Suggestion for new outlook

Question

Can new outlook have something like a sticky note feature something that allows you to take short handed note attached to an email thread that only the user/myself can see. Almost like combining features like categorize, flagging and one note into one because 1 note is terrible and I don't want to open a whole other window.

Answer 1

Hi @Greg O'Brien,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.  

Thank you for reaching out. I understand you’re looking for a quick, lightweight way to jot down personal notes directly on an email thread in the new Outlook - essentially a private sticky note that only you can see, without needing to open OneNote or switch between multiple tools.

In the new Outlook for Windows, there isn’t currently a built‑in feature that lets you attach a private note directly to an email - similar to a “yellow sticky” inside the message itself.

However, you can get very close to this workflow while still staying entirely inside the Outlook experience. Here are a few options:

Option A: Use Flagged Email > Microsoft To Do (with a private note)

This keeps everything within Outlook and links your note back to the original email.

1. Flag the email.
2. Open To Do from the Outlook app rail and go to Flagged email.
3. Select the item > add your private note, categories, due dates, or reminders.
4. Use Open in Outlook anytime to jump back to the original email.

To Do is built directly into the new Outlook, supports private Notes on each task, and automatically groups all flagged emails - making this the closest lightweight “sticky note” experience.

For more detail: Using Microsoft To Do with flagged email from Outlook.

 

Option B: Streamline your workflow with Quick Steps

If your goal is to quickly classify and remember messages, you can create a Quick Step that, for example:

• Flags the email
• Pins it
• Applies a Category

Then, add your context in the To Do note (Option A). Quick Steps are now supported in the new Outlook for Windows and help you act in one click.

 

Option C: If allowed by your organization - private‑note add‑ins

If you prefer an actual inline note panel, some third‑party add‑ins offer private annotations, such as:

• Outlook Mail Notes(open‑source) – a lightweight add‑in that attaches private notes to emails.

Reference: Outlook Mail Notes.

Note: Please check with your IT team first, as many organizations restrict add‑ins or custom manifest deployments

 

Submit feedback to Microsoft:

As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the Outlook (new) · Community. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.   

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.    

If you are unable to submit feedback from your side, please let me know and I will be happy to submit it on your behalf.    

Additionally, since many other users have expressed similar concerns but may not know where to submit feedback, if my response has helped you better understand the situation and guided you toward a possible next step, please mark it as the "Accepted Answer". Your action will help pin this post to the top, making it easier for others in the community who are experiencing the same issue to find your feedback and support it.    

I hope this information is helpful. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out.   

Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. 

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Answer 2

New Outlook for Windows does not currently provide a per‑message “private sticky note” feature that is directly attached to an email thread and visible only to the mailbox owner.

However, there are note‑taking options that stay within Outlook and avoid opening a full OneNote window:

1. Use the Notes feature in classic Outlook for Windows
   In classic Outlook (not New Outlook), Notes act like electronic sticky notes inside Outlook:
   • Press Ctrl+Shift+N from any Outlook folder to create a note.
   • Type the text and leave the note open or move it around the screen.
   • Click the note icon in the upper‑left corner and choose Save & Close when done.
   • Open existing notes via More Apps → Notes in the Navigation Bar. These notes are not attached to a specific email thread, but they stay inside Outlook and can be quickly referenced.
2. Use Sticky Notes synced with Outlook on the web
   Sticky Notes can sync with Outlook.com/Outlook on the web and appear in the Notes folder:
   • In Outlook.com or Outlook on the web, go to the Notes folder and select New Note to create a sticky note.
   • These notes sync with the Windows Sticky Notes app and mobile OneNote apps, so they are available across devices.
   • Notes in this folder are still general notes, not bound to a specific email thread, but they can be used as quick reminders related to conversations.
3. Use the OneNote feed in Outlook on the web
   In Outlook on the web, the OneNote feed can be used for quick notes:
   • Open Outlook on the web and select the OneNote feed icon on the toolbar.
   • Select + Add a note to create a new sticky note; it syncs automatically to the OneNote feed.
   • These notes are also visible in the Notes folder and in the Microsoft Sticky Notes app for Windows 10.

For the specific feature request (a per‑thread, private sticky note inside New Outlook), the supported path is to submit product feedback so it can be considered for future updates. Feedback for Sticky Notes and related experiences can be sent from the Sticky Notes app (Notes List → profile picture → Send Feedback) as described in the Sticky Notes documentation.

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References:

• Create a note in classic Outlook for Windows
• Create, edit, and view sticky notes in Outlook.com or Outlook on the web
• Use the OneNote feed in Outlook on the web
• Get started with Sticky Notes