How to Create Email Filters in Outlook: A Step-By-Step Guide

Email filters in Outlook make it easy to sort, organize and manage new emails in your mail box. If you struggle with a cluttered inbox, setting up email filters to your Outlook account can be a great solution. Read our step-by-step guide to learn more about mail filters.

What Are Email Filters in Outlook?

Email filters in Outlook, also called Rules, are tools that allow you to organize your inbox by applying specific rules to incoming emails based on your criteria.

How to Create Email Filters in Outlook (On the Web)

Follow these steps to create email filters in Outlook:

• Step 1. Go to the Outlook website.
• Step 2. Sign in to your Outlook account.
• Step 3. Click on the Settings Icon at the top right hand side to open the Settings window.
• Step 4. Select “Mail” on the left hand side of the menu.
• Step 5. Click on “Rules”.
• Step 6. Select “Add new rule”.
• Step 7. Name your rule.
• Step 8. Add one or more conditions. The conditions could depend on the subject, keywords, message size, and more.
• Step 9. Add one or more actions to choose how to organize, mark or route the incoming email.
• Step 10. Add one or more exceptions if needed.
• Step 11. Click on “Save”

How to Create Email Filters in Outlook (On Mobile)

Setting up email filters in Outlook on the mobile app is not feasible.

You can create Rules on the web version, and they will automatically apply to all other connected devices to your Outlook account.

How to Create Email Filters in Outlook (On Desktop)

Setting up email filters in Outlook on the desktop app is quite straight forward. You can create Rules on the desktop version, and they will automatically apply to all other connected devices to your Outlook account.

• Step 1. Go to File.
• Step 2. Click on "Manage Rules & Alerts"
• Step 3. Click on the "New Rule" button once the "Rules and Alerts" window pops up.
• Step 4. Select the actions you would like the rule to perform.
• Step 5. Click Next.
• Step 6. Select the Conditions that apply to your rule.
• Step 7. Click "Finish".

Email Management Tips

• Use email filters in Outlook.
• Organize your emails with Folders feature. Learn more by reading our guide on how to create folders in Microsoft Outlook.
• Unsubscribe from unwanted emails to declutter your Outlook inbox.
• Use the AgainstData app to cleanse your inbox in the most efficient way!

Conclusion

Utilizing email filters in Outlook will help you better manage your inbox according to your own specifications. It allows for a good personalisation of your email and a lot of time saved afterwards. There are many health benefits of having a clean email so make sure you allow yourself the headspace you need to prosper.