Restore Opened Windows from Last Outlook Session

If Outlook closes unexpectedly, like during a system update or reboot, the windows you had open in your last session may not reopen by default. To restore your previously open windows, open a command prompt window and run the command below (note the space between .EXE and /):

“C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE” /restore

You can create a desktop shortcut for this command to quickly restore your windows anytime:

  1. Navigate to the OUTLOOK.EXE file.

    1. From Windows (C:), click Program Files (x86).

    2. Click Microsoft Office.

    3. Click Office15.

    4. Locate the OUTLOOK.EXE file.

  2. Right-click OUTLOOK.EXE.

  3. From the drop-down menu, select Create shortcut.

  4. Right-click on the OUTLOOK.EXE shortcut you just created.

  5. Select Properties.

  6. In the Target field, add a space plus /restore to the end of the text. It should look like the following:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office15\OUTLOOK.EXE /restore 

  7. The next time Outlook closes unexpectedly, use this shortcut to restore your last session.

Related content

Find Attachments in Outlook Desktop Client Conversation View
Find Attachments in Outlook Desktop Client Conversation View
More like this
Microsoft 365 Calendar Appointments are Showing the Wrong Time
Microsoft 365 Calendar Appointments are Showing the Wrong Time
Read with this
Outlook Desktop Client for Mac Does Not Start or is Missing Content
Outlook Desktop Client for Mac Does Not Start or is Missing Content
More like this
Microsoft Daily Briefing Email from Cortana
Microsoft Daily Briefing Email from Cortana
Read with this
"Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook. Invalid XML, the View Cannot be Loaded" Error Message
"Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook. Invalid XML, the View Cannot be Loaded" Error Message
More like this
Make Every Outlook Meeting Online
Make Every Outlook Meeting Online
Read with this