Salesforce for Outlook (SFO) Side Panel Fails to Load in Windows 8, 8.1, or Windows 10

To resolve the Salesforce for Outlook Side Panel loading failure, follow the steps below in order. Each step addresses a different potential root cause. If one step does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next.

Step 1 – Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings

Set User Account Control (UAC) to "Never Notify" and restart the computer, then attempt to reproduce the issue.
For instructions on how to set UAC to Never Notify, see Turn off User Account Control in Windows.
If adjusting UAC does not resolve the issue, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 – Verify the Side Panel Is Not Hidden

The Side Panel may be hidden in Outlook. Check the Side Panel visibility settings before continuing.
For instructions, see Show or Hide the Salesforce for Outlook Side Panel.
If the Side Panel is not hidden and the issue persists, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Uninstall Salesforce for Outlook

Completely uninstall Salesforce for Outlook (SFO) from the Windows Control Panel.
For uninstallation instructions, see Uninstall Salesforce for Outlook.
After uninstalling, proceed to Step 4 before reinstalling.

Step 4 – Set Permissions on the Program Files Folder

Note: This step applies only to SFO installations performed using the "Everyone who logs in to this computer" option. If SFO was installed using the "Me Only" option, skip this step and proceed to Step 5.
By default, Windows 8 and later apply strict access permissions to the Program Files folder. You must grant at least Modify permission to the Salesforce folder for the local user or Authenticated Users group.
To grant permissions:

1. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\ or C:\Program Files\ depending on your Office and Windows bitness.
2. Right-click the salesforce.com folder and click Properties, then click the Security tab.
3. Click Edit and locate the username you want to update. If your username or "Authenticated Users" is not listed, click Add, type the name or "Authenticated Users", then click Find.
4. Select the user or group, check the Modify box, and click OK.
5. Close all folders and restart the computer.
6. After the restart, reinstall Salesforce for Outlook and attempt to reproduce the issue.

Step 5 – Install .NET Windows Communication Foundation Non-HTTP Activation

If the Side Panel is slow, inconsistent, or not loading, install the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) Non-HTTP Activation component for .NET 3.5 or 4.5, then restart the computer.
To install the WCF Non-HTTP Activation component:

1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
2. Click Programs, then click Programs and Features.
3. In the left Tasks menu, click Turn Windows features on or off.
4. Locate the .NET Framework 3.5 node, select it, and expand it.
5. Select the Windows Communication Foundation Non-HTTP Activation checkbox and save the setting.
6. Restart the computer and test the Side Panel again.