Outlook: Icons not Showing Forward/Reply Status [Solve 2024]

Usually, when you reply to an email, Outlook stamps the email in a specific folder- replied to, along with the date info. The same goes for forwarding an email.

But, with the recent Outlook client versions, after marking an email as replied/forwarded to, Outlook tends to vanish the entire forward/reply status section. Believe it or not, when it happens to you, the first thing that comes to your mind is ― Did I just delete the email?

Evidently, this is just an IMAP build version error that can be easily solved with a few workarounds.

And this article is about guiding you to implement the solutions for your Outlook client. So, just read till the end.

How to Enable Replied/Forwarded Status icon in Outlook

As I stated earlier, the possible reason behind this error is the IMAP issue. That happens when the sender’s computer fails to sync with the receiver’s end. Every Outlook client version, including Outlook 365, has been introduced to this scenario.

To solve the error, at first, you need to check whether your computer’s default repair tool can fix it or not. Sometimes, Windows’ default troubleshooting method tackles the error within minutes.

Let’s do that first, and later, we can jump to other solutions.

Also, check out our separate post on Fix Outlook Store Button not Showing.

Here’s the procedure to repair Outlook in Windows:

• Exit from the Microsoft Outlook client from your computer.
• Press Windows + R keys to launch the run prompt.
• Type appwiz.cpl and crush Enter.
• Select Microsoft Outlook from the application menu.
• Click on change from the dashboard > Quick Repair.

Wait till the procedure gets completed. Relaunch Outlook once the repair is done.

Note: Repairing the Outlook client is a standard procedure before starting the solution part. Don’t take this process for granted to resolve the issue.

Moving on, You can enable Replied to/ forwarded to button on the Outlook client once the application is repaired. Try out the following modification on Outlook if you want to enable the forward/reply status icon in Outlook.

Here are the steps to enable Outlook to reply/forward to status:

• Launch Outlook from your device.
• Go to the File tab and select Options from the bottom.
• Click on the Mail tab in the popup window.
• Scroll down to the replies and forwards section.
• Click on the when replying to a message drop-down menu and select Include original message text.
• Do the same for the menu when forwarding a message.
• Click OK to save the changes.

Your forward/ reply status icons will be enabled once you successfully follow the above steps.

If you want to bring back the reply to/ forward to icon in your Outlook client, read the following section.

Quickly check out our epic guide on Outlook Server-Side Rules Not Working.

How to Restore Reply to/ Forward to icon in Outlook

In case you still can’t find the reply/forward arrow in Outlook, reading this section and executing the solutions as I explain will help you to store those icons.

Though you implemented the methods that I explained earlier, there can be a lot more anomalies in the application’s build version ― they can trigger the missing arrows. For example, I found the reply arrow hard to find while using the build version 16.0.11411.10000.

And after changing some fundamentals on both Outlook and my device, the problem did wear away. Let’s get you to those solutions.

Here are the methods to restore forward/ reply icons on Outlook:

1. Reset Outlook

I know it’d be hard to apply this solution in the first place ―for the apparent reason that you have to add the login information again, not to mention the loss of saved data. But, trying the complex solution will most probably bring out the best result.

Think of it this way, resetting Outlook will restore all the custom views which are responsible for the vanishing reply icon on Outlook.

Here are the steps to reset the Outlook client:

• Press Windows + R keys to open the run prompt.
• Copy this command into the prompt outlook.exe /cleanviews and hit Enter.
• Type in exe /resetnavpane once the previous process is done.
• Click on Ok to initiate the process.

Restart your computer after resetting Outlook. Launch the application when your computer is powered on. If the icons are still missing from your Outlook client, you can try the following solutions.

2. Modify Outlook in Safe Mode

When you launch an application in safe mode, it limits access to other features. Along with the intention to maintain the application, the safe mode discovers the issues within the software.

After opening Microsoft Outlook, you’ll be able to find out whether the issues are happening because of using additional add-ins or the software itself.

Here’s the procedure to modify Outlook using Safe mode:

• Launch the run prompt by pressing Windows + R key together.
• Type in exe /safe and hit Enter.
• Navigate to File > Options > Add-ins.
• Click on Manage list > select Go.
• Untick one of the add-ins and click ok.
• Restart Outlook once you untick an add-in.

Note: You need to untick the extensions one after another and restart Outlook every time after disabling them. As you don’t know whichever add-ins are problematic, disabling them one by one will be the perfect workaround.

Also, check out our separate post: Disable Outlook Deleting Confirmation Message.

3. Create a New Outlook Profile

Creating a new Outlook profile will break down all the irregularities with your Outlook client. Though it’s not the utter solution, it will resolve the current issues eventually.

Here’s the procedure to recreate an Outlook profile:

• Exit from the launched Outlook application to initiate the process.
• Press Windows + S key to open the search box.
• Type in the control panel in the search box and hit Enter.
• Move to the User account segment in the control panel.
• Navigate to Mail > Show profiles.
• Click on the add button to create a new profile.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process. Open the new profile after launching Outlook. Your outlook reply/forward icon will appear once you’re done with these steps.

These are the proven solutions you should try once you encounter Outlook reply/forward icons not showing. Now, if your mind is scratching to learn something more about this topic, read the following queries. You’ll get clear about the issue.

Check out the easiest way to Fix Outlook Can’t Create File Error When Opening Attachment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I show the Replied icon in Outlook?

Launch Windows run command > Type Outlook.exe /cleanviews > Click Ok > Outlook.exe /resetnavpane > Select OK.

Why is the reply arrow not showing in Outlook?

Sometimes, Outlook denies notifying the reply/forward icon due to an IMAP site error.

Where is the forward button on Outlook email?

Go to your message list in Outlook > On the top right corner of your email, there’s the forward icon beside the reply icon. Oftentimes, the forward icon can’t show up due to bug issues.

How do you add a forward arrow in Outlook?

Launch Outlook > File > Options > Quick Access toolbar > Choose Command box > Locate Forward > Add.

Wrapping Up

Restoring forward/reply status on Outlook won’t be a problem for you after you finish reading this article. The methods that I shared here are entirely tested with different computers.

But, if these solutions can’t resolve your issue, try implementing them again from the top. But, this time, follow every step as I explained.

I’m sure you’ll be able to show the forward/reply status icon with the help of this article.