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Outlook Rules Upgrade

Anonymous
2022-05-15T21:28:08+00:00

Outlook Rules need upgrade.

The ability to sort by date made and/or alphabetically would be useful

The ability to search for and display duplicates would be very helpful.

The ability to report and correct rule operation errors would be helpful as sometimes for no reason rules fail to operate correctly.

Is anyone aware of any effort ongoing by MSFT to modernize/upgrade the rules feature.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-05-16T15:15:12+00:00

    Brian,

    I'm sure it's complicated and may require complicated revision.

    The problem is that over time it is possible to accumulate numerous rules including some that duplicate existing rules or need to be changed/removed.

    Searching through the list then takes "forever".

    My thinking is there could be an editing option that presents a sortable list to manage rules. The editing list would sort would retain the priorities of rules but would show duplicates, date the rule was made and would allow searching for a rule by name (sorted by the first character after @ for example or alphabeticly if the rule was set up that way). If the rule was not set up using the @ address, the sort would show the entire address.

    It would require some clever design.

    Not being able to search is a big problem for anyone with as many rules as I have. I eliminate repeat SPAM emails by using an @ rule that deletes them.

    It doesn't seem to me that MSFT is doing anything to make the rules engine better right now.

    Thanks again.

    Bob

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  2. Brian Tillman 25,555 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-05-16T17:07:19+00:00

    I agree that there could be ways to make the interface more friendly.

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  3. Brian Tillman 25,555 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-05-16T01:40:29+00:00

    Hi. I'm Brian and I will do my best to help you.

    I don't believe there is any plan to change the operation of the rules engine.

    Sorting the rules by any criterion could be counterproductive. Rules work in the order they're listed. The operation of a higher rule can affect the operation of a lower rule. Changing the order could make them work differently and produce results you don't intend. This might be the "rule operation errors" you reference.

    I do agree it could be helpful to be able to see more of the rules simultaneously.

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