen if another application or process interferes with it, blocking access to essential resources. Identifying and resolving such conflicts can address the issue.
Use the Task Manager
Perform a Clean Boot
Uninstall the Conflicting Application
Certain applications are known to cause issues with Outlook’s profile loading, including:
Dell OptimizerIntel Killer Performance SuiteHP Wolf Security
If you have any of these applications (or others that might be similar) installed, consider uninstalling them or altering their settings. Here’s how to uninstall HP Wolf:
Method 9: Repair Outlook and its Data File
When Outlook’s installation or its Data Files are damaged, the application may be unable to load the profile screen. Repairing Outlook and its Data Files using SCANPST.exe, Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SARA), and the Quick/Online Repair option can help resolve this issue.
Use ScanPST
Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SARA)
Use Quick and Online Repair
Method 10: Delete the Outlook Profile and OST File
A damaged Outlook profile or OST file can cause the application to be stuck on the profile loading screen. Deleting the profile or OST file and creating a new profile may resolve the problem. By following these methods, you should be able to overcome the issue of Outlook being stuck at the loading profile screen. If problems persist after trying these solutions, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional IT service.
