When you switch from Classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows, the text predictions feature may not be turned on by default. Text predictions suggest words as you type to help you compose messages faster and reduce typos. This article explains how to enable and use text predictions in the new Outlook so you can regain the productivity boost you had in the classic version.
Key Takeaways: Enabling Text Predictions in New Outlook
- New Outlook > Settings > Mail > Compose and reply: Turn on the Suggest words as I type toggle to activate text predictions.
- Tab key or right arrow key: Accept a suggested word during composition to insert it into your message.
- Escape key: Dismiss a suggestion if you do not want to use it so you can continue typing normally.
How Text Predictions Work in New Outlook
Text predictions are a machine learning feature that analyzes your typing patterns and the context of your email to suggest the next word or phrase. The feature works in the message body of new emails, replies, and forwards. When you start typing, a light gray suggestion appears after your cursor. Pressing Tab or the right arrow key inserts the suggestion. Pressing Escape removes it so you can keep typing your own text.
The feature requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and an active internet connection because the predictions are processed on Microsoft servers. It is available in the new Outlook for Windows version 1.2021.x and later. If you just switched from Classic Outlook, your existing settings do not carry over automatically, so you must enable text predictions again in the new interface.
What Changed from Classic Outlook
In Classic Outlook, text predictions were part of the Microsoft Editor settings and were enabled through File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Advanced. The new Outlook uses a simplified settings panel that does not import these preferences. You must navigate to a different location to turn the feature on. The behavior of accepting suggestions with Tab or the right arrow key remains the same.
Steps to Enable Text Predictions in New Outlook
Follow these steps to turn on text predictions after switching to the new Outlook for Windows. The entire process takes less than one minute.
- Open New Outlook Settings
Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner of the new Outlook window. Alternatively, select View > Settings from the ribbon menu. - Go to Mail Settings
In the Settings pane that opens on the right side, click Mail to expand the mail-related options. - Select Compose and Reply
Under the Mail section, click Compose and reply. This page contains options for message formatting, signatures, and text predictions. - Turn On Text Predictions
Scroll down to the Text predictions section. Toggle the switch labeled Suggest words as I type to the On position. The switch turns blue when enabled. - Close Settings
Click the X in the top-right corner of the Settings pane to close it. The change saves automatically. No restart is required.
To verify the feature is working, open a new email message and start typing in the body. After a few words, a gray suggestion should appear. Press Tab to accept it or Escape to dismiss it.
Common Problems After Enabling Text Predictions
Text Predictions Do Not Appear While Typing
If you enabled the toggle but do not see any suggestions, check your internet connection. Text predictions require an active internet connection because the predictions are generated on Microsoft servers. Also confirm that you are typing in the message body, not in the subject line or To field. The feature only works in the body area of new messages, replies, and forwards.
Another cause could be an outdated version of new Outlook. Go to Settings > General > About Outlook and check the version number. If it is below 1.2021.x, update the app through the Microsoft Store or your organization’s update channel.
Text Predictions Suggest Incorrect Words
The prediction engine learns from your writing style over time. If suggestions seem inaccurate, continue using the feature normally. The model improves as you accept or reject suggestions. You can also reset the learning data by going to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply and clicking Reset text predictions under the Text predictions section. This clears your personal prediction history and starts fresh.
Feature Is Grayed Out or Unavailable
Text predictions may be disabled by your organization’s IT policy if you are using a work or school account. Contact your administrator to check if the feature is blocked. For personal Microsoft 365 accounts, verify that your subscription is active and not expired. Expired subscriptions disable premium features including text predictions.
Classic Outlook vs New Outlook: Text Predictions Comparison
| Item | Classic Outlook | New Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Settings location | File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Advanced | Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Text predictions toggle |
| Accept suggestion key | Tab or right arrow | Tab or right arrow |
| Dismiss suggestion key | Escape | Escape |
| Requires internet | Yes | Yes |
| Settings carry over on switch | N/A | No, must be re-enabled |
The table shows that the main difference is the settings path. The keyboard shortcuts and internet requirement remain identical between the two versions. You must manually enable the feature in new Outlook after switching.
You can now enable and use text predictions in the new Outlook for Windows after switching from Classic Outlook. The feature saves keystrokes and helps you finish sentences faster once you get used to accepting suggestions with Tab. To further improve your typing speed, try using the dictation feature by pressing Ctrl+Shift+H in the message body to dictate text instead of typing.