Set the Outlook.com Junk Mail Filter to 'Standard'

This article explains how to set up a junk mail filter in your Outlook.com inbox and gives you additional tips to cut down on the amount of useless mail that actually makes it to your inbox. Instructions in this article apply to Outlook.com and Outlook Online.

Set the Outlook.com Junk Mail Filter to 'Standard'

To configure the Outlook.com spam filter:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Select View all Outlook settings.

3. Select Mail.

4. Select Junk email.

5. In the Filters section, select the Block attachments, pictures, and links from anyone not in my Safe senders and domains list check box.

   To block content from unknown senders, select the Only trust email from addresses in my Safe senders and domains list and Safe mailing lists check box.

6. Select Save.

Other Ways to Reduce Spam

Although the junk mail filter is helpful, try these other actions to reduce the spam you receive at Outlook.com.

1. When a junk email makes it to your Inbox, select the message, go to the navigation bar, and select Junk and then in the menu that appears, select Junk again. Outlook learns from this action and sends similar emails to the Junk folder in the future.

2. Don't reply to spam or unsubscribe from spam messages. 

3. Add email addresses or domains from junk email to the Blocked Senders list to send them directly to the Junk Email folder. 

4. Add people or domains that you always want to receive email from to the Safe Senders list.

5. Protect yourself from automated programs that gather email addresses from public message boards, chat rooms, or other public web pages by spelling out the entire email address such as Example AT Outlook DOT com when you leave comments on these sites.