Outlook Tip: Delete E-Mails with a Single Mouse-Click

Since the beginning of time, the process of deleting e-mail in Outlook has gone like this: Click the message you want to delete, then press the Delete key (or click the Delete button). Wayyyy too much work.

Here's a simpler solution: Delete an e-mail (from list view) just by clicking it with the middle mouse button (which on some mice is the scroll wheel).

Outlook doesn't offer this option, but there's an AutoHotkey script that makes it possible. Basically, the script intercepts any middle-clicks (only in Outlook) and converts them into a left-click followed by Ctrl-D (Outlook's Delete shortcut). It's simple, it's clever, and it works.

In case you're not familiar with it, AutoHotkey is a free utility that can automate various tasks, remap keyboard keys, and so on. There's a bit of a learning curve (Lifehacker has a good primer for beginners), but, ultimately, all you have to do is install the program, create a new script, then copy/paste the code. Run that new script and you're off to the middle-click-delete races.

More on BNET:

• Outlook Tip: Turn an E-mail Into an Appointment
• Outlook Tip: Instantly Turn Clipboard Contents Into E-Mail
• Outlook Tip: Change the Subject Line of an E-Mail You Want to Save
• How to Quickly Turn an E-Mail Contact Into an Outlook Contact