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Automatically restore windows in Outlook 

Feature deep dive
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Hi, I’m Fernanda Richnak, a Program Manager on the Outlook team. I’m pleased to share with you a new feature: the ability to automatically restore windows that were open when Outlook last closed.

Automatically restore windows

Whether Outlook closed due to a crash, a system update, or when you explicitly closed it, you’ll now be asked if you want to reopen any windows that were previously open. Clicking Yes will restore email drafts, email windows, meetings, and appointment windows that were open.

Automatically restore windows prompt

How it works

The prompts are enabled by default. You can also configure whether you are prompted to reopen windows from previous sessions in the Options menu.

  1. Click File > Options.
  2. On the General tab, under Start up options, select Ask me if I want to restore previous items from the drop-down menu.

This is also where you can turn the feature on or off without the prompt.

Screen shot of Outlook Options.

Availability

This feature is rolling out to Microsoft 365 subscribers using Outlook for Windows on Beta Channel Version 2006 (Build 13006.20002). If you haven’t seen it yet don’t worry. It will be available to you soon.

We typically release features over some time to ensure that things are working smoothly. This is true for Insiders as well. We highlight features that you may not have because they’re slowly releasing to larger numbers of Insiders. Sometimes we remove elements to further improve them based on your feedback. Though this is rare, we also reserve the option to pull a feature entirely out of the product, even if you, as Insiders, have had the opportunity to try them.

Feedback

If you have any feedback or suggestions, you can submit them by clicking Help > Feedback.

Learn what other information you should include in your feedback to ensure  it’s actionable and reaches the right people. We’re excited to hear from you! 

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