create rule to move email to folder once read

Question

I need to create a rule to move emails to a folder once they are marked as read

Answer 1

Dear @Kristel Ulm,

At this time, Outlook does not provide a built-in rule condition that triggers specifically when a message changes from unread to read. Standard Outlook and Exchange rules are generally processed when a message arrives in the mailbox, and they evaluate conditions such as the sender, subject, recipient, or message content. The read/unread status is changed after delivery, so it is not available as a normal automatic rule trigger.

As a workaround, kindly try these steps:

Use a Quick Step in classic Outlook to mark the message as read and move it to the desired folder in one click

Open classic Outlook > Home tab > Quick Steps > Create New.

Name it, for example: Mark as Read and Move.

Add the action Mark as read.

Add another action Move to folder.

Choose the target folder.

Save the Quick Step.

After that, when the user finishes reading an email, they can click the Quick Step to mark it as read and move it in one action.

I hope the information shared helps point you in the right direction. Please try the steps above and let me know if they work. If not, we can continue working together to narrow this down.

The first response may not always resolve the issue right away, but with your help and more details, we can work toward a solution.

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