10 Must-Know Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks for Boosting Productivity in 2015

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Microsoft Outlook is a widely-used email client that offers numerous features and capabilities to help users manage their emails, tasks, and contacts. However, many users may not be aware of some of the hidden tips and tricks that can make their experience with Outlook even more efficient and productive. In this article, we will explore some of the best Microsoft Outlook tips and tricks for 2015, including how to customize your inbox, automate common tasks, and improve your overall productivity.

One of the first things you can do to improve your experience with Outlook is to customize your inbox view. By default, Outlook displays all incoming emails in chronological order, which can quickly become overwhelming if you receive a lot of emails each day. However, you can use the Arrange By feature to group your emails by sender, subject, or other criteria, making it easier to find and manage your messages.

Another useful feature of Outlook is the ability to create rules that automate common tasks, such as moving emails to specific folders, forwarding messages to certain people, or deleting unwanted messages. You can create rules based on various criteria, such as sender, subject, keywords, or even the time of day that the email was received.

In addition to email management, Outlook also offers powerful tools for managing your calendar, tasks, and contacts. For example, you can use the Quick Steps feature to automate common actions, such as scheduling a meeting or creating a new task. You can also use the People feature to keep track of your contacts and their information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles.

If you frequently travel or work across different time zones, you may find the Time Zone feature in Outlook particularly helpful. This feature allows you to view and schedule appointments in different time zones, ensuring that you never miss an important deadline or meeting.

Another useful tip for Outlook users is to take advantage of keyboard shortcuts, which can save you time and improve your productivity. Some of the most commonly used shortcuts include Ctrl + N to create a new email, Ctrl + R to reply to an email, and Ctrl + Shift + A to create a new appointment.

If you use Outlook for work, you may also want to explore some of the collaboration features that it offers. For example, you can use the Share Calendar feature to allow others to view your calendar and schedule appointments with you, or the Delegate Access feature to give someone else permission to manage your email and calendar on your behalf.

Finally, if you are looking to improve your overall productivity with Outlook, there are a few other tips and tricks that you may find helpful. For example, you can use the Delay Delivery feature to schedule emails to be sent at a later time, or the Ignore Conversation feature to automatically delete or move unwanted email threads.

Overall, there are many tips and tricks that you can use to make the most of Microsoft Outlook in 2015. Whether you are looking to streamline your email management, automate common tasks, or improve your overall productivity, these tips and tricks can help you achieve your goals and get more done in less time. So why not give them a try today and see how much more productive you can be with Outlook?


Introduction

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients in the world, and for good reason. It offers a range of features that make managing your emails and calendar a breeze. However, like any software, there are tricks and tips that can help you get even more out of it. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Microsoft Outlook tips and tricks for 2015.

Schedule Your Emails

If you're someone who likes to work outside of regular business hours, you might find yourself sending emails late at night or early in the morning. However, sending an email at an odd hour can give people the wrong impression, making them think that you're working all the time. To avoid this, you can schedule your emails to be sent at a more reasonable hour. In Outlook 2015, simply compose your email as usual, then click on the Options tab. From here, select Delay Delivery and choose the date and time you want your email to be sent.

Use Quick Parts

Quick Parts is a feature in Outlook 2015 that allows you to save blocks of text for easy reuse later on. For example, if you find yourself typing the same response to emails over and over again, you can save that response as a Quick Part. To create a Quick Part, simply highlight the text you want to save, then go to the Insert tab and select Quick Parts. From here, choose Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery. You can then give your Quick Part a name and save it for later use.

Use Conversation View

Conversation View is a feature in Outlook 2015 that groups together all emails related to a particular conversation. This can make it much easier to follow a thread of emails and keep track of what's been said. To turn on Conversation View, simply go to the View tab and select Show as Conversations.

Create Rules

Rules are a powerful feature in Outlook 2015 that allow you to automate certain actions based on specific criteria. For example, you could create a rule that moves all emails from your boss to a specific folder. To create a rule, go to the Rules tab and select Create Rule. From here, you can choose the criteria for your rule and the action you want Outlook to take.

Use Folders

Folders are a simple but effective way to keep your inbox organized. You can create folders for different projects, clients, or types of emails. To create a folder, simply right-click on your inbox and select New Folder. You can then give your folder a name and drag and drop emails into it.

Use Categories

Categories are like labels that you can apply to your emails to help you keep track of them. For example, you could apply a Follow Up category to emails that require a response. To apply a category, simply right-click on an email and select Categorize. From here, you can choose an existing category or create a new one.

Use Flags

Flags are another way to mark emails that require your attention. You can flag an email as Follow Up, Reply, or Forward, among others. To flag an email, simply right-click on it and select Flag. You can then choose the type of flag you want to apply.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time when working in Outlook 2015. Here are a few useful shortcuts to get you started:

  • Ctrl+N - Create a new email
  • Ctrl+R - Reply to an email
  • Ctrl+Shift+A - Create a new appointment
  • Ctrl+Shift+K - Create a new task
  • Ctrl+1 - Switch to Mail view
  • Ctrl+2 - Switch to Calendar view

Use Search Folders

Search Folders are a way to create virtual folders that automatically populate with emails that meet certain criteria. For example, you could create a Search Folder that shows all emails from your boss. To create a Search Folder, go to the Folder tab and select New Search Folder.

Use OneNote Integration

If you use Microsoft OneNote for note-taking, you can integrate it with Outlook 2015. This allows you to take notes on emails or meetings and save them directly to OneNote. To enable OneNote integration, go to the File tab and select Options. From here, choose Add-Ins and then OneNote Notes about Outlook Items.

Conclusion

By using these tips and tricks, you can get even more out of Microsoft Outlook 2015. Whether you're looking to stay organized, automate tasks, or simply save time, there's a trick here that can help. So give them a try and see how they can improve your productivity.


Microsoft Outlook is a powerful tool that can be used to manage your email, calendar, and tasks all in one place. However, many people only scratch the surface of what this software can do. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Outlook in 2015.

Organization is key

One of the biggest advantages of using Outlook is the ability to keep all of your emails, appointments, and tasks in one place. However, with so much information to manage, it can quickly become overwhelming. To stay organized, consider using color coding and categorizing to keep your emails and calendar events organized and easy to access. For example, you could use different colors to signify different types of emails or appointments, or create categories such as work and personal.

Make use of keyboard shortcuts

If you're someone who spends a lot of time in Outlook, then you know that clicking through menus and options can be time-consuming. Fortunately, there are a number of keyboard shortcuts that you can use to save time and effort. For example, pressing Ctrl + N will create a new email, while Ctrl + Shift + A will create a new appointment. You can find a complete list of keyboard shortcuts in the Outlook help menu.

Customize your Outlook view

Outlook offers a wide range of customization options that allow you to tailor your email inbox and calendar view to suit your needs. For example, you can set up personalized folders to keep your emails organized, or adjust the font size to make it easier to read. You can also customize the layout of your calendar to show only the information that's important to you.

Take advantage of email templates

If you find yourself sending the same type of email over and over again, then you can save time by using pre-designed email templates. Outlook comes with a number of templates already installed, such as newsletters and follow-up emails. You can also create your own templates for emails that you send frequently.

Utilize Quick Steps

Quick Steps are a powerful tool that allow you to streamline your workflow by performing multiple actions with a single click. For example, you could create a Quick Step that moves a selected email to a specific folder and marks it as read at the same time. To create a Quick Step, simply click the Create New button in the Quick Steps group on the Home tab.

Stay on top of your schedule with reminders

One of the most useful features of Outlook is the ability to set up reminders for important events or deadlines. When you create a new appointment or task, you can set a reminder that will pop up at a specified time to ensure that you don't forget. You can also set up recurring reminders for events that happen regularly.

Use advanced search features

If you're someone who receives a lot of emails or has a busy calendar, then finding specific information can be a challenge. Fortunately, Outlook offers a number of advanced search capabilities that make it easy to find what you're looking for. For example, you can search by keyword, sender, date, or attachment type.

Sync with other devices

In today's mobile world, it's important to stay connected even when you're on-the-go. Fortunately, Outlook makes it easy to sync your email, calendar, and tasks across all of your devices. Whether you're using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you can access your Outlook account from anywhere.

Collaborate with others

If you work with a team or collaborate with colleagues, then Outlook's collaboration features can be a real lifesaver. For example, you can share calendars and tasks with others to ensure that everyone is on the same page. You can also set up group emails or meetings to make it easy to communicate with multiple people at once.

Work smarter with add-ins

Finally, if you want to get the most out of Outlook, then consider using add-ins to expand its functionality. For example, Boomerang is a popular add-in that allows you to schedule emails to be sent at a later time. Evernote is another popular add-in that allows you to organize notes and tasks within Outlook. There are a wide range of add-ins available, so explore the options and find the ones that work best for you.In conclusion, Microsoft Outlook is a powerful tool that can help you stay organized and productive. By using these tips and tricks, you can take your Outlook game to the next level and get even more out of this powerful software.

Mastering the Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks 2015

Microsoft Outlook is a popular email management tool that has been around for decades. It's a powerful program that can help you stay organized and on top of your work, but it can also be overwhelming at times. That's why we've put together this guide to help you master the Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks 2015.

The Benefits of Using Microsoft Outlook

Before we dive into the tips and tricks, let's first discuss the benefits of using Microsoft Outlook:

  1. It's a one-stop-shop for all your email needs.
  2. You can easily manage your calendar, contacts, and tasks in one place.
  3. It's customizable, allowing you to personalize it to your liking.
  4. You can access it from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks 2015

Now, let's get into the good stuff. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Microsoft Outlook:

1. Use Quick Steps

Quick Steps are a feature in Microsoft Outlook that allows you to automate repetitive tasks. For example, if you frequently move emails from your inbox to a specific folder, you can create a Quick Step that does this automatically with just one click.

2. Customize Your Ribbon

The Ribbon is the bar at the top of the screen that contains all the commands and tools in Microsoft Outlook. You can customize it to include the commands and tools that you use most frequently, making it easier to access them.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time and effort when using Microsoft Outlook. For example, instead of clicking on the New Email button every time you want to compose a new email, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + N.

4. Use Rules

Rules are another feature in Microsoft Outlook that allows you to automate tasks. For example, you can create a rule that automatically moves emails from a specific sender to a certain folder.

5. Use Search Folders

Search Folders are virtual folders that display all the emails that meet certain criteria. For example, you can create a Search Folder that displays all the emails from your boss or all the emails that contain the word urgent.

Conclusion

By using these Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks 2015, you can become a master of email management. Remember to take advantage of all the features and tools that Microsoft Outlook has to offer, and customize it to suit your needs. With a little practice, you'll be able to stay organized and on top of your work like a pro.

Keywords Description
Microsoft Outlook An email management tool developed by Microsoft
Quick Steps A feature in Microsoft Outlook that automates tasks
Ribbon The bar at the top of the screen that contains all the commands and tools in Microsoft Outlook
Keyboard shortcuts A combination of keys that performs a specific command or task in Microsoft Outlook
Rules A feature in Microsoft Outlook that allows you to automate tasks
Search Folders Virtual folders that display all the emails that meet certain criteria in Microsoft Outlook

Closing Message: Microsoft Outlook Tips And Tricks 2015

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks in 2015. We hope that these tips have been helpful in maximizing your productivity while using this powerful email client.

We understand that using Microsoft Outlook can be overwhelming at times, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it can become an essential tool for your daily workflow.

By implementing the tips we’ve discussed, you can better manage your inbox, schedule, and tasks, ultimately leading to a more organized and efficient workday.

One of the primary takeaways from this post is that customization is key. Outlook provides many features that can be tailored to your specific needs, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings and options.

We also encourage you to explore the vast array of third-party plugins and add-ons available for Outlook. These tools can help you streamline your workflow even further and provide additional functionality that may not be available natively within the application.

Another point worth mentioning is the importance of security when using email clients. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your email account and sensitive information.

Be sure to keep your software up to date, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Additionally, exercise caution when opening emails or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.

Finally, we want to emphasize the value of continuous learning. Technology is constantly changing, and there will always be new features and tools to learn within Outlook. By staying up to date with the latest advancements and best practices, you can ensure that you are making the most of this powerful application.

Once again, thank you for reading our post on Microsoft Outlook Tips and Tricks in 2015. We hope that you found this information valuable and that it helps you become a more productive and efficient Outlook user.


People Also Ask About Microsoft Outlook Tips And Tricks 2015

What are some useful tips for Microsoft Outlook?

Here are some useful tips for Microsoft Outlook:

  • Create rules to automate email management
  • Use keyboard shortcuts to save time
  • Organize your inbox with folders and categories
  • Set up Quick Steps for frequently performed tasks
  • Use the search function to quickly find emails

How can I improve my productivity with Microsoft Outlook?

You can improve your productivity with Microsoft Outlook by:

  1. Using the To-Do Bar to manage tasks and appointments
  2. Scheduling email delivery to avoid distractions
  3. Using the Ignore Conversation feature to reduce email clutter
  4. Customizing views to display important information
  5. Using templates to quickly create common emails

How can I better manage my calendar in Microsoft Outlook?

You can better manage your calendar in Microsoft Outlook by:

  • Using color coding to visually differentiate between appointments and meetings
  • Setting reminders for important events
  • Sharing your calendar with colleagues
  • Using the Scheduling Assistant to find meeting times that work for everyone
  • Creating recurring appointments for regular events

What are some security tips for using Microsoft Outlook?

Here are some security tips for using Microsoft Outlook:

  1. Never open attachments from unknown senders
  2. Use strong passwords and change them regularly
  3. Enable two-factor authentication for added security
  4. Configure Outlook's Junk Email settings to filter out spam
  5. Be cautious when clicking on links in emails

How can I customize Microsoft Outlook to fit my needs?

You can customize Microsoft Outlook to fit your needs by:

  • Customizing the ribbon to display frequently used commands
  • Creating custom views to display specific information
  • Adding or removing fields from the Inbox and other folders
  • Setting up Quick Access Toolbar with frequently used commands
  • Using themes to change the look and feel of Outlook
Overall, these tips and tricks can help you make the most out of Microsoft Outlook 2015 and increase productivity while using the software.