To send an email with high importance in Outlook 2013, open a new message and click High Importance (the red exclamation mark) in the Tags group on the Message tab, then send it as usual. Recipients using Outlook see a red exclamation mark next to it. Office 2013 reached end of support on April 11, 2023; the button is in the same place in current Outlook for Windows.
Quick Answer
New Email > Message tab > Tags > High Importance > Send.
Steps to Mark an Email as High Importance
- Click New Email.
- On the Message tab, click High Importance in the Tags group. It stays highlighted.
- Write the message and click Send.
Other Ways
- Properties box: In a new message, click the small arrow in the Tags group and set Importance to High.
- Replies and forwards: The same button works on replies.
- Low importance: Use the Low Importance button (blue arrow) for FYI messages.
Importance vs. Other Flags
| Feature | What recipients see |
|---|---|
| High Importance | Red exclamation mark |
| Low Importance | Blue down arrow |
| Follow Up flag | Reminder for you, or for them if you set one |
| Sensitivity | A note such as Confidential or Private |
Troubleshooting
- Recipient doesn’t see the mark: Some email apps ignore importance. Put key information in the subject line too.
- Want to keep an email at the top of your inbox? See pinning emails in Outlook.
- Other Outlook 2013 settings: See turning off spell check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make all emails high importance?
Not with a single setting; you’d need a rule or template. Use it sparingly so it keeps its meaning.
Does high importance send faster?
No. It only adds a label.
Can I sort my inbox by importance?
Yes. Click the ! column header or use View > Arrange By > Importance.
Summary
- Open a new message.
- Click High Importance on the Message tab.
- Send the email.
- Use it sparingly.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.