Outlook rules are not automatically run. Outlook rules create and filter incoming emails, while automation rules run automatically based on rules you set.
Rules, which are either conditional (when X is true) or unconditional (when X is not true), run either at the time an email arrives (if the conditions are met) or at the time the rule is created (if the conditions are met). Rules run automatically if enabled.
For example, you can create a rule to flag emails of specific subjects, set the action to automatically move the email to a different folder or file, or set the action to automatically forward the email to contact.
Outlook rules are designed to bypass the default setting of outlook, not all of it but users easily automate the rule’s actions performed on incoming email messages.
Categorized your emails flowing into sections, rule function comes into play. But it’s pointless if they’re not working correctly or not running automatically.
Note: The steps in this article can be used to set up Microsoft Outlook on versions 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 365.
Here in this article, we will discuss the causes and remedies of outlook rules error.
Outlook rules not working automatically – What are the causes?
Outlook is a technical platform, encountered with multiple glitches that affect the perfect working of functions, many of them under user control, which can diagnose easily and fix it.
- Rule function exceeds rule quota (merge similar rules together).
- Reset or Rename SRS File.
- Corruption Issue via IMAP or POP3 Account.
- Delete the Rules (reset it).
- Repair Your Outlook Data File.
- The rule function is disabled.
Outlook rules not working – [How to fix?]
Some of the key issues outlook users face in the rule function are curable, Let’s see how to fix errors in outlook rules?
Reset send and receive settings (SRS) file in Outlook
Outlook rules not working automatically issue fixed by resetting SRS file. Here are the following steps:
- Go to my computer copy this path and paste it into the address bar [C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Outlook]
- You can check .srs file available on your screen and just rename it.
- That’s it your open your Outlook and your SRS file is reset.
Delete the Rules (reset it)
Sometimes a complete reset is required to that delete the rule function and recreate it to get them working. You can delete Outlook rules as follows:
- Open Outlook >> Click File Tab >> Info >> Manage Rules and Alerts.
- Select the Rule from the list.
- Press the select button from the tab.
- Click Yes, your existing rule is deleted.
- Click on the New rule to set up the fresh rule.
Corruption Issue via IMAP or POP3 Account
After trying the above methods, still facing issues – Microsoft Outlook rules not running automatically, you can reset your rules and test your mailbox for corruption follow this guideline.
- You can directly command your system to delete all Outlook rules at once, press the “Windows + R” keys together, and type:
outlook.exe<space>/cleanrules
Now you can use the inbox repair tool (scanpst.exe), to reconnect the resolve the issues.
Rule function exceeds rule quota (merge similar rules together)
Rule functions with similar nature of outcome must be merged to get better and clean results, not only that Outlook rules not working, but rule quota is also one of the reasons, it is better to delete some useless rules from the list or you can combine them.
The best example is social email, which users use to create separate rules for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to shift the mail into a social folder.
It is recommended to use OR function and keep the input from all three social platforms and move the email notification into the social folder.
it’s cool.
There are tons of repairing tools and recovery tools available in the market which are paid, I never recommend them, if you like, and issues are resolved please comment below any additional information will be added.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Outlook Rules feature allows users to create automated responses for incoming emails. For example, you can set up a rule to automatically reply to emails you receive from certain addresses. Another rule can forward emails to a shared folder.
Questions and Answer (Q&A) Panel
How to create a rule in the Outlook app?
For creating a rule for a specific email, click the right mouse button on the email message >> and select Rules >> Create Rule. Choose a condition and an action to take and select OK.
How to create a rule in the Outlook Web/PWA?
To create new rules in Outlook.com/PWA, go to Settings >> View all Outlook setting >> Mail >> Rules >> Add New Rule >> Enter and select the conditions >> Click Save.
How do I remove rules in Outlook web?
To delete a rule in Outlook web/PWA, go to Settings >> View all Outlook settings>> Mail >> Rules >> Click on the delete button from the existing rule visible on the screen.
How do I remove rules in Outlook App?
To delete a rule in the Outlook app, go to File tab >> Manage Rules & Alerts. In the dialog box that appears, select the rule you want to delete, and select Delete.
Also Read: