How to use a Desktop Alert
It is possible to customize the period of time, to a maximum of 30 seconds that the alert stays visible by following these instructions, if:
- You are using Windows 7 or below,
- Outlook works in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or below:
![Outlook 2016 Properties Outlook 2016 Properties](/images/tips/133_2016/1.png)
Please see other tips How to change Desktop Alerts settings for Windows 8 or How to change Desktop Alerts settings for Windows 10.
1. On the File tab, select the Options button:
![Outlook 2016 Options Outlook 2016 Options](/images/tips/outlook_button2016/2016.png)
2. In the Outlook Options dialog box, on the Mail tab, click the Desktop Alert Settings... button:
![Mail Options in Outlook 2016 Mail Options in Outlook 2007](/images/tips/133_2016/2.png)
3. When the Desktop Alert Settings dialog box appears, you'll see the various options that enable you to define both the duration and the transparency of the Desktop Alert:
![Desktop Alert Settings in Outlook 2016 Desktop Alert Settings in Outlook 2016](/images/tips/133_2016/3.png)
4. To test your changes, click the Preview button.
5. When finished, click the OK button to close the Desktop Alert Settings dialog box and other dialog boxes.