Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To block spam in Outlook.com, open Settings > Mail > Junk email, add the unwanted address under Blocked senders or its domain under Blocked domains, then save. Outlook moves messages matching those entries to the Junk Email folder; blocking does not stop the sender from transmitting mail or guarantee that every unwanted message disappears. If a legitimate sender is being filtered, add its address, domain, or mailing list to the safe sender settings. For a suspicious message, use Report > Report phishing as a separate safety action.
What does blocking do in Outlook.com?
Outlook.com applies blocked-sender and blocked-domain entries to incoming mail. Microsoft Support explains that adding an address or domain to the blocked senders list makes Outlook automatically move matching messages to the Junk Email folder. The sender can still send mail, and the message may still be delivered to your account for filtering, so blocking is a routing rule rather than a way to make the sender disappear.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The setting is account-level for Outlook.com and Outlook on the web. Labels can look different in other Outlook applications, and a mailbox supplied by another provider may require you to manage blocking with that provider instead.
How do I block one email address?
Use a full address when you want to filter mail from one sender without affecting other people at the same domain.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Sign in to Outlook.com and select the Settings gear.
- Choose Mail, then open Junk email.
- Find Blocked senders.
- Enter the sender’s complete email address, such as the address shown in the message’s From line.
- Select the control to add the entry, then select Save if Outlook presents a separate save button.
New messages that match that address are sent to Junk Email. Existing messages are not necessarily moved by adding the entry, so handle an old message separately if you need it out of the inbox immediately.
How do I block an entire email domain?
Use Blocked domains when every address at a domain should be treated as unwanted. Enter the domain rather than a single mailbox address, then add it and save.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Open Settings > Mail > Junk email.
- Scroll to Blocked domains.
- Type the domain used after the @ symbol in the sender’s address.
- Add the domain and save the settings.
A domain block is broader than an address block. It can route legitimate messages from other teams, automated services, or support staff at that same domain, so choose it only when you intend to filter the whole domain. For a mixed-use domain, block individual addresses instead.
What is the difference between blocked and safe senders?
Blocked entries are for mail you do not want in the inbox; safe entries are for trusted mail that Outlook is putting in Junk Email. They are complementary controls, not competing products.
| Setting | What you add | Purpose | Expected handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked senders | One complete email address | Filter that particular sender | Matching messages go to Junk Email |
| Blocked domains | A domain | Filter addresses throughout that domain | Matching messages go to Junk Email |
| Safe senders and domains | A trusted address or domain | Keep wanted mail from being treated as junk | Outlook uses the entry as a trusted exception to junk filtering |
| Safe mailing lists | The mailing-list address | Protect messages distributed through a list | Mail from the trusted list is less likely to be moved to Junk Email |
To protect a wanted sender, return to Settings > Mail > Junk email, add the address or domain under the safe-sender settings, add a mailing-list address there when appropriate, and save. Use the narrowest entry that solves the problem: an individual address avoids trusting unrelated mail from the same domain.
How do I report phishing or junk email?
Select the suspicious message and choose Report > Report phishing. Reporting sends a signal about the message and sender; it is separate from adding the sender to a blocked list.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Microsoft Support states: “When you mark a message as phishing. the sender is reported but is not blocked from sending you additional messages.” If you want future messages from that address filtered as well, add the address under Blocked senders after reporting it. Do not treat the report control as a replacement for a block.
How can I recognize a phishing message before interacting with it?
Unexpected requests that create urgency or ask for credentials deserve special caution. Microsoft lists several examples that should make you stop before opening links or attachments:
- An unexpected reward or prize offer.
- A document that appears to come from a trusted organization but asks you to enter an email address and password to view it.
- An invoice for an order you did not make.
Use Outlook’s report control for a suspected phish, and avoid entering credentials or opening unexpected unsafe content. A message can be dangerous even when its visible display name looks familiar.
Why am I still receiving mail from a blocked sender?
The address you blocked may not be the address actually used for later messages. Microsoft identifies changed sender addresses and concealed real addresses as common explanations. Compare the full sender details in the new message rather than relying only on the display name.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Check the message’s headers
Open the message details or headers in Outlook and inspect the underlying sender information. If the technical address differs from the one in your blocked list, add the address that is actually sending the mail. This is especially useful when a campaign rotates through many addresses.
Create an inbox rule for a recurring pattern
When messages share a stable subject, phrase, or other identifying pattern but use changing addresses, Microsoft suggests creating an inbox rule. A rule can target that recurring pattern when a single blocked-sender entry cannot keep up with address changes. Review the rule carefully so it does not catch legitimate correspondence.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check the Junk Email folder
A successful block normally routes matching messages to Junk Email rather than preventing delivery to the account. Look there when you need to confirm that the entry is working, and inspect the sender details before deciding whether a safe entry is needed.
How do I undo a block or correct a mistake?
Return to Settings > Mail > Junk email and locate the address in Blocked senders or the domain in Blocked domains.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Select the blocked address or domain.
- Choose the remove or delete control.
- Save the settings if Outlook displays a separate Save button.
If wanted mail was being filtered, add the trusted address, domain, or mailing list to the safe-sender settings as well. Removing a block stops that particular block from applying; it does not by itself guarantee that Outlook’s other junk-detection signals will place every future message in the inbox.
Should I block an address or its whole domain?
Choose an address when the problem is limited to one mailbox. Choose a domain only when you are comfortable filtering every sender that uses it.
- Address block: precise, with less risk of catching legitimate mail from colleagues or services at the same domain.
- Domain block: broader coverage against a campaign using many addresses at one domain, but greater risk of moving wanted mail to Junk Email.
- Safe address: appropriate when one trusted sender is misclassified and you do not want to trust the entire domain.
- Safe domain: useful when all mail from an organization or service is expected and trusted.
When uncertain, start with the narrowest entry and watch the Junk Email folder for legitimate messages before expanding the scope.
What should I do when a trusted newsletter or mailing list goes to Junk Email?
Identify the address that distributes the messages, not merely the name displayed in the subject or sender field. Add that address to the safe senders settings. If the messages come through a mailing list, add the list address supported by Outlook’s safe-mailing-list setting, then save.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallAlso popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Do not add an entire domain simply because one newsletter was misclassified unless you intend to trust every sender at that domain. A narrower safe entry limits unintended mail reaching the inbox.
Can blocking stop a sender from contacting me?
No. In Outlook.com, blocking controls where matching messages are placed; it does not revoke the sender’s ability to transmit mail. The practical result is that messages matching your entry are moved to Junk Email, where you can review or delete them.
Because the sender can change addresses or hide the actual address, blocking may need to be combined with header inspection or an inbox rule. Reporting phishing adds a safety report but does not perform the block.
Does this procedure work in every Outlook app?
The documented path is for Outlook.com and Outlook on the web: Settings > Mail > Junk email. Other Outlook app versions may use different labels or expose account-level settings in another location. If the mailbox is hosted by a different email provider, Microsoft notes that blocking may have to be managed with that provider in some new Outlook configurations.
When the listed controls are missing, verify that you are signed in to the correct account and open its web mailbox. Changing a setting in one account does not automatically change the junk settings for another account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the safest workflow for a suspicious message?
Use this sequence when a message may be phishing rather than ordinary advertising:
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Do not open unexpected links, attachments, or credential forms.
- Inspect the message enough to identify the actual sender details, taking care not to interact with unsafe content.
- Select the message and choose Report > Report phishing.
- If you want future messages from that sender filtered, separately add its complete address to Blocked senders.
- If later messages use another address, inspect their headers and update the block or create a rule for a reliable recurring pattern.
This separates the security report from the mailbox-routing decision. It also avoids assuming that a familiar display name proves the message is genuine.
What are the limits of Outlook.com’s built-in controls?
Blocked lists work on the addresses and domains you specify. They cannot anticipate every new address a spammer may use, and they do not prevent mail from reaching the account before Outlook classifies it. Safe lists can also be too broad if you add an entire domain when only one sender is trusted.
Recommended Free Tools
For that reason, maintain the lists deliberately: remove obsolete entries, use full addresses where possible, and review Junk Email when an expected message is missing. Treat a phishing report and a block as two different actions with two different purposes.
Quick checklist
- Open Settings > Mail > Junk email.
- Add one unwanted address under Blocked senders, or a whole domain under Blocked domains.
- Save the change and expect matching mail in Junk Email, not an absolute stop to delivery.
- Add trusted addresses, domains, or mailing lists to the safe-sender settings when wanted mail is misclassified.
- Use Report > Report phishing for suspected phishing; add a block separately if needed.
- If unwanted messages continue, compare full sender details, inspect headers, and consider an inbox rule for a stable recurring pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a blocked sender be told that I blocked them?
Outlook.com’s blocked-sender setting changes how your mailbox handles matching messages; it does not provide a notification to the sender. The sender can continue transmitting mail, while matching messages are routed to Junk Email.
What if the same scam uses several different addresses?
A single address entry will not cover unrelated addresses. Check the full sender details in each message, add confirmed addresses individually, or use an inbox rule when the messages share a dependable recurring pattern.
Can I protect a mailing list without trusting its entire domain?
Yes. Outlook.com provides a safe-mailing-list setting. Add the list’s address there instead of adding the whole domain when other senders at that domain are not equally trusted.
Why is the Settings path different in my Outlook program?
The documented labels apply to Outlook.com and Outlook on the web, while other app versions can present account controls differently. If the mailbox is supplied by another provider, that provider may control blocking settings.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
