How to Enable Automatic Translation in Outlook on Windows 11

This guide explains how to set up Outlook to automatically translate emails you receive in other languages on Windows 11.

The new Outlook for Windows brings a modern look and supports Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, Hotmail, and Gmail accounts.

The app includes many tools, such as support for email signatures, external email accounts, setting out-of-office automatic replies, email sorting, subscription management, email forwarding, setting default From address, backing up your mailbox, changing the reading pane, opening a new window for a message, and more.

Why translate messages?

You may need to translate emails to better understand work communications. It is also useful if you prefer to read messages in your native language or if you are practicing a new language.

What happens when you finish?

Once you finish these steps, Outlook will handle incoming foreign language emails based on your chosen settings. You can choose to have them translated automatically, be asked before translation, or never translate them at all.

How to change translation settings

You do not need special permissions for these steps.

1. Open the open the new Outlook app on your Windows 11 computer. You can find it by clicking Start, selecting All apps, and choosing Outlook.
2. 
4. Once the app is open, click the Settings button (the gear icon) in the top right corner.
5. 
7. On the Settings page, click the Mail tab on the left, then select Message handling.
8. 
10. Scroll down to the Translate section. Choose one of these options:
    • Always translate: Automatically translates messages received in other languages.
    • Ask me before translating: Shows a prompt asking if you want to translate the email.
    • Never translate: Keeps all messages in their original language.
11. 
13. Choose the language you want to translate into. By default, it uses your default language set in Windows.

Summary

Configuring automatic translation in Outlook helps you understand emails sent in different languages without needing to copy and paste text into a separate translator. By adjusting the Message handling settings, you can control whether these translations happen automatically or only when you request them.