View only unread messages in Outlook
Applies ToOutlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2024 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016

The Inbox or any other mail folder can be filtered to display only unread messages. By default, unread messages appear in bold in the message list.

Note: Outlook for Mac information on this topic is available here

At the top of the message list, above the column headings, are two preset filtering options—All and Unread.

At the top of the message list, you can filter the current folder to just unread messages, or you can show all messages.

  • When All is selected, every message in the current folder is shown in the message list.

  • When Unread is selected, only the unread messages in the current folder are shown in the message list.

  • In Outlook 2016, select the All drop-down at the top of the message list and then select Unread Mail.

    Screenshot shows the Unread Mail option selected from the All drop-down menu on the Inbox ribbon.

  • In Outlook 2013, select the Filter Email drop-down in the Find group on the ribbon and select Unread.

    Filter E-mail command on the ribbon

  1. At the top of your Inbox, click in the Search Current Mailbox box. 

  2. Type isread:no and then click Enter or click the Unread button in the Refine group on the ribbon.

    Note: To switch your search to the current folder or subfolders, select the Current Folder button or the Subfolders button in the Scope group on the ribbon.

A Search folder is a folder with a pre-defined set of search criteria. The contents of your search folder will update automatically as new items that meet the criteria are received.

  1. From your Inbox, choose the Folder tab > New Search Folder.

  2. Select Unread mail from the Reading Mail group, and then select OK.

  1. In Mail, select the folder you want to filter for unread messages.

  2. Near the upper right corner of the message list, select  The Filter icon. Filter > Unread.

    Tip: The name of the filter button changes to Unread to indicate which filter is applied. When you want to remove the filter so that you can see all the messages in the current folder, simply click the  The Unread Mail filter symbol. Unread filter button. 

  1. In Mail, select the folder you want to filter for unread messages.

  2. Near the upper right corner of the message list, select  The Filter icon. Filter > Unread.

    Tip: The name of the filter button changes to Unread to indicate which filter is applied. When you want to remove the filter so that you can see all the messages in the current folder, simply click the  The Unread Mail filter symbol. Unread filter button. 

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.