In new Outlook, can I reply to an invite without notifying the sender? This option seems to have disappeared

Charlotte J 140 Reputation points
2025-12-01T17:46:18.2766667+00:00

I used to be able to action an accept/decline/tentative response to an Outlook invite WITHOUT notifying the sender - has this option been removed from new Outlook? I already use the calendar view in Classic Outlook in order to add my signature to invites...why turn off such useful features?!

Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For business
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Ruth MacDowall 110 Reputation points
2026-01-26T13:13:16.43+00:00

I have seen it is still there if you "normal" click the invitation in the calendar, not right click. User's image

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Anonymous
2025-12-01T19:03:05.9466667+00:00

Hi @Charlotte J,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I completely understand how frustrating it can be when a feature you rely on suddenly disappears. The option to accept or decline an invite without notifying the organizer was a convenient way to manage your calendar quietly and losing that flexibility can feel limiting.

In the new Outlook for Windows, the ability to accept/decline/tentatively respond to a meeting without sending a response to the organizer has been removed. This change aligns the new Outlook experience with Outlook on the web and other modern clients, where all responses notify the organizer to keep calendars in sync.

The feature is removed because Microsoft streamlined the response model to ensure organizers always have accurate attendee status. Silent responses often caused mismatches between calendars and meeting tracking.

Since is essential for you, the Classic Outlook experience still supports it. You can switch back to use it as a workaround.

We’re continuously enhancing Outlook based on user feedback, and your input plays a valuable role in shaping future updates.

If having the ability to manage responses silently is critical to your workflow, I highly recommend submitting a suggestion directly from Outlook by navigating to: Outlook (new) · Community portal. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.
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  1. Hornblower409 14,955 Reputation points
    2026-01-12T18:14:57.9166667+00:00

    @Anonymous said

    This is a security concern. We're getting malicious calendar invites with executable scripts in the attachments.

    That is a whole separate issue.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5597205/prevent-pfishing-calendar-items

    Still an ongoing issue. No update from Microsoft on a general solution. If your organization has a Microsoft Defender for Office 365 subscription, there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefenderforoffice365blog/strengthening-calendar-security-through-enhanced-remediation/4456876 If you are in an IT Managed environment there are Mail Flow Rules that your IT Admin can implement that will block all external Calendar invites (and allow for specific exceptions): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5558001/how-to-prevent-calendar-invites-from-external-sour

    I want to decline with no response to ensure the threat actor doesn't get a notification.

    I would suggest you Vote for and Comment on this existing Feature Request:

    New Outlook lacks option to accept or decline meeting invites without sending a response
    https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/072731f7-3dcb-f011-ad8f-7c1e529694f5

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  2. Nuno Cancelo 6 Reputation points
    2026-09-14T12:08:15.7333333+00:00

    Hi Guys.

    On Outlook Desktop,
    If you open the invite, on the top left click the 3 dots, then "respond without email" and finally select your option. It is not simple like it used to, but it is still there.
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    Hope it helps....
    Kind Regards
    Nuno Cancelo

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  3. Hornblower409 14,955 Reputation points
    2025-12-04T03:15:56.4966667+00:00

    If you are looking to Vote for or Comment on a Feature Request about "Silent Responses"
    (i.e. Accept/Decline a meeting without sending a response email)

    I would suggest you use this existing Request: 

    New Outlook lacks option to accept or decline meeting invites without sending a response
    https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/072731f7-3dcb-f011-ad8f-7c1e529694f5

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