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How to Fix Outlook Message Body Disappears Error in Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Outlook is a widely used email client, but sometimes users face the frustrating issue of the message body disappearing. This problem can make reading or composing emails very difficult.

In Windows 11, this error can occur due to various reasons, including software glitches or configuration problems. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed troubleshooting methods to restore the message body in Outlook. No technical knowledge is needed—just follow along carefully.

By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to resolve this issue and get your Outlook working smoothly again.

Quick Note

Before you begin troubleshooting, please check the following:

  • Make sure your Outlook application is fully updated to the latest version.
  • Verify your internet connection is stable, especially if you use Outlook with an Exchange or Office 365 account.
  • Restart your computer once to clear temporary glitches.
  • Backup important emails or data to avoid accidental loss during troubleshooting.

Step 1: Restart Outlook in Safe Mode

Running Outlook in Safe Mode disables add-ins and customizations that sometimes cause display issues.

To start Outlook in Safe Mode:

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter.
  3. Check if the message body appears when you open an email.

If the message body shows up, the problem likely comes from an add-in. In this case, proceed to the next step to disable problematic add-ins.

Step 2: Disable Outlook Add-ins

Add-ins enhance Outlook’s functionality but can sometimes interfere with email display.

To disable add-ins:

  1. Open Outlook normally.
  2. Click on File in the top menu.
  3. Select Options from the left pane.
  4. In the Options window, click Add-ins.
  5. At the bottom, next to Manage, ensure COM Add-ins is selected, then click Go.
  6. Uncheck all add-ins to disable them temporarily.
  7. Click OK and restart Outlook.
  8. Check if the message body now appears correctly.

If this fixes the problem, enable each add-in one by one to find which one causes the issue.

Step 3: Clear Outlook’s Cache

Outlook stores temporary files and data that can become corrupted and cause display errors.

To clear the cache:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  3. Type %localappdata%MicrosoftOutlook and press Enter.
  4. Locate and delete the files with the extension .ost or .dat. These are cache files. Don’t worry, Outlook will recreate them.
  5. Open Outlook again and check if the message body is visible.

Clearing cache helps remove corrupted temporary data that may cause loading problems.

Step 4: Repair Outlook Data Files

Sometimes the Outlook data files (.pst or .ost) may get damaged, causing display issues.

To repair these files:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
    • C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16 (for Office 2016 and later)
    • or C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16 depending on your installation.
  3. Find and run SCANPST.EXE (Inbox Repair Tool).
  4. Click Browse and locate your Outlook data file. Usually, it is in:
    • C:Users[YourUsername]DocumentsOutlook Files
  5. Select the file (with .pst or .ost extension) and click Start.
  6. Follow the prompts to repair any errors found.
  7. After the repair is complete, open Outlook and check if the message body issue is resolved.

Step 5: Update Windows and Outlook

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and bugs.

To update Windows 11:

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your PC if needed.

To update Outlook:

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Click File > Office Account.
  3. Under Product Information, click Update Options > Update Now.
  4. Allow the updates to download and install.

Keeping software updated reduces bugs and improves stability.

Alternative Method: Create a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes, the Outlook profile itself is corrupted and causes display issues.

To create a new profile:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open Control Panel (search for it via Start menu).
  3. Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
  4. Click Show Profiles.
  5. Click Add and enter a name for the new profile.
  6. Follow the setup wizard to add your email account.
  7. After creating the profile, select Prompt for a profile to be used and click OK.
  8. Start Outlook and select the new profile.
  9. Check if the message body appears normally.

This method helps isolate problems related to user profiles.

FAQs

Why does the Outlook message body disappear?

This can happen due to add-in conflicts, corrupted cache or data files, outdated software, or profile corruption.

Can antivirus software cause this issue?

Yes, some antivirus programs interfere with Outlook’s ability to display messages properly. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify if it’s the cause.

Does this issue affect all emails or only specific ones?

It varies. Sometimes only emails with certain formats or from specific senders have missing bodies, which might indicate encoding problems.

Is it safe to delete Outlook cache files?

Yes, Outlook will recreate necessary cache files when restarted. Deleting them can fix corrupted data problems.

Will creating a new profile delete my emails?

No, emails stored on the server (like Exchange or Office 365) remain safe. Local data may need to be exported if not synchronized.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the problem, you may need to try these final options:

  • Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office to repair any corrupted program files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support for personalized help and advanced diagnostics.
  • Visit the official Microsoft Outlook support page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook

Conclusion

The Outlook message body disappearing error in Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable with simple steps. Starting with Safe Mode and disabling add-ins often resolves the issue quickly.

Clearing cache, repairing data files, and updating software help maintain Outlook’s smooth operation. Creating a new profile is a good fallback when other methods fail.

Always keep your software updated and back up important data regularly to avoid future problems. Following this guide step-by-step will help you restore full functionality to Outlook and improve your email experience.

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