Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (2024)

Note:If the steps under this New Outlooktab don't work, you may not be using new Outlookfor Windows yet. Select the Classic Outlook tab and follow those steps instead.

In new Outlook, you have the option to:

Create a rule | Edit a rule | Delete a rule | Set rule order | Run rules | Disable rules

Create an inbox rule for new Outlook for Windows

Rules are applied to incoming messages and can be created from any folder.

  1. To quickly create a rule that moves all email from a specific sender or a set of senders to a folder, right-click a message in your message list that you want to create a rule for, hover over Rulesand then select Create rule.

  2. Choose the folder where you want all messages from that sender or set of senders to be moved, and then select OK.

  3. After selectingOK, the rule will be applied to all incoming messages.

If you'd like to do more than just move the message from a specific sender or set of senders to a folder, select More options. The rules settings menu will open.

Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (1)

  • Every rule needs at least three things: a name, a condition, and an action. Rules can also contain exceptions to conditions. You can add multiple conditions, actions, and exceptions at each step by choosing Add a condition, Add an action, and Add an exception.

  • If you don't want any more rules to run after this one does, select the Stop processing more rules check box. For more information, see Stop processing more rules in Outlook on the web.

  • Press Save to create your rule or Discard to cancel rule creation.

Edit an inbox rule innew Outlook for Windows

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. In the rule you want to edit, select Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (2).

  4. Press Save to save your edited rule.

Note:Some rules created in classic Outlook can't be processed by new Outlook because they are client-side rules. To fix a rule that was migrated from classic Outlook, create a new rule to replace it.

Delete an inbox rule innew Outlook for Windows

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. In the rule you want to delete, select Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (3).

    Tip:If you just want to turn the rule off for a while, select the toggle next to the rule.

Set the order in which inbox rules are applied to incoming messagesinnew Outlook for Windows

Inbox rules are applied to incoming messages based on the order they're in within the Inbox rules list. You can arrange the order in which the rules you create are applied to messages coming into your inbox.

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. Select a rule, and then use the Up arrow or Down arrow to change the order in which the rule is applied to incoming messages.

Run inbox rules on existing messagesin new Outlook for Windows

By default, an inbox rule runs on incoming messages after you've created the rule. To run a rule on existing messages:

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. Select Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (4) next to the rule you want to run.

Disable and enable rules in new Outlook for Windows

If you'd like to temporarily pause, or suspend, a rule from operating and you don't want to delete it, consider disabling the rule. To disable or enable a rule:

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

In classic Outlook, you have the option to:

Create a rule | Create a rule from a template | Edit a rule | Delete a rule | Run rules
​​​​​​​

Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (6)

Create a rule on a messageinclassic Outlook for Windows

  1. Right-click an existing message and select Rules > Create Rule.

  2. Select a condition, and what to do with the message based on the condition.

    For example, to move messages with a certain title to a specific folder, select the Subject contains condition, select Move the item to folder, select or create a New folder, and then select OK.

  3. When you're done creating the rule, select OK.

  4. To use the rule right away, select the Run this new rule now on messages already in the current folder checkbox, and then select OK.

    The message now appears in that folder.

Create a rule from a templateinclassic Outlook for Windows

  1. Select File > Manage Rules & Alerts > New Rule.

  2. Select a template.

    For example, to flag a message:

    • Select Flag messages from someone for follow-up.

  3. Edit the rule description.

    • Select an underlined value, choose the options you want, and then select OK.

  4. Select Next.

  5. Select the conditions, add the relevant information, and then select OK.

  6. Select Next.

  7. Finish the rule setup.

    • Name the rule, setup rule options, and review the rule description. Click an underlined value to edit.

  8. Select Finish.

    Certain rules will only run when Outlook is on. If you get this warning, select OK.

  9. Select OK.

Edit a ruleinclassic Outlook for Windows

If you’ve set rules to organize your incoming mail but they’re not all working as you expect them to, these steps might help you find and fix the problem.

To fix a broken rule:

  1. Click File > Manage Rules & Alerts.

  2. If you see a message that says you have a broken rule that needs to be modified, click OK.

  3. Check the box next to the rule in red.

  4. Click the links under Rule description and edit the rule as needed, and then click OK.

    Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (7)

To change the settings, name, location or behavior of a rule:

  1. Click File > Manage Rules & Alerts.

  2. Check the box next to the rule that you want to modify.

  3. Click Change Rule, click the type of change you want to make, and then complete the steps.

    Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (8)

    Note:To delete a rule, in the Rules and Alerts dialog, check the box next to the rule, and then click Delete.

Delete a ruleinclassic Outlook for Windows

You can delete a rule when it's no longer necessary.

  1. On the File tab, choose Manage Rules & Alerts.

  2. In the Rules and Alerts dialog box, on the E-mail Rules tab, choose the rule you want to delete.

  3. Choose Delete Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (9) > OK.

Tip:To temporarily suspend a rule, clear the check box next to the rule. This enables you to keep the rule and turn it on later.

Run rules manuallyinclassic Outlook for Windows

You can manually run one or more rules.

  1. On the File tab, choose Manage Rules & Alerts, and on the E-mail Rules tab, choose Run Rules Now.

  2. In the Run Rules Now box, under Select rules to run, select the check box for each rule that you want to run.

  3. In the Run in Folder box, to select a different folder, choose Browse, choose the folder, and then choose OK.

    Select the Include subfolders check box to include all folders under the folder you chose in step 3.

  4. In the Apply rules to list, accept the default setting of all messages, or change to read or unread messages.

  5. Choose Run Now.

In Outlook on the web, you have the option to:

Create a rule | Edit a rule | Delete a rule | Change rules order | Disable rules

Create an inbox rulein Outlook on the web

  1. Select Settings Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (10).

  2. Select Mail. Then under Mail, select Rules.

  3. Select Add new rule Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (11).

  4. Type a name for the inbox rule in the Name your rule box and then select a condition and action from their respective drop-down lists. You can add additional conditions or actions by selecting Add a condition or Add an action.

  5. Add exceptions to the inbox rule by selecting Add exception and then choosing one from the Add exception menu.

  6. By default, the Stop processing more rules option is turned on. With this option on, when a message arrives in your inbox that meets the criteria for more than one rule, only the first rule will be applied. If you don't select this check box, all inbox rules that a message meets the criteria for will be applied.

    Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (12)

Edit an inbox rulein Outlook on the web

You can edit any inbox rule by selecting it and choosing Edit rule Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (13)to open the rule so that you can change the conditions or actions of the rule.

Delete an inbox rulein Outlook on the web

If you have an inbox rule that you no longer want, you can select it and then select Delete Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (14)to remove it. If you just want to turn the rule off for a while, remove the check mark next to the rule.

Set the order in which inbox rules are applied to incoming messagesin Outlook on the web

Inbox rules are applied to incoming messages based on the order they appear in within the Inbox rules list. You can arrange the order in which the rules you create are applied to messages coming into your inbox:

  1. Select Settings Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (15).

  2. Select Mail. Then under Mail, select Rules.

  3. Select the rule you want to move and then select the up arrow or down arrow Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (16) to place the rule where you want it positioned within the list of rules.

Note:If you use a work or school account to sign in to Microsoft 365, you're using Outlook on the web. If you're using an Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN account, please go to the Outlook.comtab.

Disable and enable rules in Outlook on the web

If you'd like to temporarily pause, or suspend, a rule from operating and you don't want to delete it, consider disabling the rule. To disable or enable a rule:

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. Use the toggle next to the rule name to disable or enable the rule.

    Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (17)

In Outlook.com, you have the option to:

Create a rule | Edit a rule | Delete a rule | Change rules order | Run rules | Disable rules

Create an inbox rule in Outlook.com

Rules are applied to incoming messages and can be created from any folder.

  1. To quickly create a rule that moves all email from a specific sender or a set of senders to a folder, right-click a message in your message list that you want to create a rule for, select Rule, thenCreate rule.

  2. Choose the folder where you want all messages from that sender or set of senders to be moved, and then select OK.

If you'd like to do more than just move the message from a specific sender or set of senders to a folder, select More options.

  1. To create a completely new rule, at the top of the page, select Settings > Mail > Rules.

  2. SelectAdd new rule.

    Tip:Every rule needs at least three things: A name, a condition, and an action. Rules can also contain exceptions to conditions. You can add multiple conditions, actions, and exceptions at each step by choosing Add a condition, Add an action, and Add an exception.

  3. Press Save to create your rule or Discard to cancel rule creation.

If you don't want any more rules to run after this one does, select the Stop processing more rules check box. For more information, see Stop processing more rules in Outlook.com.

Edit an inbox rule in Outlook.com

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. In the rule you want to edit, select Edit Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (18).

  4. Select Save to save your edited rule.

Note:Some rules created in other versions of Outlook can't be processed by Outlook.com. You won't be able to run or edit the rule in Outlook.com.

Delete an inbox rule in Outlook.com

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. In the rule you want to delete, select Delete Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (19).

    Tip:If you just want to turn the rule off for a while, select the toggle next to the rule.

Set the order in which inbox rules are applied to incoming messages in Outlook.com

Inbox rules are applied to incoming messages based on the order they're in within the Inbox rules list. You can arrange the order in which the rules you create are applied to messages coming into your inbox.

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. Select a rule, and then use the Up arrow or Down arrow to change the order in which the rule is applied to incoming messages.

Run inbox rules on existing messagesin Outlook.com

Currently, you can't run inbox rules on existing messages in the Outlook.com beta. A new rule is applied only to messages you receive after the rule was created.

However, you can use Archive, Move to, and Sweep to automatically move or delete messages in your inbox. To learn more, see Organize your inbox with Archive, Sweep, and other tools in Outlook.com.

Disable and enable rules in Outlook.com

If you'd like to temporarily pause, or suspend, a rule from operating and you don't want to delete it, consider disabling the rule. To disable or enable a rule:

  1. At the top of the page, select Settings.

  2. Select Mail > Rules.

  3. Use the toggle next to the rule name to disable or enable the rule.

    Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (20)

What else do I need to know about Outlook.com

You might have created a rule to forward or redirect messages you receive to another email address. If so, it's important to know the difference between forwarding and redirecting.

  • A forwarded message appears as a message you received and then forwarded to another recipient. When the recipient replies, the reply will go to the address the message was forwarded from.

  • A redirected message keeps the original sender on the From line. When a recipient that a message was redirected to replies, the reply will go to the original sender.

Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook (2024)

FAQs

How do I manage my Outlook emails efficiently? ›

Best Practices for Outlook Inbox Management
  1. Sort Messages into Folders. Maintaining folders is one of the easiest ways to execute Outlook email management. ...
  2. Create Templates. ...
  3. Ignore Unwanted Messages. ...
  4. Establish Outlook Rules. ...
  5. Flag for Follow Up.
5 days ago

How do I automatically sort emails in Outlook rules? ›

Create Rules to sort your email automatically
  1. Right-click a message.
  2. Select Rules.
  3. Choose Always move messages from [name of sender].
  4. Choose a folder or select New to create a new one.
  5. Select OK. Note: To make your rule more complicated, right-click a message and select Rules > Create Rule.

How to set auto reply in Outlook using rules? ›

Create a rule for an automatic e-mail message
  1. On the Home tab find an option Rules→ Create a rule.
  2. In the Create rule dialog box activate Sent to box and choose “me only”. ...
  3. In the Rules Wizard dialog click Next to move to the next settings windows.
  4. Choose the checkbox have server reply using a specific message.

How to run rules in Outlook? ›

Run rules manually in classic Outlook for Windows
  1. On the File tab, choose Manage Rules & Alerts, and on the E-mail Rules tab, choose Run Rules Now.
  2. In the Run Rules Now box, under Select rules to run, select the check box for each rule that you want to run.

How do I manage unwanted emails in Outlook? ›

Block senders from sending you email
  1. At the top of the page, select Settings. > Mail > Accounts > Block or allow.
  2. Under Block or allow, select Automatically filter junk email.
  3. Under Blocked Senders, type the email address or domain that you want to block and select Add .
  4. Select Save .

How do I make Outlook more manageable? ›

6 Best ways to organize emails in Outlook
  1. Sort emails by priority. This is where folders come in handy. ...
  2. Create automatic rules. ...
  3. Organize Outlook inbox with colored categories. ...
  4. Use Flags to set reminders. ...
  5. Organize by conversation thread (to clean up clutter) ...
  6. Advanced Outlook organization with Quick Steps.

How do I manage thousands of emails? ›

Best Way to Organize Email
  1. Use Labels and Folders. You can't simply delete all of your emails so one easy way to get organized is to create labels and folders for the important things. ...
  2. Star or Flag Important Emails. ...
  3. Set Up Filters. ...
  4. Use the Archive Feature. ...
  5. Regularly Clean Out Your Inbox.
Sep 29, 2023

How do I clean up and organize emails in Outlook? ›

Luckily, these tips can help you organize email in Outlook so you don't have to worry about messes again.
  1. Archive older emails. ...
  2. Store attachments outside your mailbox. ...
  3. Empty the Deleted Items folder. ...
  4. Empty the Junk Email folder. ...
  5. Use the Outlook Focused Inbox feature. ...
  6. Use folders to organize your Outlook inbox.
5 days ago

What is the sweep rule in Outlook? ›

Sweep gives you options to automatically delete all incoming email from a particular sender, to keep only the latest email, or to delete email older than 10 days. Select an email message from the sender whose messages you want to delete. On the menu bar, select Sweep.

Can you set a rule in Outlook to categorize emails? ›

Apply Categories Automatically with Rules Using the Outlook Desktop App. You can also add categories automatically to incoming emails in the Outlook desktop app as well. Open the Outlook desktop app and go to the Home tab. Select Rules > Create Rule.

How do I automatically organize emails? ›

Auto sort emails in Gmail on desktop

Click the Settings gear icon in the upper right corner and select See all settings. Navigate to the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab and choose to Create a new filter. In the "Create Filter" window, define the filter criteria, such as sender, recipient, subject, or other options.

How do I automate rules in Outlook? ›

Creating Automated Message Rules in Outlook
  1. When Outlook has finished loading, navigate the ribbon by clicking the Home Tab, and find the Rules icon;
  2. Click on Manage Rules & Alerts;
  3. New windows will appear showing you the current list of all E-Mail Rules created; ...
  4. Click on New Rule, this will launch Rules Wizard;

What can you control when using automatic replies in Outlook? ›

Select the Turn on automatic replies toggle. Select Send replies only during a time period, and then enter start and end times. Under Send automatic replies inside your organization, enter the message to send while you're away. (You can use the formatting options for text alignment, color, and emphasis.)

How do I make certain emails go directly into a folder in Outlook? ›

Rules are applied to incoming messages and can be created from any folder. To quickly create a rule that moves all email from a specific sender or a set of senders to a folder, right-click a message in your message list that you want to create a rule for, hover over Rules and then select Create rule.

How do I manage email settings in Outlook? ›

Update or change your email settings in Outlook for Windows
  1. Open Outlook and select File.
  2. Use the dropdown under Account Information to select the account you want to change.
  3. Select Account Settings.
  4. Select the type of information you want to change. ...
  5. The most common settings you'll change are Server Settings.

How do I see what rules an email was applied to in Outlook? ›

In Outlook, click the "File" tab. Click the "Manage Rules & Alerts" button. Now you see the rules window, which will list any rules you have.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 5631

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.