Why can't I hide the number of junk emails in Outlook

Question

Why can't I hide the number of junk emails in Outlook

PG 10

Why are you in my face with the number of junk emails?

I don't care for it, and it gets in my way of inbox zero.

When will this be fixed?

Anderson Will 25 Reputation points

2025-12-24T02:51:20.24+00:00

hi

Outlook shows the junk count by design and there is no setting to hide it. Microsoft treats it as a system folder indicator, similar to unread counts in other default folders.

Right now the only workarounds are limited. You can turn off unread counts globally, but that also affects your inbox and other folders. Some people move Junk Email lower in the folder list so it is less visible, but the number will still show.

So this is not a bug and there is nothing to fix on the user side. If it is something you strongly dislike, the only real option is to submit feedback to Microsoft and hope they add a toggle in the future.
Ken Wallewein 1 Reputation point

2026-03-25T16:29:47.98+00:00

This is a concern for me because it requires me to remember the count so I can be aware of new junk mail, and even then the automatic expiry of old junk mail makes that unreliable. Strongly considering reverting to full Outlook.

1 answer

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Anderson Will 25 Reputation points

2025-12-24T02:51:20.24+00:00

hi

Outlook shows the junk count by design and there is no setting to hide it. Microsoft treats it as a system folder indicator, similar to unread counts in other default folders.

Right now the only workarounds are limited. You can turn off unread counts globally, but that also affects your inbox and other folders. Some people move Junk Email lower in the folder list so it is less visible, but the number will still show.

So this is not a bug and there is nothing to fix on the user side. If it is something you strongly dislike, the only real option is to submit feedback to Microsoft and hope they add a toggle in the future.
Ken Wallewein 1 Reputation point

2026-03-25T16:29:47.98+00:00

This is a concern for me because it requires me to remember the count so I can be aware of new junk mail, and even then the automatic expiry of old junk mail makes that unreliable. Strongly considering reverting to full Outlook.

Answer 1

Hi PG,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Have a good day and I hope you're doing well!

I completely understand how distracting that can be, especially if you’re aiming to keep a clean “Inbox Zero” workflow.

At this time, Outlook doesn’t offer a setting to turn off or hide the unread/read count badge on the Junk Email folder in New Outlook for Mac. The unread/read count for Junk mail is currently shown automatically, and there isn’t a supported option to change or suppress this behavior.

As a temporary workaround, you may consider periodically clearing out the Junk folder to prevent the count from appearing. A quick way to do this is using basic keyboard shortcuts: Command + A + Delete to remove them permanently from the Junk folder.

In this situation, you may also consider submitting feedback through the Microsoft Feedback Portal. Feature requests and suggestions with higher vote counts tend to receive more visibility, and many improvements in Microsoft products are driven directly by customer feedback.

Thank you for sharing your experience, and I appreciate you taking the time to raise this. Feedback like this helps shape future improvements.

I hope the information above helps clarify why the Junk Email count is currently displayed and outlines a practical way to minimize its impact. If there’s anything I may have misunderstood about your workflow, or if you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to let me know.

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Why can't I hide the number of junk emails in Outlook

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