Outlook rules not working? This might be due to the oversized rules file or improper server settings. Try the following methods to fix the issue. Outlook rules are automatically set hence understanding the reason behind the issue becomes utmost necessary.
Microsoft Outlook rules are automatic actions put on incoming emails, though you can set up Outlook rules manually. Rules are used to filter out emails to send them to particular folders. Setting up rules can help you be more efficient and organize them, making them easier to access later.
However, Outlook rules are known to cause issues and you are unable to implement them. What can you do if your Outlook rules are not working? In this article, you will learn how to fix Outlook rules and make Outlook work effortlessly again.
Before that let us understand what might be the possible reasons behind Outlook rules not working and understand how you can fix them by following the given troubleshooting methods.
There are many reasons that can cause Outlook rules to stop working automatically. The cause might be corruption in the Outlook account, missing files, exceeding the size of Outlook rules, or even settings that can cause the Outlook rules to stop working. We have listed common reasons below:
These are some probable causes of why Outlook rules are not working in Outlook. No matter the issue you can still fix rules in Outlook with the help of this article.
We have tried to compile some of the well-sought solutions to resolve Outlook rules not running automatically. You can apply these solutions for Outlook rules not working on Windows and Mac Operating systems. Try the methods one by one to fix the rules in Outlook.
The rules in Outlook come with a maximum size of 256KB. However, you can customize the file size of the rules between 64KB and 256 KB. Try the following methods to optimize the file size of Outlook rules.
Another method to fix issues with Outlook rules can be deleting and recreating Outlook rules from the start. To delete Outlook rules follow the steps below:
Sometimes rules stop working if the download settings are set to not sync offline. Changing download settings can fix Outlook rules not working issue.
Note: If the Outlook data files such as PST files and OST files are corrupt whatever changes you make to the rules may not get applied and will not help resolve the issue of Outlook rules not working.
In such cases, it is recommended to repair Outlook data files using a reliable Outlook repair tool like the Remo Repair PST tool.
Outlook rules may not work if the SRS(Send/Recieve Settings) file is corrupted. Try resetting this file to make the rules work correctly.
There are two sets of rules in Outlook that can be categorized into Sever-based and Client-based. Client-based rules are set to work with Outlook when it is running and will not be if Outlook is not running.
You can log in to your Outlook account and set the rules there. When you have set up both the rules client-based and server-based rules, sever based rules will be applied first to the incoming emails.
Enabling Cache Exchange Mode in Outlook will help fix Outlook cache issues. Since a copy of your mailbox is saved on your computer to access emails quickly. Enabling the exchange mode will sync rules and help you fix rules not working on Outlook.
If the above-mentioned methods didn’t resolve rules not working, try to create a new set of rules in Outlook and see if that works.
Note: Before creating a new Outlook profile, make sure you don’t lose any data. It is necessary to take a backup of your Outlook profile. Make use of an Outlook backup tool to easily back up your Outlook data.
Conclusion
Try the above methods to fix the Outlook rules not working issue. The simple fixes given in the article like resetting the SRS file, and deleting and creating new rules might help you resolve this issue. Before trying the troubleshooting be mindful to back up important Outlook data. If these methods couldn’t help you resolve the issue repair Outlook profile will be the only resort. Let us know what methods worked for you in the comment section below.
Outlook rules may stop working if your POP or IMAP account gets corrupted.
While the user can create an unlimited number of rules, there is a set limit when it comes to the number of enabled rules.
Yes, since the rules need to be enforced before you view your mail, you may experience a delay depending on the type and number of rules enforced.