Many a times it so happens that you click the send button on an email message only to realize that you forgot to attach some important file, or that you put the wrong information in.

Microsoft Outlook allows you the option to retract an e-mail sent by mistake. Read on to learn how you can recall or replace a message you’ve already sent.

Note: You can retract a message only if the recipient is logged on in the same Microsoft Outlook environment. That too, provided he/she has not already read the message or moved it from his/her Inbox.

Steps to Recall the Message

Step 1: Click the Sent Items folder from Mail in the Navigation Pane, which is situated on the left side of the Outlook window.

Step 2: Find the message you want to recall or replace, and double-click to open it.

Step 3: Go to the Actions menu and click Recall This Message.

Note – This command will not appear if you are not using an Exchange e-mail account.

Step 4: To recall the message:

Select Delete unread copies of this message. The message can be deleted only if the recipient has Outlook opened at that time. You can click on the check box Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient to be notified about the success of the recall for each recipient.

Step 5: To replace the message:

Select Delete unread copies and replace with a new message. Click on the Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient check box if you want to be notified about the success of the replacement for each recipient. Click OK and type your new message.

Note: In order to replace a sent message, you must send a new one. If you do not send a new email message, the original message will still be recalled.