Outlook 365 delete key on keyboard deletes message rather than text when using Preview Pane feature

Anonymous
2020-07-16T16:45:09+00:00

Recently, when I am drafting an email from the preview pane, if I hit the delete key on my keyboard as I am typing, it will delete the entire message rather than the text I wish to delete. If you hit delete multiple times (as you would if you need to delete a few words) before you realize it the first delete button press deletes your current draft email, puts you back in your inbox. Each subsequent delete key press deletes emails from your inbox before you realize what is going on.

Only mitigation is to pop out the draft email and the delete keyboard function works as designed.

Is there a setting that was added recently for the above use case? This is horrible and pretty much negates the purpose of using the preview pane in Outlook as it was designed.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2020-07-23T14:19:27+00:00

The Outlook Team had a bug with this issue previously.  It was fixed in version 16.0.13001.10000.  What version is your Outlook (File, Office Account, under About Outlook)?

If you have a version higher than above it should be fixed.  Its possible there is a new issue though if you are still seeing it.  In case you have the option to open a ticket click Help, Contact Support.  Not everyone has that but please check if you do.

Was this answer helpful?

9 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

62 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2020-08-04T21:49:22+00:00

    This issue was present briefly before my computer updated today, but I toggled a setting in the Reading Pane options (don't remember which one atm) and it went away. 

    Today, while composing a new message I wasn't even thinking it could be an issue...and I hit the delete key a couple or three times and the issue is back....UUUUUGH!!!!  I did notice that there was a very brief window that popped up, but I hit delete one too many times and the window went away...I didn't get a chance to see what it said.

    This is probably THE MOST ANNOYING BUG OF ALL TIME.  I cannot compose a message without really concentrating on NOT hitting the delete key.

    My Outlook version is 16.0.11929.20900, 64-bit.

    Microsoft, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get this bug fixed!  I know security bugs are REALLY important but bugs that impact virtually EVERY user are practically of the same importance.

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2020-07-20T14:35:18+00:00

    I have the same issue.

    If I press Ctrl+r it opens up a reply in the preview pane.

    After writing some text, if I think scroll through it and select something with the cursors and hit the 'Delete' key - it deletes the email not the selection.

    This has just started happening to me today and I think it's after a version update.

    It's infuriating.

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-04-22T23:21:06+00:00

    My best fix for the "Delete" button issue is below... has eliminated this issue for me:

    • Navigation: File --> Options --> Mail --> (under "Replies and forwards" tab) check the "Open replies and forwards in a new window"

    Explanation: Emails won't be deleted if you are typing within an email that is in it's own window (i.e. - emails are only deleted by pressing the "Delete" button when typing an email within the Reading pane). Simply navigate through the above path and ensure the "Open replies and forwards in a new window" option is checked to ensure your replies and forwards always pop out in a separate window (i.e. - not in the Reading pane) and do not vanish by hitting the "Delete" button while typing an email.

    Was this answer helpful?

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2020-08-13T15:42:57+00:00

    Hi Gabriel,

    I got a new laptop on Monday and started using Outlook on Tuesday this week. I'm also using 13029.20308. The use case is simple:

    1- Reply to a message (do no Pop Out)

    2- Start typing

    3- Press the Delete key

    Result: The message is deleted instead of a character.

    This does not happen if Pop Out the edited message to a new window.

    This is a constant issue, not an intermittent one, i.e., it happens for all messages, all the time. 

    It seems your bug is back!

    Thanks,

    Daniel

    Was this answer helpful?

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments