Why can't Outlook users edit the subject line of incoming emails?

Anonymous
2024-02-22T04:15:43+00:00

* * Moderator note on 11/21/2024 * *

If running Classic Outlook/Legacy Outlook/Desktop Outlook, please see this article.

Edit an email subject line https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/edit-an-email-subject-line-08d60328-2a27-473e-8227-0b42a1ff2ce6

Hello,

Ever since the "New Outlook" was released, MSoft has been pushing for all users move to this new version. When I first tried it, I noticed that the New Outlook would not allow me to edit the subject line for any incoming emails. Therefore, I DID NOT switch over. Today I realized that even in the legacy Outlook, this feature is no longer available. MSoft makes us believe it's available, but after about a minute or so, the edits just vanish.

Our workflow requires internal project numbers be assigned to certain emails. MSoft removing this option is a huge problem for us. I'm 100% confident I'm not the only one facing this problem. Needless to say, this is frustrating. The tool that is supposed to make us more productive is actually creating serious problems in our workflow.

What is going on?

In gratitude,

Joe Silva

Outlook | MacOS | Legacy Outlook for Mac | 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

55 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Don Varnau 19,930 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-08-28T19:39:03+00:00

    Stacey Stitt wrote:

    We have the same issue within my work team. We work a queue and process invoices but to process these, we must leave notes within the email itself since this is a team effort and invoices can't always be processed same day. We work hundreds of invoices monthly and there is no other way that would be efficient. This is the most absurd change in Outlook since the creation of the app. Pretty much makes Outlook the least desirable email platform at this point.

    If using Desktop/Classic Outlook, please see the post by Tommy McCullough on this page.

    Don

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Don Varnau 19,930 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-09-04T16:00:42+00:00

    VManning1 wrote:

    Thanks Tommy.

    But realistically how long will it be before they stop us using the Legacy system and make us all move over to their newer (less user friendly) version?

    I'm all for change that improves a service; but this is not an improvement and it is making life difficult for a lot of of their customers, not that it seems they care very much about that.

    Surely, to revert the code back to allow us to amend this field would not be a particularly complicated task for their computer techs??

    Slow reply, but...

    New Outlook is a simplified version of Desktop Outlook, created to replace the Windows 10/11 Mail App. You will not be forced to use New Outlook if you have Desktop Outlook installed.

    Don

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Don Varnau 19,930 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-09-04T15:56:52+00:00

    Everyone...

    If using Desktop/Classic Outlook, please see the post by Tommy McCullough on page 3 of this thread.

    Don

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-09-04T15:26:24+00:00

    Hello Everyone,

    I have seen and read many great responses with reasons as to why Microsoft needs to make this change. However, it is my understanding that Microsoft does not monitor this platform and therefore does not see our emails. I hope I am wrong.

    Like all of you, my frustration with this problem continues. If anyone out there knows how we can address this issue directly to Microsoft, please join the conversation and help us out. I’m afraid that without dealing directly with someone who can actually make this change or address it to someone who can, we are all simply wasting our time expressing our frustrations in this email thread..

    We all work differently. Our workflows very from business to business. However, we all know the importance of this feature. Let’s do what we can to get this directly to Microsoft..

    In gratitude,

    @JoeSilvaWrites

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-08-20T12:23:38+00:00

    do you have steps for the above? One option is to use the categories feature in Outlook to label your emails with specific project numbers. Another option is to use the message body or the email's flagging feature to add project numbers or other information.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments