Email Navigation

Question

Email Navigation

Kwong, Woo Fung 0

My office had a move and I lost my settings and now I can't find where I used to set this. I want behavior that when I delete an email it goes to the previous email instead of going back to the Inbox or Folder. This is highly inefficient at going thru multiple emails as its an extra click every time. I used to do this in account settings but now can't find this anywhere.

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Answer 1

Hello @Kwong, Woo Fung

As you have shared, after your office move, some of your Outlook settings appear to have been reset. Previously, when you deleted an email, Outlook would automatically open the previous (or next) message, allowing you to process multiple emails quickly. Now, after deleting a message, Outlook returns you to the Inbox or folder view, which adds an extra click each time.

This behavior is often related to an Outlook viewing preference that may have returned to its default configuration after a profile change, a new device setup, or an Outlook update.

First, I understand that you selected Outlook on the web. However, since this setting is important for the next steps, if you do not mind, I would like to confirm one more detail to make sure I am guiding you correctly: are you using Outlook for Windows, Outlook for Mac, or Outlook on the web?

If it is Outlook on the web, you can follow the steps below. I have included screenshots for reference so you can easily compare them with what you see on your side.

Outlook Web -> Settings -> Mail -> Layout -> "What do you want to happen when you move or delete the item you are viewing?" -> "Open the previous item"-> "Save".

User's image

I have found the other threat that related to your concern:

After delete email advance to next most recent mail - Microsoft Q&A

If the issue still remains after trying all the steps above, please share a screenshot or provide more detailed information. I will check the situation and continue to support you.

Kind regards,

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in "our documentation" to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Kwong, Woo Fung 0 Reputation points

2026-07-20T15:15:44.6866667+00:00

I have outlook for windows. I found it. Its under Outlook File and at lower left Options and then Mail. It was more prominent in a prior version of Outlook.
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Alina Le 4,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-20T16:05:13.1166667+00:00

Hi

Thank you very much for your update.

As you have described, you are using Classic Outlook. In that version, you can navigate to the option via:

"File" -> "Options" -> "Mail" -> "Other" -> "After moving or deleting an open item" -> "Open the previous items".

If you find my reply above helpful, please consider marking it as the "Yes" so others can easily refer to these steps if they encounter a similar issue.

Wishing you all the best!