VBA trying to launch Outlook 2016

Question

My VBA Excel code is set to send an email, but rather than using the existing Outlook on my laptop is trying to launch and install Outlook 2016

Answer 1

Hi @Marty Sheehan

try to change your vba code. like below.

Dim olApp As Object
Set olApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi @Marty Sheehan ,

We are currently investigating the issue and will provide an update soon. Thank you for your patience.

Answer 3

Hi @Marty Sheehan ,

Thank you for reaching out.

Excel VBA sends email through Outlook by creating an Outlook COM object (e.g., CreateObject("Outlook.Application")). This requires classic Outlook - the new Outlook for Windows doesn't support VBA or COM automation. When Windows can't find a properly registered classic Outlook, it may fall back to an old Office 2016 installer entry, which matches what you're seeing.

Could you help me confirm a few things?

• Which Outlook are you using? If your Outlook has a "New Outlook" toggle in the top-right corner and it's turned on, you're on new Outlook.
• If classic Outlook is installed, does it open normally when launched by itself (outside of Excel)?
• What is the exact text of the installation prompt, or could you share a screenshot?

Two things you can try in the meantime:

• If you're on new Outlook, switch the toggle off (or install classic Outlook) and run the macro again.
• If classic Outlook is installed and opens fine, run a repair: Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft 365 / Office > Modify > Online Repair. This fixes stale COM registrations left behind by an old Office 2016 installation.

One note: "Microsoft Outlook 16.0 Object Library" in the VBA editor does not mean Outlook 2016 - Office 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 all use version 16.0. Also, Outlook 2016 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so I don't recommend reinstalling it.

Look forward to your reply.

Answer 4

Probably you are using the new outlook which does not support vba (com) automation. You will need to install a classic version of outlook for the automation to work.