Select Multiple

Grizzle, Jessica (VADOC) 0 Reputation points
2026-11-05T14:16:38.5966667+00:00

Why do I no longer have the option to select multiple emails at the same time? For example, I used to be able to click the select multiple button, then selected morning emails that I no longer needed, then delete them all at once. Now I do not have the "select multiple" button.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
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  1. Vikki-T 13,320 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-06T08:49:36.2233333+00:00

    Hi Grizzle, Jessica (VADOC),

    I understand how inconvenient it is when a familiar selection option suddenly disappears from the inbox.

    In Outlook.com, try moving the pointer over the sender’s picture or initials next to a message. The icon may change to a checkbox, allowing you to select that message and then choose additional emails before clicking Delete.

    As another option, select the first message and use Shift + Up Arrow or Shift + Down Arrow to extend the selection to adjacent messages. Microsoft documents these shortcuts for selecting multiple consecutive messages in the Outlook message list.

    If the selection controls still do not appear, please refresh Outlook.com, test it in a private or InPrivate browser window, and temporarily disable browser extensions to check whether the interface is being affected.

    Could you also confirm whether you are using Outlook.com in a desktop browser or on a mobile browser, and which browser you are using? The available selection controls can differ between these interfaces.

    You can also review Microsoft’s official Outlook keyboard shortcuts here: Keyboard shortcuts for Outlook

    Thank you so much for your understanding.     

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-05T14:17:13.0766667+00:00

    Bulk selection has not been removed; in Outlook.com, restore the selection boxes under Settings → Mail → Layout, or enter selection mode from a sender’s icon.

    Restore the checkboxes

    1. Open Outlook.com and select the Settings gear.
    2. Select Mail → Layout. Microsoft documents this as the location for message-list display settings.^1^
    3. Find How do you want messages to appear in the message list?
    4. Select Checkboxes instead of Sender images or Name only.
    5. Close Settings. Checkboxes should appear beside the messages, allowing you to select several and then choose Delete.^2^

    If your account does not yet show that setting, hover over the sender’s picture or initials beside a message. When it changes to a checkbox, select it; Outlook should enter selection mode and display checkboxes for the remaining messages.^2^

    You can also look for the square Select icon at the right of the folder name above the message list.^3^

    On a phone or mobile browser

    Press and hold a message—or tap its circular sender icon—then tap the other messages. Use the trash icon to delete them, or open the three-dot menu for Select All.^4^

    Be careful with Select All or Empty folder: deleting selected messages moves them to Deleted Items, while subsequently emptying recovery locations can make deletion permanent.^5^

    References

    1. Change the look of your mailbox in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web
    2. Where are the SELECTION BOXES on Outlook? Why are they NOW GONE??? - Microsoft Q&A
    3. Check boxes have disappeared - Microsoft Q&A
    4. How do I select multiple emails? | Microsoft Support
    5. Delete email in Outlook.com | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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