Easy Tech TutsHow to Edit a Received Email in Outlook Easily 2026
By Impran M N
A typo in an important phone number or a broken link in an inbound message can be annoying to work around every time you reopen it. This guide covers using Outlook's Edit Message command to correct your local copy of a received email, which is useful for personal reference even though it doesn't change the sender's original.
01Open the email in its own window
Double-click the target received email to open it in a dedicated window.
02Find the Edit Message command
Go to the Move ribbon group, click Actions, and select Edit Message.
03Make your corrections
Click inside the subject line or message body to fix typos or update the content.
04Add highlights or notes
Highlight key text, color-code passages, or fix broken hyperlinks as needed.
05Save your changes
Click the save icon in the upper-left corner or press Ctrl + S to lock in your edits.
06Verify the update
Close the message window and check your inbox to confirm the updated text displays correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Does editing a received email change what the sender sees?
No, this only updates the local copy stored in your mailbox and has no effect on the sender's original message.
Why would I want to edit an email I already received?
Common reasons include fixing typos in critical details like phone numbers, correcting broken links, or adding personal tracking notes.
Can I undo an edit after saving it?
There's no built-in undo history for this feature, so it's worth double-checking your edits before saving.
Will editing affect search results for that email later?
Yes, since the local content changes, future searches will reflect your edited subject line and body text.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
