Turn Off Sound Notifications in Outlook for macOS

Questions

  • How do I turn off sound notifications in Outlook on my Mac?
  • How do I stop Outlook from playing a sound when new mail arrives?
  • How do I mute the new email alert sound in Outlook for macOS?
  • Where are the notification sound settings in Outlook on a Mac?
  • How do I turn Outlook notification sounds back on?
  • Can I change which sound Outlook plays for notifications on macOS?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff using the Microsoft Outlook desktop app on macOS. It covers the sounds Outlook itself plays; system-wide notification behavior is controlled separately in macOS System Settings.

Resolution

Outlook for macOS lets you turn off the sounds it plays for new mail and other notifications from the Notifications and Sounds settings.

Animated demonstration of the steps to open Outlook Preferences, choose Notifications and Sounds, and uncheck notification sounds on macOS

  1. Click Outlook in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  2. Click Preferences... (labeled Settings in newer versions).
  3. Choose Notifications & Sounds.
  4. Under the Sounds section, uncheck the box next to each item you do not want to hear a sound for.
    • To keep a sound, leave the box checked. You can also change the type of sound that is played, if desired.
  5. Close the window when finished. The settings save automatically.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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