Why showing new email as read when I didn't open it ,only clicked

[Kevin Tabler]

When I click on a new, bolded email and decide not to open it and move to the
next email, the bolded email becomes unbolded as if it was read. How can I
stop this so that all unread emails stay bolded

 

[K. Orland]

Is your view set to preview mail? It would be considered read in that case. I
don't know which version of Outlook you're using, but change the setting for
marking an email as read here:

Tools > Options > Other > Preview Pane : uncheck the box that reads "mark
messages as read in Preview window"