How to set "Unread" as the default inbox filter in Outlook, and still be able to view Read messages

I agree that this should be an automatic feature in Outlook, but until that happens, this is the workaround that I've created. I share in case it helps anyone who might also want to limit their Inbox to a view with Unread emails only. Basically, you create a rule to customize how your inbox(es) operate:

• Create a new folder within each inbox that you monitor, and add "Unread" to its name (such as "Inbox_UNREAD")
• Add that new folder to Favorites, so that it is at the top of the list of email folders
• Go to any email for your regular inbox and right click on it. Go down to Rules --> Create Rule --> Advanced Options
• Click box next to "sent to <your name or email associated with your inbox>" Hit "Next"
• Click box next to "Move it to the specified folder"
• At the bottom, click on "specified folder" and navigate to and choose your new "Inbox_UNREAD" folder that you've created.
• Hit OK and then Finish.

You've now created a rule that moves all of your unread emails to your new email folder. Then, as you finish with each email, you can either delete them or move them to your normal folder as you desire, in order to keep only your actual unread emails in that box. Obviously, you could adjust the rule to suit your particular situation (applying the rule to one inbox but not others, having all unread emails from multiple folders flow into a single unread folder, etc.)

It's irritating to need to go through all that. But this system has worked for me to mimic the feature that it seems like we all want, which is to create a primary email folder with "Unread" as the default.

I'm currently using the full version of Outlook that comes with the MS Office suite, and that does default to showing unread emails at the top.

That's odd. I'm using the new paid full version as well. It doesn't default to Unread on my screen....

What version? Can you provide details? I'll pay for this feature if it works well.

I'm currently using the full version of Outlook that comes with the MS Office suite, and that does default to showing unread emails at the top. I wonder whether it's a deliberate 'design decision' from MS to 'encourage' people to go for the paid-for option.

Q: How many years have we been asking for this? A: Not years, decades. Q: How often does Microsoft come out with updates addressing customer concerns? A: I can't think of a single one. Now, I know that is not the case, but it's rare, and that's a problem. Microsoft, listen up!!! Here's an easy one. Do it, and get back to focusing on customers!