Summary
Explains how to create an inbox rule in Outlook on the web to automatically filter incoming messages, for example by moving messages with a specific subject word to a folder. Covers opening rule settings, naming the rule, choosing conditions and actions, and saving. Applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff.
Body
Questions
- How do I create an email rule in Outlook on the web?
- How do I automatically move messages to a folder?
- How do I filter junk or promotional email in Outlook Online?
- How do I set up an inbox rule to organize my email?
- How do I automatically flag, delete, or forward certain messages?
- Can I create a rule that forwards my email to another mailbox?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff using Outlook on the web (also called Outlook Online) with a Bowdoin account. Rules filter messages into specific folders, set off alerts, and more. The example below describes how to create a rule that moves any email message with a subject containing the word "discount" to the Junk Email folder. Many criteria can be used when writing rules; be as specific as possible.
Note: Creating a rule with very general terms may result in messages being moved to folders unexpectedly.
Resolution
- Navigate to
outlook.office.com and sign in with the Bowdoin username and password.
- In the top-right corner, select the gear icon (Settings). Navigate to the bottom of the list and select Mail under the "Your app settings" section.
- In the pane on the left, expand Mail - Automatic Processing.
- Select Inbox and sweep rules.
- Select the plus sign and choose the rule to create.
- In the new inbox rule window, name the rule. The name should identify the purpose of the rule. For example, if the rule moves sales emails to a Junk mail folder, name the rule Filter junk mail.
- In the first drop-down menu, choose the criteria that define when the rule is applied.
- In the second drop-down menu, choose whether the email should be flagged, sent to a folder, deleted, or forwarded.
- Select Save.
Note: An email rule that forwards messages to another mailbox is not allowed. This is prohibited for data security purposes.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.