Outlook Power Tip: Learn to use Jump Lists

Outlook Jumplists are a great productivity tool… and yet so many Outlook users still don’t know how to use them. Here’s more information on what Jump Lists are, how to set them up and what you can do with them.

NOTE: You must be using Outlook 2010 and Windows 7 to use Jump Lists

What are Jump Lists?

Windows 7 lets you pin software programs to the TaskBar (we’ll show you how later). You can right-click over programs that are pinned to the Taskbar and shortcuts to do specific things in those programs. This saves you from having to switch to the actual program and carry out extra clicks inside them.

Pin Outlook 2010 to your Taskbar and the following options will appear by default when you right click over the Outlook icon in the Task bar.

So Why are Outlook’s Jump Lists useful?

They let you quickly create new emails, appointments, meetings, contacts and tasks without having to switch to Outlook. It may seem like a small thing but it is very useful when you’re doing something else and then need to quickly send out a reminder email, or set a task for yourself etc.

I also find that it helps me to stay focused and not get distracted by emails in my Inbox or items in my Task List e.g. if I am working in Word and I need to add a Task Reminder to myself, I only see the new Task window. I am able to stay better focused by being able to avoid seeing my Inbox or full Task list.

How to pin Outlook to the task Bar:

• Start Outlook.
• Right Click over the Outlook icon on the Task Bar and click pin this program to the taskbar.

I have found Jump Lists to be very useful… it is one of the best new things in Windows 7 with Outlook 2010.

If you have your own tips to share about the new features on Windows 7/Outlook 2010, please leave a comment on the blog.