> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mailofly.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Avoid Outlook's Spam Folder

> How to optimize deliverability and bypass Microsoft SmartScreen filters for Outlook, Hotmail, and Office 365.

# Avoid Outlook's Spam Folder

Microsoft uses proprietary **SmartScreen** algorithms to filter inbound email across consumer addresses (`@outlook.com`, `@hotmail.com`, `@live.com`) and enterprise Microsoft 365 tenants.

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## Best Practices for Microsoft SmartScreen

### 1. Maintain Consistent Sending Volume

Microsoft penalizes sudden spikes in email volume from unestablished domains. If you plan to send a large marketing campaign, gradually increase your volume over several weeks.

### 2. Verify DMARC and DKIM

Ensure your DKIM signature is valid and aligned with your `from` domain. SmartScreen assigns heavy penalties to emails failing cryptographic checks.

### 3. Register for Microsoft SNDS (Smart Network Data Services)

Microsoft provides SNDS to give senders visibility into IP health, complaint rates, and spam trap hits across Microsoft's network.

### 4. Remove Inactive Subscribers

SmartScreen heavily weighs recipient engagement:

* Moving emails to the junk folder or leaving messages unread signals low quality.
* Users replying, adding to safe senders, or moving messages from Junk to Inbox significantly boosts your sender score.


## Related topics

- [Avoid Gmail's Spam Folder](/guides/deliverability/avoid-gmail-spam.md)
- [Avoid Yahoo's Spam Folder](/guides/deliverability/avoid-yahoo-spam.md)
- [Avoid iCloud's Spam Folder](/guides/deliverability/avoid-icloud-spam.md)
- [Delivered Email Not Arriving](/guides/deliverability/delivered-email-not-arriving.md)
- [Avoid MX Conflicts](/guides/domains/avoid-mx-conflicts.md)