Close original email after replying or forwarding in New Outlook

Question

Where is the setting to close the original email after replying or forwarding. If you are used to this setting in the previous version, frustrating when you have to close the original every time. What would be the purpose of leaving this option out of the new outlook?

Answer 1

I ran into this exact same issue, starting yesterday. If you use the Reply button from the Ribbon, then you run into this issue wherein the original email doesn't close. HOWEVER, if you use the Reply button that is on the right within the email, just to the right of the From/To section, then then Outlook functions as it always has and closes the original email when replying.

Attention Microsoft - The two reply buttons now function DIFFERENTLY.

Answer 2

Hi John Zybko,

Good day and thank you for outlining your concern so clearly.

Currently, there is no setting in the New Outlook to automatically close the original email after replying or forwarding. This behavior exists only in Classic Outlook for Windows, and it has not been implemented in New Outlook as of now. I understand the inconvenience caused by the absence of a previously relied‑upon feature in the New Outlook version.

New Outlook is built on a different, web-based architecture, and as a result, many classic Win32 features were not carried over during its redesign. Feature parity with Classic Outlook remains incomplete, as Microsoft has prioritized modern, conversation-based workflows and consistency with the web experience over traditional window-management controls.

However, I believe this process could be greatly impacting to your workflow, I highly recommend submitting a suggestion directly from Outlook by navigating to: Outlook · Community or post your concern as an idea to Outlook in-app feedback site Contact support and provide feedback within the new Outlook for Windows - Microsoft Support. 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.  

Note: As Microsoft Community moderators, please note that we are not involved in product design decisions and do not have direct access to the development roadmap, we want to assure you that your feedback has been acknowledged and is valued.  

In the meantime, if you see my replies bring helpful information, please kindly accept it as an answer and vote it up by your original account, which raised this question. Once marked, it will automatically pin to top. As other users will also search information in this community, your valuable vote up will definitely also help other users who have similar queries easily to find the correct channel and useful information more quickly.   

I hope this provides enough clarity and helps you stay inform with your current situation.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.    

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Answer 3

In new Outlook for Windows, there is currently no setting exposed in Options to automatically close the original message after replying or forwarding. The behavior described in the classic Outlook “Replies and forwards” options (such as changing how the original message appears, or controlling pop‑out behavior) is documented only for classic Outlook/desktop, not for new Outlook.

In classic Outlook, reply/forward behavior is configured via:

1. File > Options > Mail.
2. Under Replies and forwards, adjust how the original message is included and whether replies/forwards open in a new window.

New Outlook does not surface an equivalent “close original after reply/forward” option in the provided documentation, so this behavior cannot be configured there at this time.

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References:

• Change how the original message appears in replies and forwards
• Basic tasks using a screen reader with email in Outlook