New Outlook for Windows is reportedly not starting anymore for some users

Microsoft introduced the new Outlook email client for Windows some time ago and cut access to two dedicated apps in the process. Despite heavy criticism, which focused mostly on limited functionality of the new client and privacy, Microsoft continued its path, which culminated in the automatic installation of the new client on some Windows systems.

This happened: Reports started to emerge on various social media sites on the weekend that the new Outlook would not start anymore for some users. Attempts to start the email program are met with no reaction whatsoever.

Users report that Outlook won't start anymore, which also means, that they can't access their emails anymore on their device. Martin Geuß, over at Dr. Windows, suggests that the issue is caused by the latest update for the email program. Microsoft published an update last Friday, which is also the day users started to report the issue.

While Microsoft has not acknowledged the issue at this stage, users have found a workaround. However, it needs to be noted that this reportedly works only if the Microsoft account is the standard account in Outlook. Worse, any additional account that has been added to Outlook is removed as a consequence and needs to be added again.

The solution, discussed here, suggests to delete the following folder on the system: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Olk

Rename <username> with the name of the actual user. Note that the folder is hidden by default and that you need to enable that hidden items are shown in File Explorer. This is done in File Explorer with a click on View > Show > Hidden Items.

While deleting (or renaming) the folder may be tempting, some users of the new Outlook client may also be able to access the mail accounts online for the time being. Since the issue appears widespread, it is likely that Microsoft is going to release a fix for it eventually.

Another option is to use the classic Outlook desktop app, if available. It is part of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft confirmed already that it will support it until at least 2029.

Now You: do you use Outlook as your email client or another app or service? Did you by chance run into the problem? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

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Posted Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 3:51 am AEST (my time).

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