Print
By default, messages will be marked as read when selection changes.  If you want to mark items as read after a specific time,

  1. Click “File” tab and choose “Options”.
  2. Choose “Advanced” and click “Reading Pane” under Outlook panes.
    outlook_mark_items_as_read1
  3. Uncheck “Mark item as read when selection changes”, check “Mark items as read when viewed in the Reading Pane” and then enter a number in the “Wait __ seconds before marking item as read”.
    outlook_mark_items_as_read2
  4. Click “OK” on the dialog boxes to change the setting.