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How to Create Email Rules in the New Outlook for Mac
Question details
The user needs to know how to set up email rules in the new Outlook for Mac and clarify account compatibility.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Automating inbox organization by setting up email rules for different account types.
- Observed behavior
- Email rules are fully supported for Exchange accounts in the new Outlook, but POP and IMAP accounts currently lack rule support unless reverted to the legacy version.
Verify your email account type (Exchange, POP, or IMAP) in the Outlook settings to determine if your account currently supports rules in the new interface.
Create Email Rules for Exchange Accounts
If you are using a Microsoft Exchange, Outlook.com, or Microsoft 365 work or school account, you can create rules directly in the new Outlook interface.
Open the new Outlook for Mac and click on an existing email message that you want to base your new rule on.
Go to the 'Message' tab in the top menu bar, select 'Rules', and then click on 'Create Rule'.
In the pop-up window, define your conditions (such as sender or keywords) and actions (like moving to a specific folder), then click 'Save' to apply the rule.
Switch to Legacy Outlook for POP and IMAP Accounts
Since the new Outlook for Mac does not yet support email rules for POP and IMAP accounts, you must switch back to the legacy interface to manage them.
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- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the email rules options greyed out in the new Outlook for Mac?
The 'Rules' option will appear greyed out if you have selected a message associated with a POP or IMAP account. The new Outlook for Mac currently only enables rule creation for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365 accounts.
When will Microsoft add POP and IMAP rule support to the new Outlook?
Microsoft has officially stated that POP and IMAP rule support is not currently available in the new Outlook for Mac. They have not provided a release date or timeline for when this feature will be implemented.
How do I check what type of email account I am using in Outlook?
To verify your account type, click 'Outlook' in the top menu bar, select 'Settings' (or 'Preferences'), and click on 'Accounts'. Your specific account type—such as Exchange, IMAP, or POP—will be displayed directly under your account name.
