Today, more than ever before, we need to keep an eye on our email. While all of the email providers do their best, we can help by using the Junk and Block options built into Outlook.
Why is this important?
Two main reasons:
Sanity
We all get overwhelmed by the amount of emails in our inbox; at the moment I’ve got 144 unread emails in one account.
Additionally we receive messages that we don’t want and didn’t ask for. Having to keep deleting them is a waste of time and effort.
Security
Let’s be honest, with the number of emails that we get, it’s easy to accidently click on something.
Whether it’s because you’re in a hurry, didn’t read the message fully or just didn’t realise it was a fake link, you can cause problems for yourself.
What can you do?
Depending on the type of message, here are your options.
Unsubscribe
For anything that you did sign up for, and now no longer want (for whatever reason), the best option is to use the Unsubscribe option that is at the bottom of each email.
Important: Please only do this for the lists you know, using this option with scammers let’s them know that you are a real person and they will send you more emails.
Junk and Block Email
Outlook automatically builds up a list of your safe and unsafe senders based on it’s experience. As a general rule there is a ‘zero-tolerance’ setup, meaning that if in doubt Outlook will move an email to junk.
For mail that you really don’t want to receive it’s great, but on the flipside you might find messages that you do want in there.
If you’ve recently signed up to a new list, and you’re not seeing these messages – check the Junk Email folder.
Both of these options (block and junk) are available when you right-click an email.
Note: Select a single message at a time for the Junk option to be available.
Junk Mail
Once your email address is “out in the internet”, you will find that you’ll be added to a number of lists. As a result, you will receive some rubbish emails.
Your email provider will do the best that they can, but some will slip through to your mailbox – the best thing is to add it manually to your junk list.
While this is your personal list, your email provider (Microsoft, Google etc) may use this information to improve their own list.
Note: Your data is still safe, Microsoft will not access your personal information.
Block Addresses
The more ‘permanent’ option (although still not full proof) is to block an email address.
Once blocked, no messages from that specific account will reach you – it’s stopped as soon as it’s recognised. and deleted/added to the junk folder.
While you can change your mind on blocking people, it’s best to consider first – will you want any message from this person/company in the future?
Changing Your Mind
One thing to keep in mind – is that you can change yours.
The list that Outlook creates can be edited if you click on the wrong option, or things change.
Related Posts
- How do I start scheduling emails to be sent?
Learn how easy it is to start scheduling emails with this simple guide. Start sending the right message at the right time today! - How to Remove Someone From Blocked List
Learn how to remove someone from your blocked list and regain connections. Unblock and restore relationships effortlessly. Learn how now! - Should you spend money to unsubscribe?
Do you have trouble keeping up with all your emails? Find out if investing in a paid unsubscribe service is the right option for you and say goodbye to messy inboxes! - Unsubscribe from Emails For Free
Struggling to keep up with all the emails you’ve signed up for? Is there a free unsubscribe service that can help? - Email Overload: What about Outlook Quick Steps or GMail Send and Archive?
When you don’t need the power of rules or filters, but want something more than a manual process – have you heard of quick steps?