Using Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you time in Outlook.com

Use Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts. David Mao
by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated May 03, 2019

For many repeated tasks, you may find Outlook.com's keyboard shortcuts particularly effective. You don't have to remember them all, and you may already be familiar with some from other email programs and Windows.

Instructions in this article apply to Outlook Online.

Enable Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts

To turn on or off Outlook.com keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Click Settings (cogwheel) in Outlook.com

    Selecting settings in Outlook.com.

  2. Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.

    Selecting view all outlook settings in Outlook.com.

  3. Now select General under Settings.

    Selecting General in settings in Outlook.com.

  4. Select Accessibility.

    Selecting accessibility in Outlook.com.

  5. Under Keyboard shortcuts, select Outlook.com and then select Save.

    Selecting to use Outlook.com shortcuts in Outlook.com.

  6. Alternatively, you have a choice between the following additional options for keyboard shortcuts:

  7. Select the X to close Settings.

Use Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts

To handle email swiftly in Outlook.com, use the following keyboard shortcuts:

Composing Emails

  • N: Start a new message.
  • Ctrl + Enter or Alt + S: Send selected message.
  • R: Reply to the selected message.
  • A or Shift + R: Reply all to the selected message.
  • Shift + F: Forward the selected message.
  • Ctrl + S: Save draft.
  • Esc: Discard draft.
  • Ctrl + K: Insert a hyperlink.

Additional Email Actions

  • Ctrl + Z: Undo last action.
  • Del: Delete selected message.
  • Shift + Delete: Permanently delete selected message.
  • Shift + E: Create a new folder.
  • Q: Mark the selected message as read.
  • U: Mark the select message as unread.
  • Ins/Insert: Flag this message
  • E: Archive
  • J: Mark this message as junk
  • V: Move to a folder
  • C: Categorize this message

Read Email

  • O/Enter: Open selected message.
  • Shift + Enter: Open selected message in a new window.
  • Esc: Close selected message.
  • Ctrl + .: Open the next item.
  • Ctrl + ,: Open the previous item.
  • X: Expand/Collapse a conversation.

While Viewing the Email List

  • Ctrl + A: Select all messages.
  • Esc: Clear all messages.
  • Home/Ctrl + Home: Select the first message.

Navigation and Misc.

  • Ctrl + Shift + 1: Go to Mail.
  • Ctrl + Shift + 2: Go to Calendar.
  • Ctrl + Shift + 3: Go to People.
  • Ctrl + Shift + 4: Go to Tasks.
  • G then I: Go to Inbox.
  • G then D: Go to Drafts.
  • G then S: Go to Sent.
  • /: Search your email.
  • ?: Show help.