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

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-09-04T14:57:34+00:00

    Hi MS;

    Here is a prime example of why I should be able to change the subject line.

    Our VP will send something with subject line describing an issue, but he does not include the Vendor Name or PO number in the subject line which makes it easier for searching. I always add the Vendor Name and PO number which is different for every email. (A category won't work)

    Also when I scan documents to email they come across with some number from the scanner. I need to be able to change the subject line to identify what the scanned document is.

    PLEASE BRING BACK THE ABILIITY TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT LINE OF AN EMAIL.

    Thank you,

    Cyndi Rodriguez

    ******@haco.us.com

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  2. 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

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-09-04T15:36:15+00:00

    Hi Joe and everyone:

    If you switch out of the new Outlook back to the old version there will be a popup that asks you why you are going back.

    I selected "Something is not working" and then entered in my comments that I was unable to edit the subject line and that it is important to be able to do so.

    I don't know if they see this or not?

    Thanks,

    Cyndi

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  4. 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

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  5. 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

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