Outlook Tip: How to disable Mark as Read

  • Disable “Mark as Read” in Outlook to stay on top of important emails
  • Prevent accidentally ignoring messages you haven’t acted on
  • Keep your to-do list visible by leaving emails unread until you’re ready
  • Prioritize better and reduce inbox overwhelm
  • Gain more control over your email flow with a simple settings tweak

Why It Matters

By default, Microsoft Outlook (and other email platforms) will mark an email as “read” the moment you click on it, even if you haven’t actually processed or responded to it. This can create problems:

Accidental Ignoring – Once an email is marked as read, it mentally disappears from your to-do list. You might forget to follow up, causing unnecessary delays.

Better Prioritization – Keeping emails marked as “unread” allows you to visually track what still needs attention, helping you stay on top of critical tasks.

Less Email Overload – If you quickly scan emails without acting on them, marking them as unread ensures they don’t get buried in the mix.

Try it out, and watch how much easier email management becomes! Now, your emails will stay unread until you decide otherwise—giving you more control and fewer missed messages.