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

Anonymous
2022-10-26T16:51:20+00:00

Another article describes setting the default filter in Outlook to Unread under View Settings. I did this and found that after doing so, I was no longer able to view Read messages, they just didn't appear in the inbox after setting the Inbox filter to All.

What I'm looking for is a setting that will make Unread the default filter setting, but still allow me to see Read messages when switching the filter to All or Read. Does this setting exist?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

77 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.


    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  2. Anonymous
    2024-05-24T11:28:54+00:00

    The version of Outlook I'm using is:

    Microsoft® Outlook® 2019 MSO (Version 2404 Build 16.0.17531.20152) 64-bit

    It came with Microsoft Office 2019 suite.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-05-23T16:03:25+00:00

    I think I'm using the full version too 16.85 that is licensed. In Focused I can select Unread, but it's not persistent. What version are you using?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-23T09:02:28+00:00

    Thanks for this options, but it is not quite what I need or can work with.
    I still want to be able to see the unread mails, which I can't with this option.

    But, of course thanks for helping and trying ... really appreciated \o/

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-02-16T16:31:54+00:00

    I found the setting.

    When viewing the app from the desired folder, most likely the Inbox - select "View" and on the left side you will see "Current View".

    Within that you will see "View Settings", select this and a pop-up will appear.

    Select "Filter", then "More Choices" and check the box that says "Only items that are" unread.

    If you want to access the ones that have been Read already you will have to select "Reset View" while in the folder that has the filter, then reapply when you are done. A bit of an annoyance, but this is the only way I could get it accomplished since I use multiple email accounts and everytime I would switch between them it would reset when simply using the All and Unread selection in the regular pane.

    Note:

    I would recommend that if you suspect that you will need to access an email again in the near future, that you move it to another folder since the filter wont apply to other folders (you have to apply filters to each folder individually), or right-click the email prior to switching to another email and selecting "Mark as Unread" so the filter wont take it from your view.

    Would be nice if fellow programmers would make it easy for the end user.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments