How to Keep Microsoft Outlook 'Available' While Reading Emails (2026)

It is a scenario every corporate employee knows too well.

You open a critical, 10-page report attached to an email in Outlook. You spend the next 15 minutes carefully reading every word, scrolling slowly, and analyzing the data. You are working hard.

But when you look at your status icon in Outlook (or Microsoft Teams), it has turned Yellow ("Away").

Why? Because according to Microsoft's activity sensors, reading doesn't count as working.

This "false idle" status can be annoying, unprofessional, and anxiety-inducing. In this guide, we will explain why Outlook marks you as inactive even when you are scrolling, and provide 3 verified methods to keep your status green while you read.

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The Technical Reason: Why Scrolling Doesn't Count

To fix the problem, you must understand how Microsoft 365 detects "Presence."

Your status in Outlook is usually synced directly with Microsoft Teams. The system uses a System-Wide Idle Timer.

• The Trigger: The timer resets only upon Mouse Clicks or Keyboard Strokes.
• The Flaw: Simple mouse movement (jiggling) or scrolling with the mouse wheel often does not reset the specific "Presence" timer in newer versions of the New Outlook (Outlook Pre) or Teams, especially if the window focus is static for too long.

So, while you are mentally engaged in reading a PDF inside the preview pane, the software thinks you have walked away from your desk.

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Method 1: The "Calendar Block" Strategy (Native Fix)

If you know you have a long period of reading ahead (e.g., reviewing a contract), you can force your status to stay active by manipulating your calendar.

1. Open your Outlook Calendar.
2. Create a new appointment for the current time.
3. Crucial Step: Set the "Show As" status to Busy or Available (not "Away").
4. Name it something professional like "Focus Time" or "Document Review".

The Verdict: This works because Microsoft's "Calendar Status" overrides the "System Idle" status. However, it requires manual setup every time you want to read an email, which is annoying.

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Method 2: The "Draft" Hack (Low Tech)

This is a quick workaround used by many office workers. Instead of reading the email in the "Reading Pane," try this:

1. Click Reply or Forward on the email you want to read.
2. This opens the email in a new "Compose" window.
3. Periodically tap a key (like the Shift key) while reading.

The Verdict: The system registers the Shift key press as "typing activity," keeping you active. The Downside: It is risky. You might accidentally send a gibberish email to your boss if you hit Enter by mistake.

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Method 3: Browser-Based Keep-Awake Tool (Recommended)

The most reliable way to read in peace is to use a background tool that signals to the Windows Operating System that the user is active. When Windows knows you are active, it forces Outlook and Teams to stay green.

MoveMyCursor is the safest solution for this because it requires no installation (perfect for locked-down corporate laptops).

How to use it for Outlook:

1. Open MoveMyCursor.com in Chrome or Edge.
2. Click START.
3. Minimize the browser window and return to Outlook.

Why this works: The tool runs a "Wake Lock" script in the browser. Windows detects this ongoing activity and prevents the "System Idle Timer" from triggering. As long as the system timer doesn't trigger, Outlook remains "Available."

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Comparison of Solutions

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FAQ: Outlook Status Issues

Does keeping Outlook open stop me from appearing Away? No. Simply having the app open is not enough. Microsoft requires input (mouse clicks or typing) every 5-15 minutes (depending on your admin settings) to maintain the "Available" status.

Why does my status switch to "Away" even when I am moving the mouse? If you are using a wireless mouse, micro-movements might be filtered out by the OS to save battery. Alternatively, your IT department may have set an aggressive "Inactivity Timeout" policy (e.g., 5 minutes) that ignores small movements.

Will MoveMyCursor work if I use Outlook Web Access (OWA)? Yes, absolutely. In fact, it works even better. Since both are running in the browser, the activity simulation is seamless.

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Conclusion

You shouldn't have to rush through important documents just to keep a green light on. Reading is working.

By using a simple background utility like MoveMyCursor, you can read reports, analyze Excel sheets in preview mode, and review long email chains without the stress of appearing "Away."

Keep Outlook Active Now