Outlook.com junk email settings reset themselves

For Outlook.com, the supported workaround for junk filtering behavior that does not stick correctly is to toggle the setting and let the service resync:

1. In Outlook.com, go to Settings > Mail > Junk email.
2. Change Incoming mail handling from Strict to Standard or, if it is already behaving incorrectly, switch it to Strict first.
3. Select Save.
4. Sign out of Outlook.com.
5. Sign back in.
6. Return to Settings > Mail > Junk email.
7. Set Incoming mail handling to Standard.
8. Select Save again.

This reset can take a few hours before junk mail starts routing correctly again.

Also check the Outlook.com junk settings directly in the web UI, because that is where blocked senders and junk handling are managed for Outlook on the web/Outlook.com:

• Settings > Mail > Junk email
• Review Blocked senders and Blocked domains and remove anything that should not be there.
• If legitimate mail is being treated as junk, add trusted senders to the safe senders list where applicable.

If mail is still going to Junk after that, check for Outlook.com rules that may be moving messages unexpectedly:

1. Open Outlook.com on a computer.
2. Go to Settings > Mail > Rules.
3. Remove or disable any rule that moves mail to Junk or another folder.

For classic Outlook on Windows, junk filtering options were removed in some builds and later restored. That explains why those settings may have disappeared in the desktop app. Outlook.com web settings remain the correct place to review junk handling for Outlook.com mail.

• Block or unblock senders in Outlook
• Outlook.com doesn't send any emails to junk folder - Microsoft Q&A
• All email goes to junk folder - Microsoft Q&A
• Outlook Junk filtering is running but the Junk Email Options settings are removed