OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error in MS Outlook

If you are seeing the OLMAPI32.DLL is missing a message when launching Outlook then this article is specially written for you. It’s a common issue and in most situations your Outlook data remain safe.

OLMAPI32.DLL is a small but essential system file used by Outlook to connect your email accounts through MAPI(Message Application Programming Interface). Think of it as one of the communication bridges Outlook uses behind the scenes to load your mailbox. When this file goes missing, becomes damaged, or is not compatible with another version of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook simply can’t start which leads to errors like.

Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook OLMAPI32.DLL is missing or corrupted.
The program can’t start because OLMAPI32.DLL is missing.

Why Does This Error Happens in Simple Terms?

1. Install or uninstall a version of Office.
2. Upgrade Outlook
3. Run a Windows Update
4. Or have more than one version of Office installed on the same device.

In fact, Microsoft has confirmed that OLMAPI32.DLL conflicts were one of the most frequent causes of Outlook startup failures during Office upgrades from older versions of 2007/2010.

Why is the OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error Occurs in Outlook?

1. Corrupted or Deleted OLMAPI32.DLL File: Due to Power Outages, Forced Shutdowns, Antivirus Removals and Disk Errors can also be the reasons of OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error in Outlook.
2. Conflicting Microsoft Office Version: Having both old and new Outlook versions(for example, Office 2010 and 2019) causes Windows to load the wrong MAPI file. This is one of the most widely reported causes by Microsoft users.
3. Incomplete Outlook or Windows Updates: If an update fails halfway, some Outlook files update while others don’t, which can break OLMAPI322.DLL.
4. Damaged Outlook Installation: Due to System Corrupt or bad registry entries or installation failure can also damage Outlook DLL files.

How to Identify the OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error in MS Outlook?

Most Users See One of These Messages When Then Try to Open Outlook

• Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook. OLMAPI32.DLL is missing or Corrupted.
• The program can’t because OLMAPI32.DLL is missing from your computer.
• Outlook cannot load MAPI. OLMAPI is either damaged or not found.

In some cases, Outlook may not show a detailed message at all. It simply fails to launch or closes instantly after you click the icon.

Signs That Confirm This Error

• Outlook was working fine until you installed or uninstalled the office.
• You recently upgraded to a newer version of Outlook.
• You have multiple Office versions installed on the same PC.
• Windows installed updates before the issue started.
• Outlook crashes immediately at launch without loading your profile.

Outlook Version Most Commonly Affected

• Outlook 2010 – Outlook 2016 upgrades.
• Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019 and Microsoft 365.
• Windows 10 and Windows 11 system during major update cycles.

Methods to Fix OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error in Outlook

The good news is that the OLMAPI32.DLL missing error in Microsoft Outlook is highly flexible. In most cases, the issue is caused by a broken Outlook installation, conflicting Office versions or damaged DLL file. The steps below cover the most reliable fixes that work for all Outlook versions, including Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, and Outlook 2021.

Method 1. Repair Microsoft Office Installation

1. Go to the Control Panel and select Programs and Features.
   
2. Find Microsoft Office and select Change.
   
3. Choose Quick Repair if not solved then use Online Repair.
   

Method 2. Replace or Rebuild OLMAPI32.DLL File Automatically

1. Close Outlook completely and Navigate to: C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPI
2. Locate OLMAPI32.DLL and rename it OLMAPI32.OLD

Method 3. Update Outlook and Windows

1. Outlook: Click on file then Account Settings and hit on Update Option then press on Update Now.
   
2. Windows: Click on Settings and hit on Update and Security and press on Windows Update.

Method 4. Remove Conflicting Office Version

1. Uninstall all older Office Versions from Programs and Features.
2. Relaunch your PC.
3. Run a Repair on your main Office installation.
4. Relaunch Outlook and check errors.

Method 5. Disable Suspicious Add-ins

1. Hold CTRL with launch Outlook and this opens in Safe Mode.
2. If Outlook works fine in Safe Mode without error, then this error appears due to faulty Add-ins.
3. Click on file and hit on Options and choose Add-ins.
   
4. Disable All Add-ins then re-enable them one by one to find the faulty add-ins.
   

Method 6. Recreate Your Outlook Profile

1. Open the Control Panel and hit on Mail(Microsoft Outlook).
   
2. Click on Show Profiles and create a New Profile.
   
3. Add your email account again and set New Outlook profile as default.

Method 7. Reinstall Microsoft Office 365

If none of the above solutions work, a clean reinstall will fully rebuild all system files.

Alternative Method: How to Fix OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error in Outlook?

If this error is not solved manually then it may happen due to corrupted Outlook files. So, we recommend you to choose RecoveryTools PST Repair as this tool offers faster functionality and can make damaged PST files healthy and specially known for accurate results.

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1. Download and run Recommended Software on your pc.
   
2. Click on Select files to choose Outlook files as you want to repair.
   
3. Select the PST folder as you want to repair.
   
4. Now, Select PST in the list of Saving options.
   
5. Choose the output location in the destination path and press Convert.
   

Conclusion

In this guide, we have explained the best methods to fix OLMAPI32.DLL Missing Error in Outlook by manually and using alternative methods. As it mostly solved due to damaged Outlook files in this situation, an alternative method will be the best choice for you.