You have emails that need attention later, but they clutter your inbox now. The Snooze feature in the new Outlook for Windows lets you hide messages temporarily. This article explains how to use Snooze to clear your view and have emails return automatically.
You will learn the steps to snooze any email and manage your scheduled messages.
Key Takeaways: Using the Snooze Feature
- Snooze button in the message list: Hides the selected email from your inbox until a chosen date and time.
- Snoozed folder in the folder pane: Shows all emails you have postponed and when they will return.
- Right-click > Snooze: Opens the scheduling menu to pick a custom time like “Tomorrow morning” or “Next week.”
What the Snooze Feature Does
The Snooze feature moves an email out of your primary inbox view and places it into a special Snoozed folder. The message remains in your mailbox but is hidden from your main workflow. At the scheduled time you select, the email automatically moves back to your inbox, appearing at the top as a new or unread item.
This tool is part of the new Outlook for Windows app, which is the updated version replacing the classic desktop application. You need an active Microsoft 365 subscription or a supported email account like Outlook.com to access this feature. Snooze works with emails received in any folder, including your primary Inbox and any custom folders you have created.
Steps to Snooze an Email in Outlook
- Open the new Outlook app
Launch the new Outlook for Windows. Ensure you are not using the classic Outlook desktop app labeled “Outlook (Desktop)” in the Start menu. - Select the email to snooze
In your message list, click once on the email you want to hide temporarily. You can select multiple emails by holding the Ctrl key while clicking. - Click the Snooze button
On the Home tab of the ribbon, locate and click the Snooze button. It looks like a clock with a Z-shaped arrow. Alternatively, right-click the selected email and choose Snooze from the context menu. - Choose a return time
A scheduling panel will appear. Click one of the preset options like “Later today,” “Tomorrow,” or “This weekend.” For a custom time, click “Pick date & time” at the bottom of the panel. - Set a custom date and time
If you selected the custom option, a new window opens. Use the calendar to pick a date and the drop-down menus to select an hour and minute. Click the Snooze button in this window to confirm. - Verify the email is snoozed
The email will immediately disappear from your current inbox view. To confirm it is scheduled, look in the folder pane on the left and expand the Snoozed folder. Your email will be listed there with its return time.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Snooze
- Select the email
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the message in your list. - Open the Snooze menu
Press the Alt key to show ribbon key tips, then press H to select the Home tab. Press ZN to activate the Snooze command. - Navigate the time menu
Use the arrow keys to move between the preset time options. Press Enter to select one. To open the custom time window, press the Tab key until “Pick date & time” is highlighted, then press Enter.
Common Mistakes and Limitations to Avoid
Snooze Button Is Grayed Out or Missing
If the Snooze button is unavailable, you are likely using the classic Outlook desktop app. The new Outlook app must be installed and set as your default. Check your account type; some third-party IMAP accounts may not support the feature fully. Ensure your app is updated via File > Office Account > Update Options.
Snoozed Email Did Not Return to Inbox
The new Outlook app must be running or connected to the internet at the scheduled return time for the automatic move to happen. If the app was closed, the email will typically return the next time you open it and sync. Check the Snoozed folder manually; you can right-click the email there and select “Mark to return to Inbox” to move it immediately.
Accidentally Snoozed the Wrong Email
Open the Snoozed folder from the navigation pane. Find the email you hid by mistake. Right-click it and select “Delete from Snoozed” to cancel the snooze and return the email to your inbox instantly. This action does not delete the message from your mailbox.
Snooze vs Delay Send: Key Differences
| Item | Snooze | Delay Send |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Hides a received email and brings it back later | Holds an outgoing email in the Outbox before sending |
| Target Item | Existing emails in your inbox | New emails you are composing |
| User Location | Home tab ribbon or right-click menu | More options (three dots) in a new message window |
| Return/Send Action | Automatic at a set time | Automatic at a set time |
| Cancel Method | Right-click in Snoozed folder | Open the Outbox folder and delete the delayed message |
You can now clear your inbox by hiding emails until a relevant time. Try using the custom date picker for precise reminders on important messages. For power users, combine Snooze with Outlook Rules to automatically postpone emails from specific senders.