If you’re trying to perform a mail merge in Microsoft Outlook and keep receiving the warning message:
“A program is trying to access email address information stored in Outlook…”
You’re not alone. This prompt is part of Outlook’s built-in security to protect against unauthorized access by potentially harmful software. However, if you’re using a trusted mail merge process, this security pop-up can be disruptive — especially when sending emails to hundreds or thousands of contacts.
Here’s how to stop this Outlook mail merge warning on Windows safely and effectively.
Why Am I Seeing This Warning in Outlook?
Outlook shows this warning when:
- It detects a script or external program trying to access email addresses
- No antivirus is registered in Windows Security Center
- You’re running an unsigned or untrusted macro
Solution 1: Use a Recognized Antivirus Program
Outlook relies on Windows Security Center to verify your antivirus status. If no compatible antivirus is detected, Outlook assumes it’s unsafe and displays the warning.
What to do:
- Install or update a trusted antivirus program
- Ensure it’s recognized by Windows Security Center
- Restart your computer after updates
Using Microsoft Defender (Windows’ built-in antivirus) usually prevents this issue.
Solution 2: Change Programmatic Access Settings in Outlook
Outlook includes settings that allow you to suppress this warning manually.
Steps:
- Open Outlook
- Go to: File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings
- Select “Programmatic Access”
- Choose: “Never warn me about suspicious activity”
This option may be grayed out if you’re not running Outlook as an administrator or if antivirus detection fails.
Solution 3: Run Outlook as Administrator
If the “Programmatic Access” settings are disabled:
- Close Outlook
- Right-click the Outlook icon
- Choose “Run as administrator”
- Re-open Trust Center > Programmatic Access
- Set it to “Never warn me about suspicious activity”
Solution 4: Use a Mail Merge Add-In That Avoids the Warning
Professional Outlook add-ins offer seamless mail merge functionality without triggering security warnings.
Recommended tools:
- Mail Merge Toolkit by MAPILab
- Add-in Express Mail Merge for Outlook
These tools are Outlook-compatible and do not generate the warning during normal use.
Solution 5: Digitally Sign Your Scripts (Advanced)
If you’re running macros or custom automation scripts:
- Use SelfCert.exe (included with Microsoft Office) to create a digital certificate
- Sign your macro or script with the certificate
- Outlook will trust the signed content
Final Thoughts
The “A program is trying to access email address information” warning in Outlook is designed to protect your data — but if you’re using legitimate mail merge workflows, it can become an obstacle.
By using a trusted antivirus, adjusting Trust Center settings, or leveraging reliable mail merge tools, you can eliminate the pop-up and streamline your email campaigns.