Use Link Preview in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web

With the Link Preview feature turned off, a URL looks like this: https://www.microsoft.com.

With the Link Preview feature turned on, the same URL looks like this:

Add a link preview in an email message

1. When composing an email message, type a URL in the message body. For example, you could type https://microsoft.com.

2. If Link Preview is turned on, it automatically provides the site's name, description, and thumbnail image (if available) in the message body.

   Note: To open or follow a link preview, simply click it like any other hyperlink.

Turn off the Link Preview feature

Link Preview is turned on by default in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web, so you see rich previews of URLs when you're reading and composing email messages. However, you can turn off Link Preview if you prefer.

Which version of Outlook are you using?

The instructions are slightly different depending on whether you're using the new Outlook.com or Outlook on the web, or the classic version. Choose the version you're using to see the instructions that apply to you.

Instructions for the new Outlook.com and Outlook on the web

1. At the top of the page, select Settings > View all Outlook settings.

2. In the Settings pane, select Mail > Compose and reply.

3. Under Link preview, clear the Preview links in email check box to turn off Link Preview.

Select the Preview links in email check box to turn Link Preview back on.

Instructions for classic Outlook on the web

1. At the top of the page, select > Options or Mail.

2. In the Options pane, under Mail > Layout, select Link preview.

3. Under Link preview, clear the Preview links in email check box to turn off Link Preview.

Select the Preview links in email check box to turn Link Preview back on.

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