Microsoft Windows and Outlook tips: DNS cache, taskbar icons, email settings

Windows users can clear the hidden DNS cache that stores visited domains by running ipconfig /flushdns in a Run dialog. The same interface also lets you view the cache with ipconfig /displaydns.

Taskbar icons that Windows automatically hides can be made permanently visible. In Windows 10 and 11 open Settings → Personalisation → Taskbar and enable the desired programs under “Other system tray icons”.

To stop intrusive system notifications, go to Settings → System → Notifications and turn off the alerts completely or adjust them per app.

Outlook users experiencing emails that send only on the second attempt should enable SMTP authentication: open the account’s server settings and check “Server requires authentication” and use the same credentials as the incoming server.

A blank Outlook calendar can be printed by creating a new empty calendar folder, selecting it, and printing in the desired view (weekly or monthly). The extra calendar can be hidden or deleted afterward.

Outlook’s email notification sound can be toggled on or off via File → Options → Mail → “Play a sound”. The setting works across Outlook versions.

The Outlook journal feature, which can grow PST files, may be disabled in classic versions via Tools → Options → Other → Journal Options.

Microsoft added Narrator shortcuts for Outlook: with Narrator enabled, pressing Alt + 1‑7 reads mail details and Alt + 8‑9 reads calendar entry details.