Seeing a blank screen or missing data when you open Outlook Today is a common issue that disrupts daily workflow. This guide explains exactly how to diagnose and fix the Problem With Outlook Today in both the desktop and web versions. Follow the steps below to get your summary view working again in minutes.
Common Causes of Problem With Outlook Today
Outlook Today pulls information from your calendar, tasks, and inbox. When these folders become corrupted or the view settings are damaged, the page fails to load. The Problem With Outlook Today often appears after an Office update, when using a damaged PST file, or after changing the default email profile. Before starting repairs, close Outlook completely and note whether the issue occurs only in one profile or across all accounts.
Make sure you are running a supported version of Outlook. Older builds frequently lose compatibility with the Today view after Microsoft pushes background updates. Check your version under File > Office Account before proceeding.
How to Fix Problem With Outlook Today
-
Verify Outlook Today is enabled
Open Outlook and go to the Home tab. In the View group, click the Folder Pane dropdown and select Normal. Right-click your mailbox name in the left navigation pane, choose Properties, then check the box labeled “Show Outlook Today”. Click OK and restart Outlook to test whether the summary view returns.
-
Repair the Outlook data file
Press Windows key + R, type “outlook.exe /safe” and press Enter to start in safe mode. If Outlook Today works here, the issue is caused by an add-in. To repair the data file itself, close Outlook, open Control Panel > Programs and Features, select Microsoft 365 or Office, choose Quick Repair first, then run Online Repair if the Problem With Outlook Today persists.
-
Reset the Outlook Today view
In Outlook, switch to the Calendar module. Right-click the calendar folder and choose Properties. On the Home Page tab, clear any custom URL and select “Show this page by default for this folder”. Apply the change, then repeat the process for the Tasks folder. Return to Mail and test Outlook Today again.
-
Recreate the Outlook profile
Close Outlook. Search for “Mail” in the Windows Start menu and open the Mail setup tool. Choose Show Profiles, add a new profile, and configure your email account. Set the new profile as default, start Outlook, and confirm the Problem With Outlook Today no longer appears. Copy any custom signatures or rules from the old profile afterward.
Troubleshooting Tips for Outlook Today Issues
- If the view remains blank after repairs, disable hardware graphics acceleration under File > Options > Advanced > Display. Restart Outlook to apply the change.
- Users on Microsoft 365 should also run the “Outlook.exe /resetnavpane” command from the Run dialog to rebuild the navigation pane that feeds Outlook Today data.
- When the issue occurs only on one computer, compare the date and time settings with a working machine; incorrect system time can break calendar integration in Outlook Today.
FAQ
Why does Outlook Today show no tasks?
Tasks must be stored in the default Tasks folder. Move any tasks from custom folders into the main Tasks folder or set the custom folder as the default in File > Options > Tasks.
Can I fix Problem With Outlook Today in Outlook on the web?
Outlook on the web does not include the classic Outlook Today page. Use the built-in calendar and tasks modules on the left sidebar instead.
Does a corrupted PST file cause the Problem With Outlook Today?
Yes. Run the SCANPST.EXE tool located in the Office installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16) against your PST file to repair corruption.
Conclusion
Following the repair and reset steps above resolves the Problem With Outlook Today for the vast majority of users. Test each step in order and your summary view should return to normal.