This article explains how to change the default setting in Outlook to show the total number of messages in a folder, including read and unread messages. Instructions apply to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007; and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

What to Know

  • Right-click desired email folder and select Properties > General tab > Show total number of items > OK.To view a folder’s message count, select the folder > right-click the status bar > select Items in View.

See the Total Inbox Message Count in Outlook

Each Outlook folder can be set up to show either the number of unread messages or the number of total messages. When you change the default setting for one folder, the other folders are not affected.

To show the total number of messages in a folder instead of the number of unread emails:

  • Right-click on a folder. For example, the Inbox.
  • Select Properties.
  • Go to the General tab.
  • Select Show total number of items.
  • Select OK.

Display the Message Count in the Status Bar

To see the total number of messages for a folder in the Outlook status bar:

Right-click on a folder. For example, the Inbox.

Select Properties.

Go to the General tab.

Select Show total number of items.

Select OK.

  • Select a folder.
  • Right-click on the status bar and select Items in View if it’s not already selected.
  • The total number of messages in the folder appears on the left side of the status bar.
  • Select a blank area of the screen to close the menu.

Select a folder.

Right-click on the status bar and select Items in View if it’s not already selected.

The total number of messages in the folder appears on the left side of the status bar.

Select a blank area of the screen to close the menu.

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