Outlook rule disappeared but still working (Fix it Now)

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I hope this article solves your problem about Outlook rule disappeared but still working: Outlook rules are automatic processes that are applied to incoming emails. A rule might direct the email from one sender to a particular folder so you can study it later. You may streamline your email and increase productivity by setting up these rules. Fixing common errors enables you to restore broken rules and return to a clean inbox.

Outlook rule disappeared

Outlook rule disappeared but still working:

Your Outlook rules aren’t working for several different reasons. For instance, certain settings prohibit Outlook from correctly applying rules. In other situations, corruption in your software or account may cause a problem. The following problems frequently result in violations of Outlook policies:

  • Rules exceeded the mailbox quota that was established.
  • Your device’s send/receive settings file is damaged.
  • A problem with your POP4 or IMAP account
  • Another machine is set up to run your rules.
  • Rules are not activated

Regardless of the offender, our guide will aid you in reinstalling your application and in automatically organizing your mailboxes. Follow the instructions below to check for corruption in your inbox and fix common issues.

How to fix Outlook Rules not working?

For Windows 10 users, some tried-and-true solutions to the Outlook Rules not working error are listed below. To prepare you for troubleshooting in 2021, the techniques have been revised with new solutions.

How to fix Outlook Rules not working

Method#1: Optimize the size of your rules

Rules’ file sizes are important. The maximum rules quota is by default set to 256KB. The range for the customs value is 64 KB to 256 KB. Meaning that when naming your processes even a single character matters here are some suggestions to reduce file size and make sure it’s not a problem:

  • Change complicated rule names: When naming a new rule, avoid using words that are lengthy or complex. To reduce the overall file size, keep it as brief as possible. For instance, we advise employing acronyms.
  • Eliminate rules: It’s a good idea to eliminate any rarely or never used rules. Doing this will keep the file size down and clean up your rule folder.
  • Combine related laws: It could be preferable to merge numerous rules into a single rule if they achieve the same goals. Reduce the file size and create space for a new rule by combining the stages.

Method#2: Enable rules for your account

Rules may occasionally be turned off on your account, which prevents them from functioning. Before using any of the below troubleshooting techniques, make sure your rules are activated!

  • Launch the Outlook application.
  • Continue to the Account Information tab after selecting the File tab.
  • Press the icon labeled Manage Rules & Alerts. On your screen, the Rules and Alerts dialogue box will appear.
  • Verify that all of the accounts you want to use rules on have the checkboxes selected. A checkbox will activate the rules.

Method#3: Delete and remake your rules

Your Outlook rule problem might be resolved quickly by simply deleting them and starting over.

  • Completely close Outlook.
  • To open the Run tool, press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut. Enter “outlook.exe /clean rules” on your keyboard while holding down the Ctrl, Shift, and Enter keys.
  • Warning! This approach also deletes the rules on other accounts linked to Outlook.
  • When Outlook starts up, all of the rules are removed. You can now recreate them and build new rules using our optimization advice.

Disable the “Stop processing more rules” option:

The rules of Outlook work from top to bottom. If a rule doesn’t function, it can be because the checkbox labeled “Stop processing more rules” has been selected for a rule above it. The rules below it will still be applied if this box is left unchecked.

  • Outlook Rules 
  • Start Outlook. Click the Rules button under the Home tab (found in the more section).
  • From the context menu, select Manage Rules and Alerts. This will launch a new window.
  • Choose the first rule from your list by moving it down. Click the Change Rule button after choosing a rule.
  • In the Select Condition window, click the Next button after selecting Edit Rule Settings from the selection menu.
  • Verify that the option to Stop Processing More Rules is off. If not, uncheck the box by clicking it once. When finished, press the Next button.
  • Select Finish after selecting next.
Disable the Stop processing more rules option

Method#4:  Delete the .ost file to repair Outlook data

Outlook data is stored in. ost files. Your rules might change if this file is corrupted or damaged. It can be recovered by deleting this file and starting Outlook again.

  • Exit Outlook completely and end any associated processes in the Task Manager.
  • On your keyboard, press Windows and R. This will launch the Run application.
  • Verify that the option to “Stop Processing More Rules” is off. If not, simply uncheck the box by clicking it once. When finished, press the Next button.
  • Select Finish after selecting Next.

Method#5: Delete the .ost file to repair Outlook data

Outlook data is stored in. ost files. Your rules might change if this file is corrupted or damaged. It can be recovered by deleting this file and starting Outlook again.

  • Exit Outlook completely and end any associated processes in the Task Manager.
  • On your keyboard, press Windows and R. This will launch the Run application.
  • On your keyboard, type “control” and press the Enter key. This will open the default Control Panel program.
  • Select User Accounts from the menu—select Mail here (Microsoft Outlook).
  • Select Email Accounts.
  • Right-click on the corresponding.otr (Outlook Data File) file to select it. Delete is an option on the context menu.
  • Open Outlook and verify that the rules are operating correctly.

How do I fix a corrupted rule in Outlook?

For versions of Outlook 2010 and later:

  • Click Info under File.
  • Select Manage Alerts and Rules.
  • Click the rule you want to rename on the Email Rules tab.
  • Click Edit Rule Settings after selecting Change Rule.
  • Adjust the rule as necessary.
  • To close the Rules and Alerts dialogue box, click OK.

To Summarize:

In a nutshell Outlook rule disappeared but still working if you need any more help with Office apps, don’t hesitate to contact our support team, which is standing by 24/7 to assist you. Visit us again for more in-depth articles on productivity and contemporary technologies!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Outlook rules disappear?

These Outlook rules are kept in PST files, so if those files become corrupted or are deleted, you could also lose your email rules. These PSTs become corrupted for the reasons listed below: Outlook upgrade is not carried out correctly. During the PST compression process, a random mistake occurs.

Where are Outlook 365 rules stored?

Client-only rules are kept in. rwz files with the name of your profile or in your pst/ost file. Client-only rules are kept in the pst/ost file, not the rwz files, as with Outlook 2003. Therefore, if you back up your pst file, your rules are immediately backed up.

How do I backup and restore Outlook rules?

Then select Info > Manage Rules and Alerts from the Ribbon’s File tab. Select Options from the menu. Press the Export Rules button in the Options window. To save your rules, pick a folder.

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