How to Enable or Turn Off Outlook Notifications

Microsoft Outlook notifications can keep you on top of your emails and calendar events—or drive you up the wall if they never stop popping up. Here’s how to take control and decide when Outlook talks to you, whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or the web.

For Outlook on Windows

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click File in the top left corner.
3. Select Options.
4. In the Outlook Options window, click Mail on the left sidebar.
5. Scroll to the Message arrival section.
6. Here you can:
   • Enable notifications: Check “Display a Desktop Alert.”
   • Turn off notifications: Uncheck “Display a Desktop Alert.”
7. Click OK to save your settings.

Tip: You can also control sound alerts, envelope icons, and other popups in this section.

For Outlook on Mac

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to the Outlook menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click Notifications & Sounds.
4. Here you can toggle notifications on or off for new mail, calendar reminders, and more.

Note: To fully silence notifications, you may need to adjust your Mac’s system settings. Go to System Settings > Notifications > Outlook and choose your preferences.

For Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com or Office 365)

1. Log in to Outlook on the web.
2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the upper right corner.
3. Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
4. Go to General > Notifications.
5. Toggle email, calendar, and other alerts on or off as you wish.
6. Click Save.

Bonus: Focus Assist (Windows 10/11)

If you use Windows, you can use Focus Assist to block all notifications during set times:

1. Go to Settings > System > Focus assist.
2. Set rules to automatically block notifications while presenting, gaming, or during quiet hours.

Final Thoughts

Outlook notifications are useful, but they don’t have to run your day. Tailor them to match your workflow—and take back control of your attention. If you ever want to tweak your settings again, just follow these steps.

Have more Outlook tips you want us to cover? Leave a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!