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Frustrated with Outlook Alerts? Windows 11 24H2 Bug Explained
A corporate user, reached out about this odd bug in Windows 11 24H2. Imagine you’re waiting for an important email. You see the notification pop up on your screen, click it, and… nothing happens. The email opens, sure, but it’s hidden behind other apps.
What’s Happening?
- Affected Users: People using Windows 11 version 24H2 with Microsoft Office 365 (Monthly Channel).
- The Bug: When you click an email notification (toast notification), the email opens in the background instead of the foreground.
- Symptoms: The Outlook icon in the taskbar flashes, but the email window stays hidden behind active applications like Teams or Word.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. In fast-paced work environments, every second counts. Missing an email because it’s buried behind other apps can lead to delays or missed opportunities.
Microsoft’s Response
Good news and bad news here:
- Good News: Microsoft is aware of the issue and actively investigating it.
- Bad News: They don’t yet know what’s causing it.
Microsoft has published a support article titled “Outlook desktop alert notifications open behind other applications” (March 2025). They promise updates as they dig deeper into the problem.
Workaround Suggestions
While we wait for a fix, here are some tips to manage this issue:
- Check Notifications Manually: Use the Windows sidebar to access missed emails quickly.
- Keep Outlook Active: Minimize other apps when expecting critical emails to reduce interference.
- Taskbar Preview: Hover over the Outlook icon to preview windows and locate hidden emails.
Windows 11 version 24H2 has been riddled with quirks since its release in October 2024, and this Outlook bug is another addition to its growing list of issues. If you’re dealing with this problem, you’re not alone—Microsoft is working on it.
Stay patient and keep an eye on updates from Microsoft’s support page for a resolution!