Microsoft Outlook to add three new features for Windows users

Microsoft is preparing to update the new Outlook application for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, with rollout scheduled for August and September 2026. The updates will introduce three key new features designed to enhance email management and streamline user workflows.

One of the upcoming features is a reminder system for replying to older emails within a conversation thread. This function, which began testing in early July, will notify users if they are about to reply to an email in a thread where a new response has already been sent or the latest message hasn't been read. The feature is expected to be available to Windows users by the end of August and will also extend to Outlook.com.

Another significant addition is the introduction of rule-based automatic replies using templates. This functionality will not rely on artificial intelligence but will operate based on user-defined rules. Users will be able to set up configurations to automatically send pre-set responses to incoming emails. Testing for this feature is slated to begin in September 2026.

The third update focuses on improving the categorization of emails. New versions will allow users to create and manage categories directly within Outlook, add them to a 'Favorites' list, and organize emails by dragging and dropping them into designated categories. These enhancements aim to simplify email organization and ensure more efficient communication.