How to run outlook rules on existing mail

Outlook rules can be applied to existing emails, but the process is a bit tricky. Here's how to do it:

Method 1: Using the "Run Rules Now" button

1. Open Outlook and go to the "Home" tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on the "Rules" button in the "Move" group.
3. Select "Manage Rules & Alerts" from the dropdown menu.
4. In the "Rules and Alerts" dialog box, click on the "Run Rules Now" button.
5. Select the rule you want to apply to existing emails.
6. Click "OK" to apply the rule to all emails in your Inbox.

Method 2: Using the "Apply Rules Now" button

1. Open Outlook and go to the "Home" tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on the "Rules" button in the "Move" group.
3. Select "Apply Rules Now" from the dropdown menu.
4. In the "Apply Rules Now" dialog box, select the rule you want to apply to existing emails.
5. Choose the folder you want to apply the rule to (e.g., Inbox, Sent Items, etc.).
6. Click "OK" to apply the rule to all emails in the selected folder.

Method 3: Using the "Rules Wizard"

1. Open Outlook and go to the "Home" tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on the "Rules" button in the "Move" group.
3. Select "New Rule" from the dropdown menu.
4. In the "Rules Wizard" dialog box, select the rule type you want to create (e.g., "Move messages from someone to a folder").
5. Click "Next" and then "Finish" to create the rule.
6. Go back to the "Rules and Alerts" dialog box and click on the "Run Rules Now" button.
7. Select the rule you just created and click "OK" to apply it to all emails in your Inbox.

Tips:

• Make sure you have the "Run Rules Now" or "Apply Rules Now" button enabled in your Outlook settings. To do this, go to "File" > "Options" > "Advanced" and check the box next to "Run rules now on incoming messages".
• If you have a large number of emails in your Inbox, applying a rule to existing emails may take some time.
• You can also use the "Rules" button in the "Home" tab to apply a rule to a specific email or a selection of emails.