Using the 'Report' Button in Outlook

Using this button to report junk and phishing is crucial. It not only cleans your inbox but also sends the information to Microsoft, helping to improve their security filters and protect everyone in the organization.

Key Requirement: Your Email Account Type

This is the most important prerequisite: The built-in Report button is a Microsoft 365 security feature. It will only appear and function if your email account is a Microsoft 365 (or Office 365) account with a mailbox in Exchange Online.

The button will NOT be available for other account types you might have added to Outlook, such as:

• Google Workspace (Gmail)
• Standard IMAP or POP3 email accounts (e.g., from web hosts like GoDaddy, VentraIP, or Crazy Domains)
• Personal outlook.com or hotmail.com accounts (in a business context)

Think of it this way: the button reports threats directly to Microsoft's Defender for Office 365 security platform. It can't communicate with Google's or other providers' security systems.

Do I Have the Right Version of Outlook?

Once you've confirmed you have a Microsoft 365 account, the built-in Report button is only available in modern versions of Outlook. Check the list below to see if your app is compatible. If your version is older, the button will not be available, and you should update your software.

• Outlook for Windows (Classic Desktop App)

  Note: This new built-in button started rolling out in August 2024 and will be part of the next semi-annual release. Your existing settings for Outlook on the web will be automatically applied to this new button.

  • This depends on your 'Update Channel'. To check yours, go to File > Office Account.

• Current Channel: Version 16.0.17827.15010 or later

• Monthly Enterprise Channel: Version 16.0.18025.20000 or later

• Semi-Annual Channel: Release 2502, build 16.0.18526.20024 or later
• The new Outlook for Windows*
• Outlook on the web (outlook.office.com)*
• Outlook for Mac: Version 16.89 (24090815) or later*
• Outlook for iOS: Version 4.2511 or later*
• Outlook for Android: Version 4.2446 or later*

^* In this version of Outlook, the built-in Report button also supports reporting messages from shared mailboxes or other mailboxes by a delegate.

How to Use the 'Report' Button

1. Select the email you want to report. You can select multiple emails at once.
2. On the Home ribbon, find the Report button.
   
3. Click the dropdown arrow to choose an option:
   
   • Report Phishing: Use this for scams or emails trying to trick you into giving away information. This deletes the message.
   • Report Junk: Use this for regular spam or marketing emails. This moves the message to your Junk Email folder and blocks the sender.
   • Not Junk: Use this option only when you are in your Junk Email folder. It moves a legitimate email back to your Inbox.

Important Note: When viewing emails in your Junk Email folder, you will only see two options in the Report dropdown: "Report Phishing" and "Not Junk". The "Report Junk" option is not available because the email is already in your Junk folder.

Related articles:

• Troubleshooting: Why Is My 'Report' Button Missing?
• How to Report Phishing or Junk Emails in Outlook
   

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