499901 – Outlook: Automatic Draft Minimize

Product:

Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Links:

Details:

When users close a draft in progress, it automatically minimizes instead of closing completely. The minimized draft can now be quickly accessed via a button that appears in the message list.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-08-21

updated:
2025-10-09

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may find it confusing that drafts minimize instead of closing, leading to potential frustration and decreased productivity as they may not realize the draft is still open.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/outlook-automatic-draft-minimize/

Increased Support Tickets
The change may lead to an increase in support tickets as users report issues with drafts not closing, impacting the IT support team's workload and response times.
   - roles: Support Staff, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/outlook-automatic-draft-minimize/

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're writing a letter by hand, and instead of putting it away in a drawer when you take a break, you place it on a small shelf right next to your desk. This way, whenever you want to continue writing, you can just reach over and grab it without having to search through your drawers. This is similar to the new feature in Outlook where, when you close a draft email you're working on, it doesn't disappear completely. Instead, it minimizes and stays visible in a convenient spot, like that small shelf.

This change means that if you need to pause your email writing to attend to something else, you don't have to worry about losing your place or forgetting to finish it. The minimized draft can be quickly accessed with a simple click on a button that appears in your message list. It's like having a bookmark in a book, allowing you to pick up right where you left off without any hassle.

For those using Outlook on different devices, such as Android or iOS, this feature ensures that your drafts are always within easy reach, regardless of where you are or what device you're using. It's a small change, but it can make managing your emails more efficient and less stressful, much like having that letter always within arm's reach.