Microsoft has been quietly pushing the "new Outlook" (which is essentially a web wrapper and lacks COM support), and that breaks any VBA or Access automation that relies on the Outlook object model.

Here's a guide to switch back to the classic Outlook so your Access apps start working again:

1. Open Outlook.

2. If you're using the "New Outlook" (the simplified version), look for a toggle switch in the top-right corner that says: "New Outlook" [Toggle On]

3. Click the toggle to switch it OFF. It will ask for confirmation.

4. After a moment, Outlook will close and re-open using the classic version (aka Outlook Desktop with full COM support).

5. Your old Outlook profiles and settings should load automatically. If prompted to sign in again, do so.

6. Test your Access database again. Email automation via VBA should now work as expected.

NOTES:
- If the toggle is missing or grayed out, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall the New Outlook.
- You can also download the classic Outlook again by reinstalling Office from your Microsoft 365 account, but make sure to uncheck any beta or preview versions.
- For Access to automate Outlook, it requires the COM-based classic version. The "New Outlook" is not compatible.

Here's a little VBA code you can use to test and make sure Outlook is working from Access:

Details

Sub TestOutlookAutomation()

    Dim olApp As Object
    Dim olMail As Object

    On Error Resume Next
    Set olApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")
    
    If olApp Is Nothing Then
        MsgBox "Outlook could not be opened. Make sure you're using the classic Outlook (not the New Outlook).", vbExclamation
        Exit Sub
    End If
    On Error GoTo 0

    Set olMail = olApp.CreateItem(0) ' 0 = olMailItem
    With olMail
        .To = "[email protected]"
        .Subject = "Test Email from Access"
        .Body = "This is a test email created from Access using classic Outlook."
        .Display ' Use .Send if you want to send automatically
    End With

    MsgBox "Outlook automation test completed.", vbInformation

End Sub
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Still not working? Post a comment below and we'll help you figure it out.

Since Microsoft is planning, long term, on completely getting rid of Classic Outlook, you may want to start thinking about alternatives. I prefer sending email using CDO.

As far as getting your email goes, I have a solution coming out soon that doesn't require Outlook. Stay tuned.