Microsoft Outlook: Focused Inbox

Overview

Microsoft Outlook Focused Inbox separates your inbox into a Focused tab and an Other tab. Your most important messages are in the Focused tab, and the rest of your messages will be in the Other tab. 

Information

The steps for locating the Focused Inbox setting may differ between New Outlook, Classic Outlook, and Outlook on the Web.

Windows: To determine if you are using New or Classic Outlook on a Windows computer, look for File on the ribbon. If there's no File option, follow the steps under the New Outlook tab. If the File option appears, select the tab for Classic Outlook.

Mac: To determine if you are using New or Classic Outlook on a Mac, click Microsoft Outlook in the upper left corner of your screen. If there is a checkmark next to Legacy Outlook, you are using Classic Outlook. If there is not a checkmark next to Legacy Outlook, you are using New Outlook. 

New Outlook 

Windows

  1. In Outlook, click View in the upper left corner of the Outlook window. Then, click View settings. 
  2. In the Mail tab, click Layout. 
  3. Under Focused Inbox, select Sort messages into Focused and Other. 
  4. Click Save. 
    • The Focused and Other tabs will appear at the top of your mailbox. You’ll be informed about email flowing to Other, and you can switch between tabs any time to take a quick look.

Mac

  1. In Outlook, click View in the upper left corner of your screen. 
  2. In the dropdown menu, click Turn on Focused Inbox. 
    • The Focused and Other tabs will appear at the top of your mailbox. You’ll be informed about email flowing to Other, and you can switch between tabs any time to take a quick look.

Classic Outlook

Windows

  1. In Outlook, click on the View tab in the upper left corner of your screen. 
  2. Click Show Focused Inbox.
    • The Focused and Other tabs will appear at the top of your mailbox. You’ll be informed about email flowing to Other, and you can switch between tabs any time to take a quick look. 

Mac

  1. In Outlook, click the Organize tab in the upper left corner of the Outlook window. 
  2. Click Focused Inbox. 
    • The Focused and Other tabs will appear at the top of your mailbox. You’ll be informed about email flowing to Other, and you can switch between tabs any time to take a quick look. 
    • NOTE: If you do not see the Focused Inbox option under the Organize tab, click on Inbox under your UT account. The Focused Inbox option should appear after selecting the correct Inbox. 

Outlook on the Web

  1. Go to office365.utk.edu and sign in with your UT email address and password. 
  2. In the left side menu, click Outlook. 
  3. In the upper right corner of your screen click the settings gear icon. 
  4. In the Mail tab under Layout, click Sort messages into Focused and Other under Focused Inbox. 
    • The Focused and Other tabs will appear at the top of your mailbox. You’ll be informed about email flowing to Other, and you can switch between tabs any time to take a quick look.
  5. Click Save. 
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