How To: Organize Your Inbox in Outlook

Learn how to keep your Outlook inbox under control with folders, categories, Focused Inbox, and pinned messages.

Learn simple ways to keep your Outlook inbox under control: folders, color categories, Focused Inbox, and pinning.

Tool	What it does	How
Folders	Keep finished or reference email out of your inbox	Right-click Folders (or your inbox) > Create new folder. Drag messages in, or right-click > Move.
Categories	Color-code messages by project or priority	Right-click a message > Categorize, and pick or create a category.
Focused Inbox	Splits important email from the rest	Select Settings (gear) > Mail > Layout and turn on Focused Inbox.
Pin	Keeps a message at the top of your inbox	Point to a message and select the pin icon.
Sweep	Clears out all email from one sender at once	Select a message, then Sweep on the toolbar.

Let Outlook do it for you

• Move email automatically with rules. See How To: Create Rules to Sort Your Email in Outlook.
• Deal with email later. See How To: Snooze an Email in Outlook.
• Turn a flagged email into a task. See Microsoft To Do: Track Your Own Tasks.

Get help

Still need help? Submit a request through Microsoft Office 365 E-mail & Calendar, call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170, or visit Miller Hall 226.