Outlook 2016 and 2019 not running rules

I have a couple of rules set up with Outlook 2016 and also Outlook 2019 whereby the rules do not run automatically when I open the program on emails that are in the inbox. When I run the rules manually, they work correctly, moving the emails to the correct folder.

Anything I can look at to make them run automatically?

I suggest you go to the TenForums Office section and search there for any existing guidance on the subject.
- See the Search forum link in the upper-right of its opening webpage.
I think you might also check the details of the rules to make sure they are turned on - this is shown in the final dialog of the Change rule option.
See also Rules do not work automatically - MSOutlook.info

I thought running two versions of Outlook on the same computer was problematic but I cannot find that stated in any MS articles.
Install and use different versions of Office on the same PC - MSSupport

If you don't find an existing solution then I think you'll get more chance of relevant assistance by posting in that TenForums section rather than here.

Best of luck,
Denis

Thanks - FYI, 2016 is on one computer and 2019 is on another

wimorrison said:

I have a couple of rules set up with Outlook 2016 and also Outlook 2019 whereby the rules do not run automatically when I open the program on emails that are in the inbox. When I run the rules manually, they work correctly, moving the emails to the correct folder.

Anything I can look at to make them run automatically?

Click to expand...

Hello wimorrison,

Outlook rules make the management of emails easy by allowing you to sort, mark, and filter incoming emails. However, at times, you find that Outlook rules are not working Automatically when new messages arrive in your inbox. It might happen due to various reasons like rules exceeding the quota set for the mailbox, corruption in PST files, etc.

A rule is an action in which Outlook for Windows runs automatically on incoming/outgoing email messages. If you're facing the issue of Outlook rules not working automatically, then follow the steps below to fix the issue,

Ensure the Rules are Enabled:

• Firstly, open MS Outlook and navigate to Files > Rules & Alerts.
• Now, under the Rules & Alerts dialog box, check that the "enabled" checkboxes against the concerned rules are selected.
• Then, enable them if not selected.

Rename or Reset SRS File settings:

In order to fix the issue of Outlook rules not working automatically, you have to rename/reset your send/receive settings (.srs) file.

• Firstly, locate my computer icon and double-click on it to open.
• Next, navigate to the following default location of the .srs file:

C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Outlook

• Now, rename Outlook.srs file to Outlook.srs.old
• Lastly, restart Outlook to recreate the SRS file.

Delete and Recreate the Rules:

If Outlook rules are corrupted/damaged, then you can delete & recreate them by following the steps below,

• Firstly, open Outlook, click on File Tab, then go to Info
• Now, navigate to Manage Rules & Alerts.
• Then, select the rule from the list and click Delete.
• Click on Yes to delete the existing rules.
• Lastly, recreate the rules in Outlook by using the Rules Wizard.

The Outlook rules feature allows users to create an automated response for emails. Thus, implementing the above steps will help you to fix the Outlook rules that do not run automatically.

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Regards,
Rex M

wimorrison said:

2016 is on one computer and 2019 is on another

Click to expand...

As well as checking the enabled parameter, I have to check rules for On this machine/computer only because it can creep in when copying pst files from one computer to another.
This one is at the bottom of the first dialog when checking/changing rules.


All the best,
Denis