How to Set Up an Incoming Mail Filter in Windows Live Hotmail

This article explains how to set up an incoming filter for Windows Live Hotmail in Outlook.com. It also includes information on creating a new rule from the inbox that moves all email messages from a specific sender to a folder.

Set Up an Incoming Mail Filter in Outlook.com for Windows Live Hotmail

Microsoft transitioned Hotmail to Outlook.com in 2013. People with Hotmail email addresses can still access their email at Outlook.com.

Have Outlook organize your incoming Windows Live Hotmail mail by moving it to a designated folder automatically. Set up a rule to file the incoming mail automatically.

1. Go to Outlook.com and log in to your Live or Hotmail email account.

2. Select the Settings gear icon in the upper-right corner of the window and choose View All Outlook Settings at the bottom of the Settings pane.

3. Select Mail in the left pane and then choose Rules.

4. Select Add New Rule.

5. Enter a name for the new rule, such as the name of the folder where you want to file messages that meet the conditions.

6. Select a condition, such as From or Subject Includes. Enter the details of the condition, such as the name of the sender or the word in the subject by which you want to filter messages. Add additional conditions by choosing Add a condition.

7. In the Add an action list, choose Move to and choose the folder where you want to store filtered messages.

8. Select the Stop processing more rules check box. Select Save to create your rule and start filtering email messages.

Filter Email Automatically from the Inbox

Alternatively, create a new rule directly from the inbox that moves all email messages from a specific sender to a folder.

1. Right-click a relevant email in your message list and select Create rule.

2. Choose the folder to store all messages from that sender.

3. Select OK and then choose OK again.