You want to draft an email with colleagues without sending multiple versions back and forth. The new Outlook for Windows and web includes Microsoft Loop, a component for live co-authoring. This feature lets multiple people edit content directly inside an email draft. This article explains how to insert and use Loop components in your Outlook messages.
Key Takeaways: Using Loop in Outlook
- Insert > Loop component: Adds a live, shareable block for text, lists, or tables to a new email message.
- Share component button: Generates a link to invite others to edit the Loop content even if they are not in the To line.
- @mention in a component: Notifies a team member and automatically shares the Loop component with them for collaboration.
What Microsoft Loop Components Do in Outlook
Microsoft Loop components are interactive blocks you embed in emails. They sync in real time across Microsoft 365 apps. When you insert one into an Outlook message, it creates a shared workspace within the draft.
All editors see changes as they happen. The component exists independently from the email. You can copy it into a Teams chat or a Word document later. The content stays connected and updates everywhere.
You need a Microsoft 365 work or school account to create and edit Loop components. Recipients with a personal Microsoft account can usually view the content but may not be able to edit it. The new Outlook app must be enabled in your organization.
Steps to Insert and Share a Loop Component
- Start a new email in the new Outlook
Open the Outlook application for Windows or go to Outlook on the web. Click the New Message button to begin composing. - Place your cursor and open the Loop menu
Click in the message body where you want the live content. Go to the ribbon and select the Insert tab. Click the Loop component button, which may be labeled “Loop” or show a circular icon. - Choose a component type
A menu will show options like Paragraph, Bulleted List, Numbered List, Checklist, or Table. Select the format that fits your collaborative task, such as a Checklist for action items. - Begin editing and share the component
Start typing in the inserted block. To invite collaborators, click the Share component icon at the top of the block. Choose Copy link to paste into a chat, or select Share with people to enter email addresses directly. - Send the email
Complete the To, Cc, and Subject fields as normal. Add any text outside the Loop component. Click Send. The email delivers with the live component embedded. Recipients with access can continue editing the component after the email is sent.
Using @Mentions to Collaborate Quickly
- Type the @ symbol inside the component
While editing the Loop block, type the @ symbol followed by a colleague’s name or email address. - Select the person from the list
Choose their contact card from the dropdown menu that appears. This action automatically shares the entire Loop component with that person and sends them a notification. - They can now edit directly
The mentioned person can open the notification or the email and start editing the component alongside you without any further setup.
Common Loop Component Mistakes and Limitations
Loop Component Appears as a Static Link
If a recipient sees a link instead of the live component, they are likely using a classic Outlook desktop version or an older mobile app. The live component only renders fully in the new Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and the latest Outlook mobile apps. Recipients can still click the link to view and edit the content in a web browser.
Unable to Edit a Shared Component
Editing requires proper permissions and a compatible account. Verify you are signed in with the Microsoft 365 account that was used to share the component. If you received the component via an @mention, ensure you clicked the notification or the link within the email to activate your access.
Accidentally Deleting a Loop Component
If you delete the component from your email draft before sending, the shared workspace still exists online. You can recover it by finding the link in your Microsoft Loop app or your recent shared items in OneDrive. You cannot undo a deletion of the component after sending the email, but collaborators with the link can still access the online version.
Loop Components vs Traditional Email Drafts
| Item | Loop Component in Email | Traditional Email Draft |
|---|---|---|
| Editing Mode | Real-time co-authoring for all editors | One person edits at a time |
| Content Location | Stored in cloud, linked in email | Lives only within the email file |
| Version Control | Automatic sync, no version attachments needed | Requires manual file renaming or reply chains |
| Reusability | Component can be copied to Teams or Word | Content must be copied and pasted manually |
| Recipient Requirements | Best with new Outlook or web view | Works with any email client |
You can now create emails with live, editable sections using Loop components. Try adding a checklist component to delegate tasks in your next team update. For advanced use, create a Loop table before drafting the email in the standalone Loop app, then paste it into your message for a more structured workflow.