Recommended Free Tools
Outlook has no single switch for every feature that behaves automatically. The right steps depend on both your Outlook version and what you want to stop: typing suggestions, suggested replies, Focused Inbox sorting, automatic picture downloads, or message forwarding.
First identify whether you use new Outlook, classic Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, or Outlook.com. Microsoft’s settings labels and paths vary by client, and may change as Outlook is updated. The steps below follow Microsoft Support guidance available on October 7, 2026.
Turn off text predictions as you type
Text predictions suggest words or phrases while you compose a message. The setting is separate from suggested replies, which appear as possible responses to a received email.
New Outlook or Outlook on the web
- Open Settings.
- Choose Mail > Smart suggestions.
- Under Text predictions, clear Suggest words or phrases as I type, then save.
Classic Outlook for Windows
- Choose File > Options > Mail.
- Clear Show text predictions while typing.
- Select OK.
Microsoft documents the newer/web route in its Outlook text-predictions instructions. If the labels differ, check whether you have new or classic Outlook before changing another setting.
#1 Best Overall
Turn off suggested replies
Suggested replies are brief response options Outlook may show when it predicts that a message can be answered simply. They are not the same as text predictions that appear as you type.
New Outlook or web versions
- Open Settings > Mail > Smart suggestions.
- Clear Show suggested replies, then save.
Classic Outlook for Windows
- Choose File > Options > Mail.
- Under Replies and forwards, clear Show suggested replies.
- Select OK.
Microsoft’s Smart suggestions guidance covers the related controls; use the instructions for your specific Outlook version.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Stop sorting messages into Focused and Other
Focused Inbox separates messages between Focused and Other. Turning it off changes how received mail is sorted; it does not stop email delivery.
Outlook on the web or Outlook.com
- Open Settings > Mail > Layout.
- Under Focused Inbox, choose Don’t sort my messages.
For other Outlook versions, consult the appropriate version tab in Microsoft’s Focused Inbox instructions; the web settings path may not match the desktop client.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Prevent automatic picture downloads
For classic Outlook for Windows, Microsoft says automatic picture downloads are blocked by default. The Trust Center’s Automatic Download options govern whether linked pictures and other external content are downloaded, including any exceptions to the blocking behavior.
- In classic Outlook, open File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
- Open Automatic Download.
- Keep automatic downloads blocked and review subordinate exceptions if you want external content to remain blocked.
Blocking external content can help protect privacy and reduce bandwidth use; loading an external image can also reveal information such as that a message was opened. Microsoft’s automatic picture-download guidance describes classic Outlook, so do not assume the same control path exists in new Outlook, Outlook on the web, or Outlook.com.
Stop automatic forwarding
Forwarding can be enabled with a forwarding setting or, in classic Outlook, through an inbox rule. If mail keeps forwarding after you turn off the main setting, inspect the rules as well.
New Outlook or Outlook on the web
- Open Settings > Mail > Forwarding.
- Disable forwarding and save.
Outlook.com
- Open Settings > Mail > Forwarding and IMAP.
- Disable forwarding and save.
Classic Outlook for Windows
Check your inbox rules for one that forwards or redirects messages, and disable or remove the relevant rule. Microsoft’s automatic forwarding guidance describes the setting and rule-based cases.
Best Value
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Choose the control that matches the behavior
| Behavior to stop | Where to look | What the control changes |
|---|---|---|
| Words or phrases suggested while composing | Smart suggestions in new Outlook/web; Mail options in classic Outlook | Text predictions as you type |
| Short reply choices shown for incoming messages | Smart suggestions in new Outlook/web; Replies and forwards in classic Outlook | Suggested replies |
| Inbox divided into Focused and Other | Mail > Layout in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com | Message sorting, not delivery |
| Pictures or external content loaded from messages | Trust Center > Automatic Download in classic Outlook | Automatic external-content downloads and exceptions |
| Messages sent elsewhere automatically | Forwarding settings or inbox rules, depending on version and setup | Forwarding behavior |
Microsoft’s documentation does not establish this as a complete list of every Outlook feature that can act automatically. If you mean a different behavior, identify the exact action first, then look for its setting in the documentation for your Outlook client.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
