How to Create a new Outlook Profile in Windows

Overview

Learn how to solve Outlook freezing, not opening, or perpetually asking for a password by creating a new profile.

Environment

Applies to Microsoft Outlook for Windows.

Troubleshooting/Resolution

Creating a new Outlook profile will often fix Outlook freezing, not opening, or continually prompting for a password.  To create a new profile:

  1. Click the Windows icon in the lower-left of the screen
  2. Select Control panel
  3. Click the View by drop down list on the right and set to Large icons
  4. Locate and click on Mail (...), such as Mail (32 -bit) or Mail (Microsoft Outlook 2016)
  5. Select Show Profiles...
  6. Click add and name the new profile (for example, test or something to distinguish from the original)
  7. Add Account window should open. The email account should automatically fill in, otherwise update as required.
  8. Click Next
  9. Click Allow
  10. Click Finish
  11. Click Apply
  12. Click OK
  13. After the new profile has been created, ensure that Prompt for a profile to be used is selected
  14. Close Outlook then restart Outlook
  15. Select the new profile
  16. If the new profile works as desired, set outlook to use this profile always by:
  17. Click Control panel
  18. Click Mail (...), then Show Profiles... ,
  19. Always use this profile and select the new profile your created
  20. Click Apply, then OK
Additional Information or Notes

f you have any issues with these steps, contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@jmu.edu or 540-568-3555.  In the interim, you can access Outlook on the web at https://outlook.office365.com.

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