How to Fix Outlook’s “Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item” Error

Running into the “Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item” error in Outlook? You’re not alone. This glitch can hit at the worst time—right when you need to open an important email. The good news? It’s usually fixable in just a few steps. Here’s how to troubleshoot and get Outlook back to normal.

1. Restart Outlook (Yes, Really)

Start simple. Close Outlook completely—not just minimize. Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to make sure it’s not still running in the background. Then reopen it.

Why it works: Outlook sometimes gets stuck loading message previews or data files. A clean restart can flush out the hiccup.

2. Clear Outlook’s View Settings

Corrupted view settings can block items from loading.

Fix it:

1. Close Outlook.
2. Press Windows + R, type: outlook.exe /cleanviews then hit Enter.

This resets all custom views to default. You’ll lose custom folder layouts, but if that’s the problem, it’s worth it.

3. Disable Reading Pane

Sometimes, the Reading Pane causes display errors.

Steps:

1. Go to the folder where the error happens.
2. Click View > Reading Pane > Off.

Then try opening the item again. If it works, the Reading Pane settings may be the issue.

4. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables add-ins and custom settings.

To open in Safe Mode:

• Press Windows + R, type: outlook.exe /safe then hit Enter.

If the item opens fine here, a faulty add-in is likely to blame.

5. Disable or Remove Add-Ins

Faulty or outdated add-ins can break normal functions.

To check add-ins:

1. In Outlook, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
2. At the bottom, click Go next to COM Add-ins.
3. Uncheck all, then restart Outlook.
4. Re-enable them one by one to find the culprit.

6. Repair the Outlook Data File (PST/OST)

Corruption in your data file can trigger all kinds of weird errors.

Use Microsoft’s Inbox Repair Tool:

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open File Explorer and go to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ (Replace XX with your Office version. For example, Office16 for Office 2016.)
3. Run SCANPST.EXE.
4. Browse to your PST/OST file and let the tool scan and repair it.

7. Update Outlook

Make sure you’re not running an outdated or buggy build.

To check for updates:

• Go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.

If there’s a patch, it might solve the issue immediately.

8. Create a New Outlook Profile

When all else fails, your user profile might be the problem.

Steps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
2. Click Add, name it something new.
3. Set it to prompt for profile selection, then open Outlook with the new one.

This gives you a fresh start without deleting the old profile.

Wrap-Up

That annoying “Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item” error doesn’t mean your emails are gone. In most cases, it’s a fixable bug caused by a glitchy view, corrupt file, or rogue add-in.

Work through these steps methodically and you should be back in business fast. Still stuck? Comment below or contact your IT admin—it may be time to go deeper.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!