Composing a draft email in Outlook and sending it later helps you refine your message before it reaches the recipient. Knowing how to send draft email in outlook is a simple but powerful skill that saves time and prevents mistakes. Whether you are a busy professional or a casual user, this guide will walk you through every step clearly.
Drafts are temporary saved versions of emails that you haven’t sent yet. They allow you to pause, edit, and perfect your message. Outlook automatically saves drafts as you type, but you might also want to manually save and send them later. Let’s start with the basics and move to advanced tips.
What Is A Draft Email In Outlook
A draft email is an unsent message that Outlook stores in your Drafts folder. It can be a new email, a reply, or a forwarded message. Drafts are useful when you need more time to write or when you want to double-check details before hitting send.
Outlook saves drafts automatically every few minutes. But you can also save a draft manually by pressing Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac). This ensures your work is never lost.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook
Now let’s focus on the exact process. The steps are similar across Outlook versions, including Outlook 365, Outlook 2019, and Outlook Web App. Follow these instructions to send a draft email quickly.
Step 1: Open The Drafts Folder
First, locate the Drafts folder in your Outlook navigation pane. It is usually listed under your email account folders. Click on it to see all saved drafts.
- On Windows: Look for “Drafts” in the left sidebar.
- On Mac: Click the “Drafts” folder in the folder list.
- On Web: Open Outlook.com and click “Drafts” under Folders.
Step 2: Find The Draft You Want To Send
Scroll through the list of drafts. Each draft shows the subject line and a preview of the message. Double-click the draft you want to open. It will open in a new window or in the reading pane.
If you have many drafts, use the search bar at the top. Type part of the subject or recipient name to find it faster.
Step 3: Review And Edit The Draft
Once the draft is open, take a moment to review the content. Check for typos, missing attachments, or incorrect recipients. You can make changes directly in the email body or subject line.
- Add or remove recipients as needed.
- Attach files if you forgot them.
- Adjust the tone or fix grammar errors.
Step 4: Click Send
After you are satisfied with the draft, click the “Send” button. It is usually at the top left of the email window. The email will move from the Drafts folder to the Sent Items folder. You have successfully sent a draft email.
That is the core process. But there are a few extra details that can make your workflow smoother.
How To Save A Draft Manually In Outlook
Automatic saving is reliable, but manual saving gives you control. Here is how to save a draft manually.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac) while composing an email. Outlook will save the draft instantly. This is the fastest method.
Using The Menu
Click “File” in the top menu, then select “Save.” On Outlook Web, click the three dots (More options) and choose “Save draft.” The draft will appear in your Drafts folder.
How To Send A Draft Email In Outlook Automatically
Sometimes you want to send a draft at a specific time. Outlook does not have a built-in schedule send for drafts, but you can use a workaround. Here is how.
Using Delay Delivery
Compose your email and save it as a draft. Then, open the draft and click “Options” > “Delay Delivery.” Set the date and time you want the email to go out. Click “Send” to queue it. The email will stay in your Outbox until the scheduled time.
Using Rules
You can also create a rule to send drafts automatically. Go to “File” > “Manage Rules & Alerts.” Create a new rule that sends emails from the Drafts folder at a set time. This is more advanced but works well for recurring drafts.
Common Issues When Sending Draft Emails In Outlook
Even with clear steps, problems can occur. Here are frequent issues and how to fix them.
Draft Not Appearing In Drafts Folder
If you cannot find your draft, check if it was saved to a different folder. Sometimes Outlook saves drafts to the “Drafts” folder of a different account. Also, ensure you are looking in the correct email account if you have multiple accounts set up.
Draft Opens But Send Button Is Grayed Out
This usually means the email is not fully composed. Check that you have at least one recipient in the “To” field. Also, ensure the subject line is not empty. Outlook may disable Send if required fields are missing.
Draft Is Not Saving Automatically
Autosave might be turned off. Go to “File” > “Options” > “Mail.” Under “Save messages,” make sure “AutoSave items” is enabled. Set the interval to 1 or 2 minutes for frequent saves.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook On Mobile
The Outlook mobile app also supports drafts. Here is how to send a draft on your phone or tablet.
On IPhone Or IPad
Open the Outlook app. Tap the folder icon at the bottom left. Select “Drafts” from the list. Tap the draft you want to send. Review it, then tap the send icon (paper plane).
On Android
Open the Outlook app. Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top left. Scroll down and tap “Drafts.” Select the draft and tap Send.
Mobile drafts sync with your desktop drafts. So you can start a draft on your computer and finish it on your phone.
Tips For Managing Drafts In Outlook
Drafts can pile up quickly. Here are tips to keep them organized.
- Delete old drafts you no longer need. Right-click a draft and select “Delete.”
- Use descriptive subject lines so you can identify drafts easily.
- Create subfolders under Drafts for different projects if you use many drafts.
- Set a reminder to review drafts daily to avoid sending outdated information.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook With Attachments
Attachments are often part of drafts. Here is how to handle them.
Adding Attachments To A Draft
Open the draft and click “Attach File” in the ribbon. Select the file from your computer or cloud storage. The attachment will be saved with the draft.
Checking Attachments Before Sending
Always double-check that the attachment is correct. Sometimes drafts save without attachments if you close the window too fast. Open the draft and verify the attachment icon appears.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook To Multiple Recipients
You can send a draft to multiple people. Just add their email addresses in the “To,” “Cc,” or “Bcc” fields. Outlook will send the same email to everyone.
Using Bcc For Privacy
If you want to hide recipients from each other, use Bcc. Open the draft, click “Bcc” in the header, and add addresses. This is useful for newsletters or group announcements.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook With High Importance
Sometimes your draft needs urgent attention. Set importance before sending.
Setting Importance In A Draft
Open the draft. Click “Tags” in the ribbon and select “High Importance.” A red exclamation mark will appear. When you send the draft, recipients will see the importance flag.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook And Keep A Copy
By default, Outlook keeps a copy in Sent Items. But if you want an extra copy, save the draft as a separate file before sending.
Saving As A File
Open the draft, click “File” > “Save As.” Choose a location and format (like .msg or .txt). Then send the original draft. This gives you a backup.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook Using Quick Steps
Quick Steps automate repetitive tasks. You can create a Quick Step to send a draft with one click.
Creating A Quick Step For Drafts
Go to “Home” > “Quick Steps” > “Create New.” Name it “Send Draft.” Choose “Send” as the action. Assign a shortcut key. Now you can send drafts faster.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook Without Opening It
You can send a draft directly from the Drafts folder without opening it. Right-click the draft and select “Send.” This works in most Outlook versions.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook To A Distribution List
If you have a distribution list (contact group), add it as a recipient. Open the draft, type the list name in the “To” field. Outlook will expand it when you send.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook With A Delay
As mentioned earlier, use Delay Delivery. But you can also use a rule to delay all drafts. This ensures you have time to review before sending.
How To Send Draft Email In Outlook And Recall It
Outlook allows recalling sent emails, but only if the recipient has not opened it. This is not directly related to drafts, but it is a safety net. If you send a draft by mistake, try to recall it immediately.
Recalling A Sent Email
Go to Sent Items, open the email, click “Actions” > “Recall This Message.” Choose to delete or replace it. Success depends on the recipient’s settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find A Draft I Saved Earlier In Outlook?
Open the Drafts folder in your navigation pane. If you have many drafts, use the search bar to filter by subject or recipient.
Can I Send A Draft Email From Outlook On My Phone?
Yes. Open the Outlook app, go to Drafts, tap the draft, and tap Send. It works on both iPhone and Android.
What Happens If I Close A Draft Without Saving?
Outlook autosaves drafts every few minutes. If you close without saving manually, the last autosaved version remains. You may lose recent changes.
How Do I Delete A Draft I Don’t Want To Send?
Right-click the draft in the Drafts folder and select “Delete.” Or open the draft and click “Discard” or “Delete.”
Why Is My Draft Not Showing Up In The Drafts Folder?
Check if you are looking in the correct email account. Also, ensure the draft was saved. If you closed the compose window without saving, it may not exist.
Final Thoughts On Sending Draft Emails In Outlook
Mastering how to send draft email in outlook improves your email efficiency. You can write at your own pace, review carefully, and avoid sending incomplete messages. Practice these steps until they become second nature.
Remember to check your Drafts folder regularly. Delete old drafts to keep your inbox clean. Use the tips in this guide to handle attachments, multiple recipients, and scheduling. With these skills, you will never worry about sending a half-written email again.
If you encounter any issues, refer back to the troubleshooting section. Outlook is a robust tool, and drafts are one of its most helpful features. Start using them today to take control of your email workflow.