SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Duplicate Email Notifications for File Comments

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are receiving duplicate email notifications for the same comments or @mentions in SharePoint Online Word/Excel files and list tasks.

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on documents or tracking tasks in SharePoint using comments and @mentions.
Observed behavior: Multiple email notifications are triggered for a single comment, or a new notification is sent every time a previously @mentioned task is updated.

Before you start

Verify whether the duplicate emails are occurring across all document types like Word and Excel, or if they are isolated to specific SharePoint lists and tasks.

Solution 1Recommended

Review and Adjust SharePoint Alert Settings

Check and modify the alert policies for your lists and libraries to prevent subsequent document updates from triggering duplicate @mention emails.

Duplicate notifications often occur because subsequent updates to a file or list item trigger new alerts for users who were previously @mentioned.

Adjusting the frequency or conditions for alerts in SharePoint can help mitigate this inbox clutter.

Access Alert Me settings

Navigate to the affected SharePoint library or list, click the three dots (ellipsis) next to the item or library name, and select 'Alert me'.

Modify alert frequency

Under the 'When to send alerts' section, choose to send a daily or weekly summary instead of 'Send notification immediately'.

Save changes

Click 'OK' to apply the new alert settings and monitor your inbox to see if the duplicate emails persist.

System Synchronization: Many users report that this specific duplicate email issue sometimes resolves on its own after backend synchronization by Microsoft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get another email when someone updates a SharePoint list item I was mentioned in?

By default, SharePoint may trigger a new notification if the list item or task is modified after the initial @mention. Adjusting your list's alert settings to send daily summaries can help prevent this from cluttering your inbox.

Does this duplicate email issue affect both Word and Excel files?

Yes, users have reported receiving duplicate comment notifications across various Microsoft 365 file types, particularly in Word and Excel documents hosted on SharePoint Online.

How can I completely stop email notifications for comments in SharePoint?

You can manage this by going to your OneDrive or SharePoint notification settings (via the gear icon) and toggling off 'Email notifications when others comment on my documents', or by removing your custom alerts on specific files.

Document & File Issues