Introduction
Microsoft Outlook has implemented a Focused Inbox feature that helps curate your inbox view, attempting to surface important messages into a virtual inbox labeled "Focused" for viewing and potential replies, and moving less important messages into a virtual mailbox labeled "Other". On occasion this can cause RIC community members that use Outlook to overlook or miss e-mail important messages from offices and departments at the college. This article will provide details on how to adjust and/or disable the Focused Inbox feature.
Instructions
Outlook for Windows and Outlook for the Web
The following Microsoft article discussed the use of the Focused Inbox feature and how to disable it, as well how to train Outlook to always send messages to the Focused or the Other inbox, including screen shots:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/focused-inbox-for-outlook-f445ad7f-02f4-4294-a82e-71d8964e3978#PickTab=New_Outlook
Quick Overview to Enable/Disable Focused Inbox:
- Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 (Classic Outlook): Select View tab from the top ribbon of menu options, and then toggle the "Show Focused Inbox" button on or off.
- Microsoft Outlook (New): Select View from the top menu bar, then toggle between options "Sort messages into Focused and Other" or "Don't sort my messages".
- Microsoft Outlook on the Web: Select Settings from top right of page, then select Mail, then select Layout. Then toggle between options "Sort messages into Focused and Other" or "Don't sort my messages".
Outlook for Mac
The following Microsoft article discussed the use of the Focused Inbox feature and how to disable it, as well how to train Outlook for Mac to always send messages to the Focused or the Other inbox:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/focused-inbox-in-outlook-for-mac-380b3c37-d43e-449e-a9c8-8444c3c6dbeb
Quick Overview to Enable/Disable Focused Inbox:
- Select View menu from the Outlook for Mac top menu bar. Then toggle the Turn on Focused Inbox option on or off.
Outlook for iPhone, iPad, and Google Android Devices
The following Microsoft article discussed the use of the Focused Inbox feature and how to disable it, as well how to train Outlook for iOS and Android to always send messages to the Focused or the Other inbox:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-is-focused-inbox-16b24373-dfa9-4139-ab19-08aa753a6055
Quick Overview to Enable/Disable Focused Inbox:
- Swipe left or select Home to display the left menu in Outlook. Then select Settings, then select the account, then select Focused Inbox button and toggle on or off.
Non-Microsoft E-Mail Clients
Third party applications such as Apple Mail and built-in Google Android e-mail applications that have Microsoft Exchange support do not support the Focused Inbox feature. On these devices, there are no settings to change, and all messages will appear in your primary inbox folder in these applications.
Additional Support
If you have additional questions about the usage of the Focused Inbox feature in Microsoft Outlook, you can contact the ITS Help Center by phone at (401) 456-8803 or by e-mail at helpdesk@ric.edu. You can also open a Software Support request directly through the RIC Service Center by selecting this link:
Software Application/Service Issue