How to Reset or Switch the Default Email Address in Outlook When Your Default Email Address Doesn’t Work

When the default email address is disabled or inaccessible, for example the email account deactivated, server issues, password change, you may not be able to run Outlook with this error:

“Cannot start Microsoft Outlook”. Here’s a resolution using the Mail (Control Panel) option:

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide for troubleshooting and switching the default email address in Outlook:


How to Resolve Issues When Outlook Won’t Start and Switch to Another Default Email Address

  1. Possible Reasons Outlook Can’t Start:
    • The default email address is disabled or inaccessible (e.g., account deactivated, server issues, password change).
    • Corrupted profile or data files (.pst or .ost) linked to the disabled email.
    • Add-ins or navigation pane settings causing the startup error.
  2. Switch to Another Default Email Address Using Control Panel:
    • Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows Start menu.
    • Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook) or Mail (32-bit).
    • Select Show Profiles.
  3. Create a New Profile:
    • Under Show Profiles, click Add to create a new profile.
    • Set up a working email account in the new profile using the on-screen prompts.
    • Test the new profile to ensure functionality.
  4. Set the New Profile as Default:
    • In the Mail (Control Panel) window, choose the newly created profile.
    • Check Always use this profile and click OK.
  5. Remove the Problematic Account (Optional):
    • If the disabled account continues to cause issues, return to Show Profiles, select the old profile, and click Remove.

Can’t setup a rule to auto forward emails in new Outlook

When attempting to set up Yahoo or Gmail forwarding and rules in the new Outlook, you may notice these features are unavailable. There are several reasons why personal email accounts, such as Yahoo and Gmail, might not support email forwarding or rules in the new Outlook:

  1. Microsoft’s Policy Change – Microsoft has removed the ability to connect new third-party accounts like Gmail and Yahoo directly to Outlook.com. This means users can no longer sync these accounts within Outlook.com, which affects forwarding and rules.
  2. IMAP/POP Restrictions – Yahoo and Gmail use IMAP and POP protocols for email access, but sometimes these protocols have limitations when used with third-party email clients like Outlook.

There are a few ways to work around the limitations of email forwarding and rules in the new Outlook for Yahoo and Gmail accounts:

  1. Use Gmail/Yahoo’s Built-in Forwarding – Both Gmail and Yahoo allow you to set up email forwarding within their own settings. You can configure this in Gmail under Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP and in Yahoo under Settings > More Settings > Mailboxes.
  2. Use Outlook on the Web – The web version of Outlook may have different settings that allow forwarding and rules. You can check Settings > Mail > Forwarding to enable forwarding.
  3. Revert to the classic Outlook interface.
  4. Third-Party Email Clients – Some third-party email clients may offer better integration with Gmail and Yahoo, allowing you to set up forwarding and rules more easily. For example, Mozilla Thunderbird

Windows Services You Should Disable for a Faster PC

Is your Windows PC feeling sluggish? Before you rush to buy new hardware, try this simple tweak: disabling unnecessary Windows services! Today, we’ll cover five services you can safely turn off for a smoother, faster experience. Let’s dive in!”

Segment 1: Windows Update Delivery Optimization.

Windows Update Delivery Optimization service shares Windows Update files with other PCs, using your bandwidth. If you don’t need it, disable it by heading to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Delivery Optimization.

Segment 2: Copilot

Not using Microsoft’s AI assistant? Disabling Copilot can free up RAM and processing power. Just go to Settings > Apps > Copilot and uninstall it.

Segment 3: Windows Search

If you rarely use Windows Search, disabling it can improve performance. Open Task Manager, find ‘Windows Search’ or WSearch under Services, and stop it.

Segment 4: Remote Desktop Access

Not using Remote Desktop? Disable it to prevent unnecessary background processes. Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and turn it off.

Segment 5: Superfetch (SysMain)

Superfetch (now called SysMain). It preloads apps into RAM, but on modern SSDs, it’s often unnecessary. Disabling it can reduce disk usage especially for for gaming PCs or systems with SSDs:

Find SysMain in Services.

Disable and stop it.

Segment 6: Printer Spooler

Don’t use a printer? The Print Spooler service runs constantly. Disable it if you print rarely—just re-enable it when needed!

Segment 7: Remote Registry

Remote Registry lets other PCs modify your registry—a security risk if unused. Disable it unless you’re in a managed network

Segment 7: Xbox Live Services

For non-gamers, Xbox Live services are bloatware. Disable them to save resources!

Disabling these services can give your PC the speed boost it needs! Try it out and let us know how it works for you.