Outlook Reactions let you reply to an email with a simple emoji instead of typing a full response. This feature works in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. It removes the need for third-party add-ins or custom scripts to send quick feedback. This article explains how to enable, send, and manage Reactions in the new Outlook.
Key Takeaways: Using Outlook Reactions Instead of Classic Add-ins
- New Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web: Reactions are built in and require no add-in installation.
- Like, Love, Laugh, Surprised, Sad, Angry: Six emoji options available for lightweight replies.
- File > Options > Mail > Reactions: Turn Reactions on or off for your organization or yourself.
What Are Outlook Reactions and Why They Replace Classic Add-ins
Outlook Reactions are lightweight emoji responses you can attach to any email message. They work like reactions in Microsoft Teams or social media platforms. You can choose from Like, Love, Laugh, Surprised, Sad, or Angry. The recipient sees the emoji next to the message in their reading pane.
Before Reactions, many users installed add-ins or used custom forms to send quick feedback. Those add-ins required maintenance, permissions, and sometimes broke after Outlook updates. Reactions are built directly into the new Outlook client and the web version. They do not require any add-in, script, or third-party tool.
Reactions are part of Microsoft 365 and appear only in supported mailboxes. They work with Exchange Online mailboxes and Microsoft 365 Groups. Shared mailboxes and on-premises Exchange accounts do not support Reactions yet.
How to Send a Reaction in the New Outlook
Before you start, make sure you are using the new Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web. You can check by looking at the top of the window. The new Outlook shows a ribbon with simplified tabs like Home, View, and Help.
- Open the email you want to react to
Double-click the message in your inbox or select it so it appears in the reading pane. - Hover over the message header area
In the reading pane, move your mouse near the sender name and subject line. A small smiley face icon appears on the right side. - Click the smiley face icon
A pop-up shows six emoji options: Like, Love, Laugh, Surprised, Sad, and Angry. - Select your reaction
Click one emoji. The reaction appears immediately next to the message header. The sender receives a notification in their inbox that you reacted. - Change or remove your reaction
Click the same emoji again to toggle it off. Click a different emoji to switch your reaction. The sender sees only the latest reaction.
Reactions are not visible in the classic Outlook desktop app. If the recipient uses classic Outlook, they see a plain text notification that says “[Name] reacted with Like to your message.” The emoji does not appear inline.
How to Enable or Disable Reactions for Your Organization
If you are an admin, you can control Reactions for all users in your tenant. By default, Reactions are enabled for all Microsoft 365 users with Exchange Online mailboxes.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center
Go to admin.microsoft.com and log in with your admin credentials. - Navigate to Settings > Org settings
In the left navigation, select Settings and then Org settings. - Find the Reactions setting
Search for “Reactions” in the list. You may need to scroll to the Modern Authentication section. - Toggle Reactions on or off
Set the toggle to Off to disable Reactions for all users. Click Save. - Apply changes to specific users with PowerShell
Use the Set-OrganizationConfig cmdlet with the -ReactionsEnabled parameter set to $false to disable for specific groups. This requires Exchange Online PowerShell.
Changes can take up to 24 hours to apply to all users. Individual users cannot disable Reactions for themselves unless the admin turns it off at the org level.
If Reactions Are Missing or Not Working
Reaction icon does not appear on any email
The smiley face icon appears only in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. Classic Outlook does not show the reaction icon. If you are using classic Outlook, switch to the new Outlook by toggling the Try the new Outlook slider at the top right of the window.
Reaction icon appears but clicking it does nothing
This usually means your mailbox is not on Exchange Online. Reactions require an Exchange Online mailbox. If you use an on-premises Exchange server or a POP/IMAP account, the feature does not work. Upgrade your mailbox to Exchange Online or use a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Reactions send but recipient does not see them
The recipient must use new Outlook or Outlook on the web to see the emoji inline. If they use classic Outlook, Apple Mail, or Gmail, they see a plain text notification. The reaction still counts and appears in the sender’s conversation history.
Reactions stopped working after an update
Microsoft occasionally rolls out updates that change the reaction behavior. Check the Microsoft 365 Message Center for any service advisories. You can also clear the Outlook cache by going to File > Options > General > Clear all cached data. Restart Outlook after clearing the cache.
Outlook Reactions vs Classic Email Add-ins: Key Differences
| Item | Outlook Reactions | Classic Email Add-ins |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Built in, no setup required | Requires manual install from AppSource or custom deployment |
| Supported clients | New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web | Classic Outlook for Windows, classic Outlook for Mac |
| Response types | Six predefined emoji | Custom text, images, buttons, or forms |
| Recipient visibility | Inline emoji in new Outlook; plain text in classic clients | Full content in all supported clients |
| Admin control | Org settings toggle or PowerShell | Add-in policies and centralized deployment |
| Cost | Included in Microsoft 365 subscription | Often requires third-party purchase or development |
Outlook Reactions are not a full replacement for every add-in scenario. If you need custom forms, approval workflows, or rich interactive replies, add-ins remain the better choice. For simple acknowledgment or emotional feedback, Reactions are faster and easier to use.
You can now use Outlook Reactions to reply quickly without installing any add-ins. Try sending a Like or Love reaction to the next email that does not need a full typed response. For advanced scenarios like approval requests, consider using Microsoft Power Automate or a dedicated add-in instead of Reactions.