How to Troubleshoot the Issue of Outlook Notifications Not Working?

Outlook notifications play a key role in keeping the user up to date with all emails. Since official emails can have any degree of importance, missing out on any might cause repercussions. So the issue of Outlook notifications not working has the potential to become a big deal if not timely addressed.

In this blog, we provide detailed insight into the settings that might prevent notifications. By the end, you will resume receiving those pop-ups from work. So now, let’s get started.

Fixing the Issue of Outlook Notifications Not Working

In this section, we list out a few general fixes for the issue. These will help you get rid of the issue in most circumstances.

Method 1 – Check the Notification Settings of the App

• First, launch the Outlook application. Then go to File > Options;
• Next, navigate to the pop-up window and select Mail from the left pane;
• After this, go to the Message Arrival section and check if there is a tick beside Play a Sound and Display a Desktop Alert;
• If not, check them both and finally click OK to save changes.

Method 2 – Turn off Focus Assist

Focus is a utility feature of the application. It allows the user to avoid distracting notifications if activated. However, if kept on then it prevents notifications. To turn it off:

• Navigate through Settings > System
• Now look for the option of Focus assist;
• Here, ensure that the Focus Assist is set to Off;

Note: Turn off the options under the Automatic Rules section to avoid Focus from reverting back to on, automatically.

Method 3 – Disable the Battery Saver

The battery saver switches off a few functions to prevent battery drainage. Though it does not happen when the laptop battery has considerable charge, there is a chance that this might be the reason.

To fix this issue:

• Launch the Settings app, then go to System;
• In the next screen, navigate to Power & Sleep then scroll down to the option Additional power settings;
• Next, change the Power Saver Mode to Balanced.

           This should automatically enable Outlook to display the notifications.

Method 4 – Check the Outlook Rules

Outlook has a host of advanced features which make it a force to reckon with. However, one of them might meddle with the notifications. To check and set them accordingly:

• Launch Outlook, and go to the File present on the top-left corner of the application;
• In the Info tab, navigate to the Manage Rules & Alerts section for various options;
• Under it, go to Email Rules. If possible, then disable the rule specifically meddling with notifications. If you are unable to find it, then disable all;
• Once done, save the changes and check if the notifications have resumed.

Enabling Outlook Notifications in the Windows

The latest versions of Windows have the option to disable notifications. To check if this is active:

• Hit the Windows key, and go to Settings;
• Now, opt for System > Notifications and actions on the left side;
• Next, turn on the toggle button on Get notifications from apps and other senders;
• Finally, click on Outlook to ensure that appropriate notification settings are turned on. These include Notifications, Show notification banners, Show notifications in Action Center, and Play a Sound when a notification arrives.

Fix Outlook Notifications Not Working on Mac

All Mac/iOS devices provide an option of DND to disallow notifications. To turn them off on a Mac:

• Click on Apple Logo on the Menu bar; then go to System Preferences Or System Settings (depending upon the version);
• Next, select Notification and Focus. (or Notifications) for macOS 13 or up;
• Finally, check the Do Not Disturb section for Outlook and turn it off.

To conclude

The Outlook notifications not working on Windows  is generally a result of some faulty setting. They are helpful in many scenarios, however, they can also cause inconvenience. Just follow the steps mentioned above and this should get the notifications back to their usual self again.