Unwanted emails from specific senders can clutter your inbox and waste time. Outlook provides a built-in feature to block these senders, moving their messages directly to the Junk Email folder. This article explains the steps to block a sender in the Outlook desktop app and on the web.
Key Takeaways: Blocking Senders in Outlook
- Junk > Block Sender: This command in the desktop app moves all future messages from the selected sender to your Junk Email folder.
- More actions > Block: In Outlook on the web, use this menu option to block a sender from any email view.
- File > Options > Mail > Junk Email > Blocked Senders: This path in Outlook desktop lets you view, add, or remove addresses from your block list.
How the Block Sender Feature Works
When you block a sender, Outlook automatically redirects all future emails from that specific email address or domain to your Junk Email folder. The feature works by adding the sender to a Blocked Senders List, which is separate from your Safe Senders List. You need an active internet connection for the rule to sync across devices if you use a Microsoft 365 or Exchange account. Blocking is effective for stopping newsletters, promotional emails, or spam from persistent senders.
Steps to Block a Sender in Outlook Desktop
Use these steps in the Outlook application for Windows or Mac. The process is similar for both operating systems.
- Select an email from the sender
In your inbox or any folder, click once on a message sent from the address you want to block. - Navigate to the Junk menu
Go to the Home tab on the ribbon. In the Delete group, click the Junk button. - Choose Block Sender
From the dropdown menu, select Block Sender. A confirmation dialog will appear. - Confirm the action
Click OK in the confirmation dialog. The selected email address is now added to your block list.
Manage Your Blocked Senders List
You can review or edit your list at any time.
- Open Junk Email Options
Go to File > Options > Mail. Scroll down to the Junk Email section and click the Junk Email button. - Access the Blocked Senders tab
In the Junk Email Options window, select the Blocked Senders tab. - Add or remove addresses
To add a new address, click Add and type it in. To remove one, select it from the list and click Remove. - Apply the changes
Click OK to close the Junk Email Options window, then click OK again to close the Outlook Options window.
Steps to Block a Sender in Outlook on the Web
Follow this method when using Outlook in a web browser like Microsoft Edge or Chrome.
- Open the email message
In Outlook on the web, click on the unwanted email to open it in the reading pane. - Click the More actions menu
At the top of the opened message, look for an ellipsis icon (three dots) labeled More actions. - Select the Block option
Click More actions, then choose Block from the dropdown menu. - Confirm your choice
A prompt will ask if you want to block the sender. Click Block to confirm. The sender is now blocked.
Common Mistakes and Limitations to Avoid
Blocked Emails Still Appear in Inbox
If emails from a blocked sender still reach your inbox, the sender might be using a different email address. Check the exact sender address on a new message. Add each variant to your block list. Also, verify that the address is on the Blocked Senders List and not the Safe Senders List by mistake.
Need to Unblock a Sender Later
To unblock a sender in Outlook desktop, go to File > Options > Mail > Junk Email > Blocked Senders. Select the address and click Remove. In Outlook on the web, go to Settings > Mail > Junk email. Find the address under Blocked senders and domains and click the trash can icon next to it.
Blocking Does Not Stop All Spam
The Block Sender feature only stops mail from specific addresses you have identified. It is not a replacement for Outlook’s built-in junk email filter. For bulk spam, ensure your Junk Email Filter level is set to No Automatic Filtering, Low, High, or Safe Lists Only in the Junk Email Options.
Block Sender vs. Junk Email Filter: Key Differences
| Item | Block Sender Feature | Junk Email Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Blocks emails from specific, known addresses or domains | Automatically filters suspected spam based on content and sender reputation |
| Control Level | Manual, user-defined list | Automatic with configurable sensitivity levels |
| Action Taken | Moves messages to Junk Email folder | Moves messages to Junk Email folder |
| Management Location | Blocked Senders List in Junk Email Options | Junk Email Options with Safe Senders and Blocked Senders lists |
| Best For | Stopping persistent newsletters or specific unwanted contacts | Catching unsolicited bulk spam from unknown sources |
You can now stop specific senders from reaching your main inbox. Use the Junk menu in Outlook desktop or the More actions menu on the web. For advanced control, regularly review your Blocked Senders List in Outlook Options to remove addresses you no longer need to block. Consider combining this with a Safe Senders List for important contacts.