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

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-19T21:06:02+00:00

    Dear Microsoft-

    7 pages of request for Outlook to default window view to show UNREAD messages at startup.

    Do you have 7 pages requesting the default window to show ALL messages at startup? Or did you assume?

    Please offer a simple way of filtering out read messages on the initial window view port at program startup, Now. Today. It is totally in the realm of possibilities to do this in an update, today.

    7 pages of faithful paying customers and users pleading with you. Why are we being ignored? I've been using personal computers since 1984, and have always complained that Microsoft rarely listens to it's users, and only looks down upon us as they (Microsoft) know better. Please prove me wrong and someone from Microsoft please reply to this message privately or publicly, today, before the end of the day. I. Am. Pleading.

    If you, the reader at Microsoft, cannot resolve this problem yourself, please send this missive up the chain of command at Microsoft, but Please do it today and ask them to reply to me today.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-07-27T16:13:24+00:00

    What happened here. Is Microsoft working on this? They seem to have dropped out of this conversation. This request is simple, basic and sorely needed!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-07-10T16:09:41+00:00

    A workaround I've used is in the big "Search" bar in Outlook

    Type in "Unread Mail" you will see an option "Seach for Unread Mail"

    Right Click on that option and "Add to Quick Access Bar"

    You will then see it appear at the top of the Quick access bar which you can then use to quickly filter Unread mail in a particular mail folder

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-03T19:21:20+00:00

    Same. So annoying that this is not an option.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-07-16T07:45:50+00:00

    Would love to be able to set "Unread" as the default Inbox filter.

    Can't seem to figure it out.

    Help appreiciated!

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