Tip 307: Shortcuts for Reading the Next Message

Does Outlook have a "next unread message" feature?

Sure, but it's not quite as easy to use as it is in some other email programs. With a message open, you can use the blue up and down arrow buttons or keyboard shortcuts of Ctrl+> and Ctrl+< to go to the next message, read or unread. The button dropdown menus have a number of options, including one for the next unread message, but it takes a couple of clicks to use them.

If this (or one of the other next/previous) options is something you'll use often, you can customize your toolbar and add the commands to a toolbar for easier access and use of keyboard shortcuts. Unless you really need both the previous and next command options, only add the direction you'll use the most. This should make it easier to use the default keyboard shortcuts.

Published October 19, 2005. Last updated on February 5, 2013.

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