"Mark as read" settings automatically reverting

Question

02/24/2026

I do not want email messages marked as read until i maually change them. I uncheck that option in the mail settings and save (see image). When I go back to my inbox it works initailly, but in a very short period of time, it reverts back to marking as read when viewed in the Reading Pane. When I go back into settings the "Mark item as read when viewed..." is checked again.

I am repeating this process several times a day.

Answer 1

Dear @Pam Stinnett,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your description, the “Mark items as read when viewed in the Reading Pane” setting in the new Outlook for Windows keeps reverting after you save it.

Here are some suggestions you can refer to:

Repair the Outlook app (New Outlook for Windows) 

If you are using the New Outlook app, the local configuration file may be glitched. 

Close Outlook. 

Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. 

Find Outlook (New), click the three dots, and select Advanced options. 

Click Repair. If that doesn't work, try Reset (note: you may need to sign back in). 

Clear browser cache (Outlook Web/OWA) 

Clear your browser's Cache and Cookies specifically for outlook.office.com. 

Alternatively, try opening Outlook in an Incognito/InPrivate window to see if the setting "sticks" there; if it does, a browser extension or cache is likely the culprit. 

If you have tried all the methods above but the issue still persists, based on current guidance and recent reports, roaming limitations after recent updates can cause the server value to overwrite the local selection. As a result, your messages are safe and the app is working, but the preference may not stick until the app and service align on the same value. 

Therefore, I strongly recommend submitting your suggestion through the Outlook (new) · Community, where the Microsoft product team actively reviews user input. Many improvements have been made based on community suggestions, and your idea could help prioritize this feature for future updates. Or you also can find the similar feedback as your issue and kindly upvote it (as this feedback https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/6cdfa4e5-caf2-f011-92b8-7c1e52eaa20d). The higher votes, the more attention the related team will pay on.

Please note: As community moderators, our access to internal development details is limited. Our primary role is to guide users toward the appropriate resources and support channels. While we cannot influence product design decisions, we will continue to do our best to support you within the scope of our responsibilities. 

Additionally, as other users have raised similar concerns and may not be aware of where to share their feedback, I hope this response helps clarify the situation and suggests a potential next step. Highlighting this information can make it more visible to others in the community who may be facing the same issue, making it easier for them to find guidance and contribute their feedback as well.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.

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