Create an inbox rule for new Outlook for Windows (Classic Outlook)

Create a rule on a message in classic 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 template in classic 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 rule in classic 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.

   

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.

   

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