how do I import rules from old outlook into the new outlook

Question

how do I import rules from old outlook into the new outlook

Mark Grahne 0

I cannot import rules from my desktop version of Microsoft exchange outlook 365 to the web side of Microsoft exchange outlook 365 server. which is causing issues between the two sides. How can I import my desktop version of rules to the web version of outlook

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Answer 1

Vergil-V 13,300 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Mark Grahne

Based on my research, Outlook inbox rules can be categorized into client-side rules and server-side rules.

This distinction may explain why certain inbox rules are visible in Classic Outlook but do not appear in Outlook on the web (OWA). Some rule conditions and actions are only supported in the Classic Outlook desktop application and cannot be synchronized or displayed in OWA.

For example, there are specific conditions and actions that are available exclusively in Classic Outlook, which may cause those rules to be hidden or unmanaged when accessing the mailbox through OWA.

For reference, please see: Edit or fix a broken rule in Outlook - Microsoft Support

With that in mind, could you please help confirm whether the rule you want to manage in OWA falls under any of the rule conditions or actions mentioned in the examples above?

If I’ve misunderstood any part of your situation, or if you have further questions or updates, please don’t hesitate to reply.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Vergil-V 13,300 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-20T13:09:58.9033333+00:00

Hi @Mark Grahne
Hope you're having a good day.

May I ask if there have been any updates since our last exchange?

Have you had a chance to review the responses shared so far?

I’d appreciate any updates you can provide, and please let me know if there’s anything further I can do to assist.
Mark Grahne 0 Reputation points

2026-04-28T20:24:25.9533333+00:00

The responses did not help solve my problem because it appears there is no way to import rules I developed with Microsoft for over a decade. In addition, there is no way for me to copy, print or save my list of search terms for the rules I have to try to duplicate them in MS new system. Appears to be a huge miss on MS part for their loyal users - they want me to start this process again from scratch. Ridiculous
Vergil-V 13,300 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-29T10:33:21.39+00:00

Hi @Mark Grahne
Thank you for sharing your experience.

I understand that importing rules from Classic Outlook to the new Outlook is not a very smooth experience and can feel more time consuming than expected.

If you are open to it, I recommend sharing your thoughts through the Ideas · Community. This is the channel Microsoft uses to collect feedback and suggestions, and it helps ensure your input is seen by the teams working on future improvements.

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. It is genuinely appreciated.

Answer 2

AI answer

Rules created in classic Outlook (desktop) can be exported and then imported into another classic Outlook profile, but there is no supported way in the provided documentation to directly import a classic Outlook rules file into Outlook on the web or new Outlook.

Classic Outlook uses a rules file with the .rwz extension, and this file type “can only be opened and used within classic Outlook.” When rules are imported, they are added to the end of the existing rules list, and only one set of rules can be imported at a time.

To export rules from classic Outlook:

In classic Outlook, select File > Manage Rules & Alerts.
Select Options.
Select Export Rules.
Choose a folder, enter a File name, and save the rules file (it will be .rwz).

To import rules into another classic Outlook profile:

In classic Outlook on the target machine/profile, select File > Manage Rules & Alerts.
Select Options.
Select Import Rules.
Browse to and select the exported .rwz file, then select Open.

Because Outlook on the web and new Outlook do not support opening .rwz files, rules that must run in those environments need to be recreated there using their own rules UI. Additionally, some classic Outlook (client-side) rule actions and conditions are not supported in new Outlook or Outlook on the web; such rules may need to be redesigned when recreated.

References:

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