Recalling emails can be a lifesaver, especially when you realize you’ve made a mistake or sent a message to the wrong recipient. In this article, I will guide you through the steps to recall an email in Microsoft Outlook.
Step 1: Open Outlook
To recall an email in Outlook, you need to open the Microsoft Outlook application on your computer. You can find it in the Start menu or on your desktop if you have it pinned there. Once Outlook is open, navigate to the “Sent Items” folder where the email you want to recall is located.
Step 2: Open the Email
Next, you need to open the email that you want to recall. Simply double-click on the email in the “Sent Items” folder to open it in a new window. Make sure you are in the “Message” tab at the top of the window.
Step 3: Recall the Email
Now comes the crucial step of recalling the email. In the “Move” group on the “Message” tab, click on the “Actions” dropdown menu. From the menu, select “Recall This Message.” A new window will appear with two options: “Delete unread copies of this message” and “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.”
Personal Tip: Whenever I recall an email, I prefer to select the option to delete unread copies and replace it with a new message. This way, I can quickly correct my mistake and resend the email with the correct information. It saves me the trouble of creating a new email from scratch.
Step 4: Resend the Corrected Email (Optional)
If you selected the option to delete unread copies and replace them with a new message, you will be prompted to compose a new email. Take this opportunity to correct any mistakes or update the content of the email. Once you are satisfied with the changes, click on the “Send” button to resend the email.
Step 5: Verify the Recall Status
After recalling an email, it’s essential to check the recall status to see if it was successful or not. To do this, go back to your “Sent Items” folder and look for the email you tried to recall. Right-click on the email and select “Message Options” from the dropdown menu. In the “Message Options” window, you will find the recall status under “Tracking Options.”
Personal Tip: Sometimes, despite my best efforts, the email recall doesn’t work. In such cases, I find it helpful to follow up with another email immediately, apologizing for any confusion caused by the original message. It shows professionalism and helps clarify any misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Recalling an email in Outlook can be a useful feature when you realize you’ve made an error or sent a message to the wrong person. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily recall emails and rectify any mistakes. Remember to double-check the recall status to ensure the intended recipients no longer have access to the recalled email. Happy emailing!