The issue arises when the user has set up a rule on his Outlook profile but that rule is not executed when an email meeting the rule condition is received. The issue is reported on Windows and Mac (regardless of on-premises Exchange or online Exchange Server), usually, after an OS/Outlook update or migration of mailboxes. Before moving on with the solutions to fix Outlook rules, make sure there are no conflicting rules in place. Moreover, keep in mind that an email based on a rule could not be forwarded to more than 10 external users. Furthermore, the Outlook rules may not work on the connected accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.), as it only supports Outlook.com accounts. No rules are applied to the mail that is flagged as junk and moved to the junk folder (you may have to change your junk filters, blocked and whitelist/safe sender settings to allow a particular email to reach your inbox). Additionally, Outlook rules might not work if you have applied more than 100 rules. Also, rules applied on the client-side (i.e., on the Outlook client) will not work on the server-side (i.e. on the Outlook web app). Moreover, do note that some rules will work on new emails (not the existing emails). For some of the users, the Outlook rules did not work if there was an IMAP folder involved, so, make sure that is not the case. Do not use @ when applying the “With Specific Words in the Sender’s Address” rule, as it will not work. Also, Outlook rules do not work on shared mailboxes. Finally, make sure Journal Report NDR is disabled as it disables all rules applied to it. Last but not least, try to disable/enable cache exchange mode to rule out any temporary glitch.
Solution 1: Update the Outlook to the Latest Build
Outlook is updated regularly to add new features to it and patch known bugs. You may encounter the error at hand if you are using an outdated version of Outlook. In this case, updating Outlook to the latest build may solve the problem.
Solution 2: Change Offline Settings of Downloading Emails to All
You may fail to run rules on all the messages (client-side rules) of the Outlook client if its offline settings are set to sync for just a limited time (e.g. 3 days or 1 year). In this case, changing the offline settings to All may solve the problem.
Solution 3: Disable the Option of Stop Processing More Rules
The Outlook rules apply in the order of top to bottom. Some of the Outlook rules might not work if a rule higher in order is met & applied and that rule is configured to stop the processing of more rules. In this scenario, disabling the option of Stop Processing More Rules for that rule or all rules may solve the problem. But keep in mind this can lead to multiple email messages (e.g. one in your inbox and the other in the folder where you moved the message using rule).
Solution 4: Delete the OST File
Outlook uses the OST file to store its data. You may encounter the error at hand if the OST file is corrupt. In this case, deleting the OST file (the file will be recreated on the next launch of Outlook) may solve the problem.
Solution 5: Create a New Outlook Profile
Outlook rules might not work if your Outlook profile is corrupt. In this context, creating a new Outlook profile may solve the problem.
Solution 6: Use Outlook Web App to Create the Rule
Outlook supports both the server-side (the rule created using Outlook web app) and client side-rules (created using the Outlook client). If client rules are not working, then using the Outlook web app to create a server-side rule may solve the problem.
Solution 7: Disable/Enable and Re-add the Outlook Rules
The Outlook rules could be a result of a temporary glitch of server-client communication or application modules. The glitch can be cleared by re-enabling the Outlook rules.
Solution 8: Reduce the Folder Size
Outlook rules might not work if the folder size of your data file is too huge. In this case, reducing the folder size by clearing your mail may solve the problem. If no solution was effective in solving the issue, then check if trying another account solves the issue. Also, check if restoring your system to an earlier image helps out the issue. Moreover, check if you can move emails to a user-created folder based on a rule. If the issue is still there, then try to import Outlook rules from an Outlook client (from another system where Outlook rules are working fine). If the issue is still there, then manually run the rules (till the issue is resolved).
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