Too many spam and phishing emails in my Junk folder

Question

Too many spam and phishing emails in my Junk folder

dan 15

How do I stop or reduce unwanted spam and phishing emails in my junk folder? The spam filter is working in directing them to my junk folder but I am getting >200 a day in my junk folder. I need to check that folder frequently for emails that are legitimate.

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Charlotte Oswald 0 Reputation points

2026-10-10T18:04:24.12+00:00

I am also getting hundred a day with email addresses that constantly are changing with same or similar subject line. MS has got to do a better job filtering messages that are clearly spam before they hit my junk mail.

3 answers

Charlotte Oswald 0 Reputation points

2026-10-10T18:04:24.12+00:00

I am also getting hundred a day with email addresses that constantly are changing with same or similar subject line. MS has got to do a better job filtering messages that are clearly spam before they hit my junk mail.

Answer 1

Arlene D 36,270 Independent Advisor

Hey, Dan! That is good news! Keep reporting each one as Phishing or Junk instead of deleting them.

0 comments

Answer 2

Arlene D 36,270 Independent Advisor

For home Outlook, Microsoft only filters spam after delivery, so it can’t block messages before they reach you like a company firewall. Or, you can reduce the issue by adding trusted domains to Safe Senders, creating Inbox rules to move likely client emails to your Inbox, and reporting spam so Outlook learns. Pre-delivery filtering isn’t available for home accounts, so these steps are the main way to keep real emails visible.

dan 15 Reputation points

2026-02-15T15:01:54.78+00:00

I contacted Outlook support from within the Outlook desktop app. They worked with me checking setting etc, they also asked for examples of the spam I am getting. My spam / Phishing has dropped from hundreds per day to only 6 yesterday.

Answer 3

Arlene D 36,270 Independent Advisor

Hello,

Just keep the Junk filter on, marking any real emails in Junk as “Not Junk” to train Outlook, adding trusted contacts or domains to Safe Senders, adding repeat spam emails to Blocked Senders, and keeping Outlook and Windows updated. This won’t stop all spam, but it will reduce the volume and help your legitimate emails get through.

dan 15 Reputation points

2026-02-13T18:22:16.42+00:00

I have real estate rental business and often get valid emails in my junk folder with>200 spam and phishing emails I am missing potential new clients. This option won't work. Outlook needs to filter the messages before they show up to me. It works for me at work for my regular job. the company firewall blocks the crap
Hornblower409 16,750 Reputation points

2026-02-14T16:22:33.5866667+00:00

@dan said

at work for my regular job. the company firewall blocks the crap

You're not alone. Here's a Google Search of this forum about the Microsoft Junk filter:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Why+is+the+Microsoft+Spam+filter+so+bad?+site:learn.microsoft.com

We can all only hope that if enough people complain loud enough, Microsoft might take some action.
dan 15 Reputation points

2026-02-14T18:49:05.07+00:00

Sorry and no disrespect but that is not what is needed. I also have a gmail account and not getting the hundreds of spam emails each day. What is different between the two?
Hornblower409 16,750 Reputation points

2026-02-15T02:14:04.66+00:00

@dan said

[Why is the Google Spam filter so much better?]

I agree. The Google Spam filter is better. I used "Gmailify" to filter an old, badly "infested" Outlook account. I'm not sure what I'm going to do now that they are shutting it down.

Why? I can't say. Out of my league.