Using Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts

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 17, 2018

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.

Use Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts

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

In the Message List

  • N: Start a new message
  • Down or Ctrl-.: Highlight the next message in the list
  • Up or Ctrl-,: Highlight the previous message in the list
  • Space: Check the currently highlighted message
  • M: Refresh and check for new mail
  • S followed by
    • A: Select all messages in the list
    • N: Deselect all messages in the list
  • G followed by
    • I: Open the Inbox folder
    • D: Open the Drafts folder
    • S: Open the Sent folder
  • /: Focus the Search email field
  • Shift-E: Create a new folder
  • Shift-G: Create a new category (with Quick views expanded)

With One Message or More Highlighted in the Message List

  • Del: Delete the emails
  • J: Mark the emails as spam
  • U: Mark the emails unread
  • Q: Mark the emails read
  • V: Open the Move to menu to file the emails
  • C: Open the Categories menu to categorize the emails
  • Ins: Flag the emails
  • Shift-P: Open the emails in print view
  • Enter or Shift-O: Open a single highlighted email

With an Email Open in the Preview Pane or in Full View

  • O: Open the message in full view (if it is open in the preview pane)
  • Esc: Close full view
  • Del: Delete the message
  • R: Reply to the email's sender
  • Shift-R: Reply to the email's sender and its recipients (except yourself)
  • Shift-F: Forward the message
  • E: Move the message to your archiving folder
  • V: Open the Move to menu
  • C: Open the Categories menu
  • Ins: Flag the email for follow-up
  • J: Mark the email as spam
  • U: Mark the email unread
  • Q: Mark the email read
  • Shift-I: Load remote images and other content (while viewing mail in the Junk folder, for instance)
  • Shift-P: Open the email's print view
  • Ctrl-.: Open the next email in the list
  • Ctrl-,: Open the previous email in the list
  • Ctrl-Enter: Send the message
  • Ctrl-S: Save the message in the Drafts folder
  • Ctrl-Y: Insert an emoticon or emoji
  • F7: Check the spelling (where available)

Anywhere in Outlook.com

Enable Outlook.com Keyboard Shortcuts

To turn on — or off — Outlook.com keyboard shortcuts:

  • Click the settings gear in Outlook.com
  • Select More mail settings from the menu.
  • Now select Keyboard shortcuts under Customizing Outlook.
  • Make sure Outlook and Outlook Web Access (OWA) is selected under Select which mode you'd like to use: to turn on Outlook.com's own keyboard shortcuts.
  • Click Save.