How To Make Flagged Emails Go To Top Outlook – Conditional Formatting Rules Guide

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Moving flagged emails to the top of your Outlook inbox requires using the Arrange By feature. If you’ve been wondering how to make flagged emails go to top outlook, this guide will walk you through every step clearly and quickly.

Flagged emails are a great way to mark important messages for follow-up. But if they’re buried in a crowded inbox, they lose their purpose. By sorting them to the top, you can see your priorities instantly.

This article covers Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and Outlook for Mac. We’ll also share tips for keeping flagged emails at the top permanently. Let’s get started.

How To Make Flagged Emails Go To Top Outlook

Outlook offers several ways to bring flagged emails to the top. The easiest method uses the Arrange By feature. You can also use filters, search folders, or conditional formatting. Below, we break down each approach.

Method 1: Using The Arrange By Feature

This is the fastest way to sort flagged emails to the top. It works in most Outlook versions.

  1. Open Outlook and go to your inbox.
  2. Click the “View” tab in the top ribbon.
  3. In the “Arrangement” group, click “Arrange By.”
  4. Select “Flag: Due Date” from the dropdown menu.
  5. Choose “Flag: Start Date” if you prefer that order.

Your inbox will now show flagged emails at the top. Unflagged emails appear below. You can also click the “Flag Status” column header to toggle the order.

This method works in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365. It’s simple and doesn’t require any extra setup.

Method 2: Using The Filter Feature

If you only want to see flagged emails, use the filter option. This hides unflagged emails temporarily.

  1. Click the “View” tab.
  2. Click “Filter Email” or “Filter” (depending on your version).
  3. Select “Flagged” from the list.
  4. Your inbox will show only flagged messages.

To return to the full inbox, click “Filter” again and choose “All.” This is useful for quick reviews but doesn’t keep flagged emails at the top permanently.

Method 3: Using A Search Folder

Search folders let you create a virtual folder that collects flagged emails automatically. This is a permanent solution.

  1. Go to the “Folder” tab in the ribbon.
  2. Click “New Search Folder.”
  3. In the list, select “Mail flagged for follow up.”
  4. Click “OK.”

A new folder appears in your folder pane. It shows all flagged emails from all folders. You can pin this folder to your Favorites for quick access.

This method works great if you want a dedicated view of flagged items without changing your main inbox.

Method 4: Using Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting can highlight flagged emails with a different color or font. While it doesn’t move them to the top, it makes them stand out.

  1. Click “View” > “View Settings.”
  2. Click “Conditional Formatting.”
  3. Click “Add” and name the rule (e.g., “Flagged Emails”).
  4. Click “Condition” and set “Flag Status” to “Flagged.”
  5. Choose a font color or style, then click “OK.”

Now flagged emails will appear in your chosen style. Combine this with Method 1 for best results.

How To Make Flagged Emails Go To Top Outlook On Mac

Outlook for Mac works a bit differently. Here’s how to sort flagged emails to the top.

  1. Open Outlook for Mac.
  2. Click the “View” menu at the top.
  3. Select “Arrange By” > “Flag Status.”
  4. Choose “Flagged” to sort flagged emails first.

You can also click the “Flag” column header in the message list. Click once to sort flagged items to the top. Click again to reverse the order.

If you don’t see the Flag column, right-click the column headers and select “Flag Status” to add it.

How To Make Flagged Emails Go To Top Outlook On Web

Outlook on the web (OWA) has a similar feature. Here’s the step-by-step.

  1. Log in to Outlook on the web.
  2. Click the “View” settings gear icon (top right).
  3. Under “Message list,” click “Arrange by.”
  4. Select “Flag: Due date” or “Flag: Start date.”

Your inbox will refresh with flagged emails at the top. You can also use the “Filter” button above the message list to show only flagged items.

This setting persists across sessions, so you don’t need to repeat it each time.

Keeping Flagged Emails At The Top Permanently

If you want flagged emails to always stay at the top, here are some tips.

  • Save your view settings. After sorting by Flag Status, click “View” > “Save Current View as a New View.” Name it and apply it.
  • Use a rule. Create a rule that moves flagged emails to a specific folder. Then sort that folder by flag status.
  • Pin the search folder. Right-click the “Mail flagged for follow up” search folder and choose “Add to Favorites.”

These methods ensure flagged emails are always visible, even after you close and reopen Outlook.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes flagged emails don’t sort correctly. Here are fixes for common problems.

Flagged Emails Not Appearing At Top

Check if you’re using the correct column. Click the “Flag Status” column header. If it’s not there, right-click the column headers and add it.

Also, make sure you haven’t applied other filters. Clear any active filters by clicking “Filter” and selecting “All.”

Flagged Emails Disappear After Sorting

This can happen if you’re using a custom view. Reset your view by going to “View” > “Reset View.” Then reapply the flag sort.

Flagged Emails From Other Folders Not Showing

The Arrange By feature only works within the current folder. To see flagged emails from all folders, use the search folder method described above.

Advanced Tips For Power Users

If you use Outlook heavily, these tips can save time.

  • Create a quick step. Set up a quick step that flags an email and moves it to a “Follow Up” folder. Then sort that folder by flag status.
  • Use categories. Combine flagging with categories. For example, flag emails with a red category for urgent items.
  • Automate with rules. Create a rule that automatically flags emails from specific senders or with certain keywords.

These tricks help you manage flagged emails more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make Flagged Emails Go To Top In Outlook Automatically?

Use the Arrange By feature and select “Flag: Due Date.” Save the view to make it permanent. For Outlook on the web, set the arrangement in View settings.

Can I Keep Flagged Emails At The Top In Outlook Without Using Filters?

Yes. Sort by the Flag Status column. This keeps flagged emails at the top while still showing unflagged emails below.

Why Won’t My Flagged Emails Sort To The Top In Outlook?

You might have a custom view or filter active. Reset your view, then sort by Flag Status. Also check that the Flag column is visible.

Does Sorting Flagged Emails To The Top Work In Outlook For Mac?

Yes. Use the “Arrange By” menu under the View tab, or click the Flag column header in the message list.

How Do I See Flagged Emails From All Folders At Once?

Create a search folder for “Mail flagged for follow up.” This collects flagged emails from every folder into one place.

Final Thoughts

Sorting flagged emails to the top of Outlook is a simple but powerful way to stay organized. Whether you use Windows, Mac, or the web, the steps are straightforward. Start with the Arrange By feature for quick results. If you need a permanent solution, try a search folder or save your view settings.

By mastering how to make flagged emails go to top outlook, you’ll never miss an important follow-up again. Give these methods a try today and see how much easier your inbox becomes.