Screen view jumps up and down erratically while typing an email in Outlook

Question

When I go to reply to an email and start typing the screen continually jumps down and moves the cursor. This is a plain email, no tables, no special formatting. If you try and scroll back up, it jumps back down again. it's infuriating.

Answer 1

Hi

This appears to be a New Outlook editor/focus issue rather than a problem with the email itself. Similar cases have been reported where the cursor or view suddenly jumps to the bottom while replying.

First, close Outlook, press Windows + R, enter:

olk.exe --safe

Then test a reply again. New Outlook Safe Mode temporarily excludes web add-ins and some features. If the jumping stops, disable any Outlook add-ins one at a time. Microsoft documents this here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/command-line-switches-for-microsoft-office-products

If it still happens, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Outlook (new) > Advanced options > Repair. If Repair does not help, try Reset: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/repair-apps-and-programs-in-windows

Also test the same reply at https://outlook.live.com/mail/ . If it works normally in the browser but keeps jumping in New Outlook, please let me know your Outlook version from Settings > General > About Outlook. That will help narrow this down to the desktop app.

Answer 2

If you have a laptop, the touchpad could be oversensitive. Sometimes, it may be so sensitive that it registers vibrations from typing as mouse movement. Try turning off the touchpad and use an external mouse instead.

Answer 3

This matches a known Outlook for Windows issue with jumpy scrolling while reading or replying to certain email content.

If this is happening in classic Outlook, there are two supported paths:

1. Update Outlook to a fixed build
   • The message-list jumping issue was fixed in:
     • Current Channel / Monthly Enterprise Channel: Version 2503, Build 18623.20000
     • Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: Version 2502, Build 18526.20604
2. If the jumping happens inside the email body while scrolling or typing, especially with newsletter-style content, use this workaround:
   • Go to File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Advanced.
   • Clear Use Advanced Typography.
   • Select OK, then OK again.
   • Restart Outlook.

This issue was reported starting in Version 2503 Build 18623.20000 for newsletter emails, and the workaround above is the documented mitigation.

If the problem started after using older registry-key workarounds for Outlook scrolling issues, remove those registry keys after updating to a fixed build. Warning: registry changes are risky and can affect Office behavior if edited incorrectly.

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