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: Newest
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. Anonymous
    2024-08-28T18:49:52+00:00

    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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-23T14:30:32+00:00

    Not sure if anyone mention this, but another use case is people who send an email without a subject. When I reply, I want to add one as empty or ‘(No subject)’ emails are not at all helpful.

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-08-23T09:48:07+00:00

    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??

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-08-23T04:36:21+00:00

    This feature is still available in the Desktop/Classic version of Outlook. You aren't able to edit to the subject field from the reading pane, however you can still edit it if you open the message.

    Support doc here: Edit an email subject line - Microsoft Support

    Revisions:

    • previously referred to "legacy" version of Outlook. Updated to reflect proper product nomenclature "Desktop/Classic"

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments