If you want to set Outlook so that emails are no longer automatically marked as read, this can be done with just a few clicks.
Outlook: How to stop emails from being automatically marked as read
When you use the arrow keys to select new messages, Outlook automatically marks the emails as read if you hesitate to scroll down. If this setting bothers you, you can easily change it.
- Older Outlook versions (up to 2007): Open “Tools > Options” and switch to the “More” tab. Under “Outlook Panes” click on “Reading Pane” and in the next dialog remove the check mark next to “Mark item as read when new selection is made”.
- In newer versions (from Outlook 2010) Go to “File > Options > Advanced”. Top right is the “Reading Pane” button. Remove the check mark from “Mark item as read when new selection is made” by clicking on it.
- From now on, Outlook will only change the status of a new message when you open and read it by double-clicking or (Enter), or when you right-click it and choose “Mark as Read” from the context menu.
Mark emails as read in Outlook only after waiting
Alternatively, Outlook gives you the option to automatically mark emails as read only after a certain waiting period.
- You can find this option under “File > Options > Advanced”. Then select Outlook Panes > Reading Pane.
- Activate “Mark messages displayed in the reading pane as read” and enter the desired time in seconds in the corresponding field.
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