Some Microsoft Outlook users face the issue that when they try to read or access emails in the Outlook desktop client on their Windows 11/10 computer, they are not able to do it. After selecting an email from the Item list, instead of showing the email content, a blank space is visible on the Reading pane. And, double-clicking on an email displays this Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item error message. The entire message goes like this:
We’re sorry, but we can’t open this item. This could be temporary, but if you see it again, please restart Outlook.
If you’re experiencing the same issue with Microsoft Outlook, then this post can help. You’ve likely restarted Microsoft Outlook and your computer multiple times, but the problem persists. Luckily, the solutions in this post can help. Be sure to update Microsoft Outlook before trying these solutions, and see if your problem is fixed. If not, check out the fixes below.
Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item in Outlook
Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item. This could be temporary, but if you see it again you might want to restart your Outlook problem on your Windows 11/10 computer, try the solutions listed below: Sorry, we’re experiencing difficulties opening this item. It may only be temporary, but if you see it again, please restart your Outlook problem on your Windows 11/10 computer and try the following solutions:
Related Article: Outlook error 0x800CCCDD, Your IMAP server closed the connection
- Restore Outlook default View Settings
- Clear Roam Cache Folder
- Repair Outlook Data Files
- Repair Outlook Account.
Restore Outlook default View Settings
If this problem starts occurring after making changes to the view settings, then you should restore the default view settings for your Outlook desktop client. This option has worked for many users and this may work for you too. Here are the steps: Restore the default view settings for your Outlook desktop client by following these steps:
- Close Microsoft Outlook if you have opened it
- Open the Run Command box using Win+R hotkey
- Enter outlook.exe /clear views in the text box of Run Command
- Press the OK button
- When the command is executed, it will start loading your Outlook profile, and the Outlook interface will open
- Again, open the Run Command box
- Enter outlook.exe /resetnavpane in the text box
- Press the OK button.
Now check if you are able to access the emails.
Clear Roam Cache Folder
If the cached data of Microsoft Outlook that is stored in the Roam Cache folder becomes corrupted, it can cause different problems, including the “trouble opening this item in Outlook” error. In this case, you need to clear Microsoft Outlook cache data. This won’t delete your Outlook emails, contacts, and other data. Only the cache data will be cleared; it will be recreated automatically. Follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer
- Paste the following path in the address bar of File Explorer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache
- Press the Enter key
- Select all the data present in the Roam Cache folder
- Delete them.
Repair Outlook Data Files
The Outlook Data File contains your Outlook messages and other items. If this data file has become corrupted, it may lead to various issues. This could be why you are not able to access your emails in Outlook. You should repair your corrupt Outlook Data File. For this, you can use the built-in Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool. It helps to repair corrupt Outlook PST and OST personal data files.
Before deleting your old emails, make sure you back up your data files first. To do this, open File Explorer and access the Outlook folder. The path to the folder is:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
In that folder, copy your Microsoft Outlook accounts. Ost and. Pst data files to some other folder on your Windows 10 computer.
Repair Outlook Account
If the issues listed above don’t help, then you should repair your Outlook account or profile. This option works when Outlook isn’t syncing emails, you can’t receive or send emails, or you can’t access your emails. Here are the steps:
- Open Microsoft Outlook client
- Click on the File menu
- Open Account Settings drop-down menu
- Click on the Account Settings option. A separate box will open
- Access the Email tab in that box
- Select an account or profile
- Press the Repair button.
Follow the steps in the repair wizard and restart Microsoft Outlook. Your problem should be gone now.
How do I fix Outlook Email not opening?
If you cannot open emails received in the Outlook desktop client, then you can try the following solutions:
- Delete Outlook Cache
- Restore Outlook View Settings
- Repair your Outlook Data Files, etc.
You can check step-by-step instructions for each of these solutions in this post above.
Can’t open this item Outlook has already begun transmitting?
When a user attempts to send a large email and it gets stuck in the Microsoft Outlook outbox, they may receive an error message. However, there are a few ways to solve this problem, such as sending a stuck email or deleting it. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Drag the email to Drafts and delete it
- Turn on Work Offline mode in Outlook and then delete the email.
Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.