Outlook for Windows essential shortcuts
Fast access to important Outlook features. The ribbon in Outlook isn’t the only way to quickly get things done. There are many keyboard shortcuts that have been in Outlook (Windows) for many years and versions from at least Outlook 2010 to Microsoft 365.
Here are some keyboard shortcuts that are worth using with any version of Outlook.
Ctrl + N
Creates a new item based on the folder you are in. If you’re at Inbox it will make a new message. In Calendar it’ll make a new appointment.
Ctrl + R
Reply to the current message
Ctrl + Shift + R
Reply to All for the current message
Ctrl + F
Forward the message
Ctrl + Shift + M
will start a new message regardless of the folder you are in.
Ctrl + Shift + A
will start a new appointment regardless of the folder you are in.
Jump to Folder
Ctrl + 1
jump to Inbox
Ctrl + 2
jump to Calendar
Ctrl + 3
jump to Contacts
Ctrl + 4
jump to Tasks
Ctrl + 5
jump to Notes
These last shortcuts were on the ‘Go’ menu of Outlook 2007 and before. The same shortcuts work in Outlook 2010 and later even though the Go menu has gone.
Press Alt to explore the ribbon aka Keytips
Keytips is Microsoft’s name for the little labels that appear when you press the Alt key. They are reminders of the keyboard shortcuts available for each item on the ribbon. Here are the keytips for the Outlook Home tab (after pressing Alt
then H
)

Find out more at KeyTips are your way to faster Microsoft Office