How to Block Unwanted Emails in Outlook

Outlook provides various tools to help you block unwanted emails and keep your inbox clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on the different methods you can use:

Use the Block Sender Option

The easiest way to block an email is to use the Block Sender option:

1. Open the email message you want to block
2. Click on the arrow next to Junk and select Block Sender
3. A confirmation box will appear. Click OK to confirm

This will immediately block the sender and move all their emails to your Junk Email folder.

Pros:

• Very fast and easy
• Works on individual emails

Cons:

• Need to block senders one by one

Add Senders to Blocked Senders List

You can also directly add email addresses and domains to your Blocked Senders list:

1. Go to Home > Junk > Junk Email Options
2. Go to the Blocked Senders tab
3. Click Add and enter the email address or domain
4. Click OK

This will block that sender from emailing you.

Pros:

• Blocks entire domains
• Faster for blocking multiple senders

Cons:

• Need to know the exact email/domain to block

Create Email Rules

Another method is to create email rules that auto-block emails matching certain criteria:

1. Go to Home > Rules > Create Rule
2. Select conditions like sender, subject, keywords etc
3. Select “Permanently delete it” as the action
4. Click OK to save the rule

Pros:

• Can match broad criteria
• Auto-blocks based on rules

Cons:

• Complex to set up
• Risk of blocking wanted emails

Set Up Safe Senders List

You can add trusted contacts to your Safe Senders list to exempt them from blocking:

1. Go to Home > Junk > Junk Email Options
2. Go to the Safe Senders tab
3. Click Add and enter trusted email addresses or domains
4. Click OK

Emails from Safe Senders will never be blocked or sent to junk.

Pros:

• Makes sure you get mail from trusted senders

Cons:

• Need to manually add contacts

Keep Blocked Senders List Updated

Be sure to regularly review and update your Blocked Senders list:

• Remove contacts if you want to receive their emails again
• Add new unwanted senders as needed

This ensures your blocking settings stay current.

Conclusion

• Use the Block Sender option to quickly block individual emails
• Add persistent blocks by listing senders in Blocked Senders
• Create rules to auto-block emails matching criteria
• Add exceptions with Safe Senders
• Review Blocked Senders regularly

Implementing these methods will help you effectively block unwanted emails, reduce inbox clutter, and improve productivity. The key is finding the right balance based on your specific needs. Start small and customize as required.