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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse an Outlook conditional-formatting rule to highlight messages where you’re included in the Cc line. You can set the rule in new Outlook and Outlook on the web under Settings > Mail > Conditional Formatting; classic Outlook for Windows uses View > View Settings > Conditional Formatting.
Highlight Cc messages with conditional formatting
Conditional formatting changes how matching messages appear in the message list. Microsoft’s example is to use orange for messages where you’re included in Cc; when you create the rule, you can choose a font color that works for you. See Microsoft’s conditional-formatting instructions.
New Outlook for Windows
- Open Settings > Mail > Conditional Formatting.
- Select + Add rule and give the rule a name.
- Choose the condition for messages where you are included in the Cc line.
- Choose a font color and save the rule.
Outlook on the web and Outlook.com
- Open Settings > Mail > Conditional Formatting.
- Add and name a rule.
- Set its condition to messages where you are included in the Cc line.
- Choose a font color and save.
Classic Outlook for Windows
- On the View tab, select View Settings.
- Select Conditional Formatting, then select Add and name the rule.
- Select Font to choose the message appearance.
- Select Condition and specify that you are included in Cc.
- Confirm the dialogs to apply the rule.
Check account eligibility and rule behavior
Microsoft says conditional formatting is available to individuals using a work or school account with a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription. Its cited guidance does not list which specific plans qualify, so check your account’s eligibility if the setting is unavailable.
- Rules apply to both read and unread messages and to all folders except Drafts.
- Rules are prioritized in the order displayed. If two rules conflict, the first rule takes precedence.
- Microsoft notes that classic Outlook has conditional-formatting options that are not all available in new Outlook. If an option you need is missing, Microsoft directs users to Help > Feedback > Make a suggestion.
Use categories for manual labeling
If you want to mark individual messages yourself, use Outlook color categories. Create or choose a category, then assign it from the message list or from an open message. In new Outlook and web versions, manage categories under Settings > Accounts > Categories. Microsoft’s category instructions describe manual labeling, not an automatic rule for detecting Cc messages. IMAP accounts do not support assigning categories.
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Outlook on the web and Outlook.com let you change the message-list layout, display density, reading-pane placement, Focused Inbox, and theme. These settings change the general mailbox view; conditional formatting is Microsoft’s documented way to highlight messages based on being included in Cc. See Microsoft’s guide to changing the look of your mailbox.
Microsoft’s best-practices guidance says that messages sent directly to you or with you on the Cc line are sent to the Inbox and are not processed by other rules, even if also sent to a Contact Group. Treat that as Microsoft’s description of the covered behavior, not a guarantee for every account configuration.
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