03/06/2026 - follow up to Outlook Reminder popup window automatically takes over cursor from 03-26-2024

Question

Same issue is still happening today 03/06/2026 in version 2602 (Build 19725.20126 Click-ro-Run). Having this issue means that using Microsoft Reminders is like walking through a task reminder land mine that could blow up in your face when an item is deleted as the reminder window opens.

Answer 1

Hi @Sue Hunnings

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

Looks like you are referring to this thread. Based on my research, this behavior seems to be related to Outlook reminders automatically taking focus when they appear, which can interrupt the user’s current activity. 

Currently, I have not identified any official Microsoft documentation that provides a method to prevent or modify this behavior yet. 

If you feel this update would improve the user experience, we would encourage you to submit your feedback directly to Microsoft. You can do so through the Microsoft 365 Feedback Portal. This ensures your inquiry reaches the Microsoft product team, allowing them to better understand user needs, enhance product experience, and potentially prioritize your request in future updates.   

Apologies for redirecting you to the appropriate development team. This platform is a user‑to‑user support forum, and moderators, contributors, and external Microsoft employees participating here do not have access to backend systems or the ability to modify product features directly. Our role is limited to offering technical guidance and sharing best practices based on reported issues, feedback, and community discussions. 

Please feel free to correct me if I misunderstood your request. If you have any additional concerns, feel free to comment below. I would be more than happy to assist. 

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Answer 2

The "Show reminders on top of other windows" box was/is already checked so that has not and will not resolve the issue.

Answer 3

The behavior described matches the classic Outlook reminder window stealing focus and interrupting work. Classic Outlook includes an option to keep reminders visible without taking focus from other apps.

In classic Outlook for Windows (Microsoft 365 subscription, Version 1804 or later), configure reminders so they no longer behave like a “land mine” over your current task:

1. Open classic Outlook.
2. Select File > Options.
3. Select Advanced.
4. In the Reminders section, enable Show reminders on top of other windows.
5. Select OK.

This keeps the reminder window visible above other programs while avoiding unexpected focus changes that can interfere with typing or item deletion.

If reminders are not appearing reliably or are controlled by policy, also verify that Show reminders is enabled under File > Options > Advanced > Reminders, and that no Group Policy is overriding this setting.

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References:

• Add or delete notifications or reminders in Outlook
• Reminders in Outlook do not appear
• Turn off or postpone a reminder
• Outlook issues, including reminders that fail to appear, messages stuck in the Outbox, and Desktop Search indexing problems