How do I set not to close Outlook completely?

Question

I want to set my Outlook to stay on the task bar (and run in the backgroud) when I click on the CLOSE icon. How can I do that?

Answer 1

Dear Pelle Larsson,

Good day!

Thank you for posting to the Microsoft Community. We are glad to assist.

Based on your post regarding "How do I set not to close Outlook completely?". Outlook doesn't have a built-in setting to keep it running in the background when you click the Close button. However, Please try the following steps:

1. Minimize to the System Tray:

Find the Outlook Icon in the System Tray:

• Open Outlook, and ensure it is running.
• Look for the small Outlook icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner near the clock). You may need to click the upward arrow (^) to see hidden icons.

Enable Minimize to System Tray:

• Right-click on the Outlook icon in the system tray.
• Select Hide When Minimized or a similar option (depending on your Outlook version).

Test the Setting:

• Click the Close (X) button in the top-right corner of Outlook.
• Outlook should now minimize to the system tray instead of closing.

REF: Minimize Outlook

Now, when you click the Close button, Outlook will minimize to the System Tray instead of closing completely. You can still access it from there.

2. Use Task Manager:

• Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
• Find Outlook: Locate the Outlook process in the Task Manager.
• Set Priority: Right-click on the Outlook process and select "Set priority."
• Choose a Priority: Select a lower priority like "Low" or "Below normal."

This will keep Outlook running in the background, even if it's not visible on the taskbar. However, it might impact performance, so use this method with caution.

If you still need further help, then please kindly share with me the above feedback after you tried it, and I will do my best to do more research and testing to help you further, thank you.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. Your patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated. I hope for all the best!