How to Change the Outlook Email Notification Sound

Get an audio notification when you receive a new Outlook mail

You've got a mail message on laptop screen concept

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by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated May 22, 2019

Microsoft Outlook has a standard alert sound when a new email arrives, but it's very basic and it may not get your attention. When you want to hear a different tune for new emails, change the email notification sound that Outlook plays.

Instructions in this article apply to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010; Outlook for Office 365; and Windows 10.

How to Change the Outlook Email Notification Sound in Windows 10

To have Windows play a different sound when you receive new emails in Outlook:

  1. In Windows, open the Start menu and select Settings. This item may appear as a gear icon (⚙️).

    Screenshot of Settings in Windows 10

  2. In the Windows Settings window, select Personalization.

    Screenshot of Personalization in Windows Settings

  3. Select Themes.

    Screenshot of Themes in the Settings window in Windows 10

  4. Select Sounds.

    Depending on your version of Windows, this item may be found in the Related Settings section and called Advanced sound settings.

  5. In the Sound dialog box, select the Sounds tab.

    Screenshot of the Sound settings in Windows 10

  6. In the Program Events list, go to the Windows group and select New Mail Notification.

    Screenshot of New Mail Notifications in Sound Settings

  7. Select the Sounds dropdown arrow and choose the desired sound.

    Screenshot of selecting a sound notification in Windows 10

    To disable the new mail notification sound in Outlook and other Microsoft email programs such as Mail for Windows 10 or Windows Live Mail, select (None).

  8. To preview the sound, select Test.

  9. Select OK to save the new sound notification setting.

  10. Close the Windows Settings window.

Change the Outlook Email Notification Sound in Mac

To change the new mail notification sound for Outlook in Mac:

  1. Open Outlook, and select Preferences.
  2. In the Personal Settings section, select Notifications & Sounds.
  3. Under Message arrival, select the sound for new email notifications.