Microsoft Outlook: Checking Accessibility

Checking accessibility in Outlook helps ensure your email is readable and usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. This quick guide walks you through how to use Outlook’s built-in Accessibility Checker and fix any issues before sending your message.

5 steps

Microsoft

Note: This check does not review attachments such as Word documents, PDFs, or PowerPoint files. All attachments must be checked separately and remediated as needed before being attached.

Once you have completed composing your email, click on **"Options"** tab.

Screenshot of Outlook Options tab highlighted

In the options tab, Click **"Check Accessibility"** to open the Accessibility Checker pane.

Screenshot of Outlook Options tab with the “Check Accessibility” button highlighted in the ribbon.

This will give you the issues found in the email. Click "Fix this".

Screenshot of Outlook showing the Accessibility Checker panel on the right listing issues such as missing alt text and missing table header rows.

If images need alt text, use descriptive alt text that explains what the image represents. Click **"OK".** *Please note: the alt text entered in the example is not accurate, it is for demo purposes only.*

Screenshot of the “Add alt text” dialog in Outlook displaying an image preview and a text field where alt text can be entered.

Once all the issues noted by Outlook are fixed, click "Check again". Ensure that it says "No issues were found"

Screenshot of Outlook’s Accessibility Checker panel showing the message “No issues were found” with a “Check again” button highlighted.

Always run an accessibility check before sending emails—whether to colleagues, students, or listservs. You may not be aware of the individual accessibility needs and checking for accessibility ensures your message is accessible to everyone.