Microsoft looking into Outlook for Web not playing sound when receiving emails

Not long ago we highlighted the issue where Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch users are experiencing sync problems with Outlook, and it seems Microsoft has yet another issue to deal with. If you’re among the growing number of users who find themselves frantically refreshing their inboxes on Outlook for Web version, only to be greeted by an eerie silence, you’re not alone. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is actively investigating why Outlook on the Web has suddenly stopped playing nice with notification sounds.

Imagine this: you’re waiting for that crucial email, the one that decides the fate of your weekend plans, or worse, your Monday morning meeting. But instead of the reassuring ding from Outlook, you’re met with… nothing. It seems that over the past week, hundreds or perhaps even thousands of Outlook for Web users have found their inboxes eerily quiet. While emails still arrive, the once-familiar notification sounds have seemingly vanished into the digital ether.

Users have been vocal about their frustration, with reports flooding in across various platforms. Whether you’re a Chrome aficionado or an Edge enthusiast, the issue seems to play no favorites. The troubleshooting attempts? Reset browsers, check settings, restart computers — nothing seems to resurrect those missing sounds. The issue happens even with notifications sound enabled.

In a response that can only be described as the digital equivalent of a concerned nod, Microsoft’s support team has acknowledged the issue. The team is currently investigating what could be causing this radio silence and has even hinted at some internal gears grinding toward a solution. However, they’ve been clear — no ETA just yet on when your Outlook inbox on the web might start talking to you again.

In the meantime, they’re urging users to keep the feedback coming. Apparently, the more people who shout into the void, the faster the engineers might be able to pinpoint and fix the problem. So, if you’re feeling the frustration, don’t just sit there in silence — head to Outlook Web Edition, click on Help > Feedback, and let Microsoft know exactly what’s happening. After all, the squeakiest wheel (or in this case, the quiet inbox) gets the grease.

Interestingly, some users have reported that while their primary accounts are mute, other accounts on the same platform are chiming away as usual. Is this a clue, or just another quirk in the tangled web of tech? Only time will tell. For now, Microsoft’s advice is to try logging in with a different Microsoft account to see if the issue persists — though, let’s be real, that’s hardly a sustainable workaround.

While we all wait for that sweet, sweet sound of email notifications to return, the best course of action is to make your voice heard. The more feedback Microsoft gets, the quicker they might be able to untangle this knot. So, stay tuned (quite literally) for updates from Microsoft, and keep that feedback flowing. After all, your inbox might be quiet, but your feedback doesn’t have to be.