You know in movies, where they use their computers without ever touching the mouse? Now you can too. Here’s how to send emails without using your mouse or trackpad – instead use some helpful Outlook shortcuts.
If you spend hours each day answering emails, learning a few Outlook keyboard shortcuts can dramatically speed up your workflow. The good news is that you can compose, navigate, and send emails in Outlook without touching your mouse at all. Here’s how to streamline your email routine using only your keyboard.
Open a New Email Instantly
To create a new message in Outlook, press:
Ctrl + N when inside your inbox or mail folders
Ctrl + Shift + M from other Outlook sections
A blank email window will open immediately, with your cursor already placed in the To: field.
Navigate Through Email Fields Quickly
Start typing the recipient’s email address or name directly. If you use Microsoft Exchange, you can quickly validate a contact by pressing:
Ctrl + K
Use the Tab key to move through the email fields, including:
To
Cc
Bcc
Subject
Press Tab again to jump into the message body and begin typing your email.
Send Emails Without Using a Mouse
Once your message is complete, you can send it instantly with:
Ctrl + Enter
or Alt + S
This simple shortcut can save countless clicks throughout the day.
Other Useful Outlook Keyboard Shortcuts
Here are a few more shortcuts every Outlook user should know:
Ctrl + R — Reply
Ctrl + Shift + R — Reply All
Ctrl + F — Forward
F9 or Ctrl + M — Check for new emails
F7 — Run spell check while editing
Final Thoughts
Mastering Outlook keyboard shortcuts may seem like a small change, but over time it can significantly improve productivity and reduce repetitive mouse movements. If you regularly manage large volumes of email, these shortcuts can help you work faster and keep your focus on writing instead of clicking.
If you need help setting up your business Outlook, please contact us.