Can't access Outlook? Here's the fix until Microsoft patches it

Google’s Gmail is one of the most popular email services in the world. But the tech giant is known for tracking your every move. If you want more privacy, there are options. Tap or click here for details on a Gmail alternative focused on privacy.

Another email service that’s been around for decades has been having issues recently. Microsoft Outlook users have been complaining about a glitch that doesn’t allow them to log into their accounts.

While Microsoft hasn’t released a permanent solution yet, the company has detailed a workaround to help you log into Outlook. Keep reading to find out how to do it.

Here’s the backstory

A strange bug popped up in August, causing Outlook to crash. Earlier this month, Microsoft said a simple formatting error caused the problem if you received an email with a built-in table, like an Uber receipt. The same would happen if you replied or forwarded an email with a complex table. 

Some workarounds prevented Outlook from crashing, some easier than others. Microsoft’s easiest suggestion was to sign out of Office and then back in. But this is causing another issue, where some users can’t log back in — effectively blocking them from reading emails.

The problem primarily affects people trying to sign in to Outlook using their Outlook.com accounts. Instead of logging in and continuing to their inbox, users see an error message that reads: You can’t sign in here with a personal account. Use your work or school account instead.

Thankfully, you aren’t stuck staring at a broken login screen as Microsoft revealed a way to get back in.

What you can do about it

The Outlook team has yet to roll out a permanent solution for the problem, but there is a way that you can tinker yourself into your Outlook account. 

The workaround consists of turning off Support Diagnostics. This essentially turns off the option of submitting an in-app ticking using help and then selecting Contact Support. The bug keeping people from logging into Outlook is related to how Outlook authenticates for diagnostics in certain situations, Microsoft explained.

This means you must disable support diagnostics in your Windows computer’s registry. To do this, type Regedit in the search bar next to the Start button on your PC.

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200 injuries so far: The FDA has recalled the Tandem Diabetes Care t:connect iOS app. It’s been crashing and relaunching, causing the compatible t:slim X2 insulin pump to shut down prematurely. If you’re affected, update your app to version 2.7.1 or later ASAP.

60-plus emails

Opened at the same time will crash the Outlook app. Microsoft isn’t sure why, but it might be due to overloading the working memory. I’ll keep you posted when a fix is out. I was on the fence about buying Office 365. I shook a Magic 8 Ball, and it said, “Outlook not good!”

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