If you’re like most business owners, you don’t have time to dig through a bloated inbox. The messages never stop.
Client requests, invoices, staff updates, system alerts…it all blurs together until the thing you actually needed? Gone. Buried under a mountain of “just checking in” and spam.
Even with folders and filters, critical emails slip through. You miss a billing notice. Or a partner’s follow-up gets lost in the mix. And suddenly you’re backpedaling, scrambling to catch up.
Microsoft’s rolling out something new that might just ease the load: a Copilot-powered Priority View for Outlook mobile. It’s built to show you the messages that matter most – before they become fires to put out.
Why Email Fatigue Hits So Hard
Email is still the backbone of most businesses. But for many owners and managers, it’s become the digital equivalent of quicksand. The more you try to dig through it, the deeper you sink.
The built-in filters and folders in Outlook are decent. But they rely on fixed rules. They don’t adapt when a new client becomes high priority or when a vendor suddenly starts flooding your inbox.
The result? You’re left guessing what needs your attention and what can wait.
That uncertainty? It’s exhausting. And it’s not just about productivity. It’s about peace of mind.
What Priority View Does Differently
This new feature, built into Outlook for iOS and Android, uses Microsoft Copilot’s AI to separate your inbox into two categories:
- High priority emails
- Needs replies
You set how many days’ worth of emails to review (up to three), and whether it includes all messages or just unread ones. Once it’s on, you’ll see a sparkle icon—tap to switch between your focused views.
It’s available now for Microsoft 365 users with the Copilot add-on, and the rollout runs through December.
Setup is simple:
Settings > Copilot > Prioritize > Priority view.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
- Quick triage: You can stop doomscrolling your inbox. The urgent stuff floats to the top, letting you handle what matters faster.
- Fewer dropped balls: You’ll know at a glance what still needs your reply—no more missing the message buried three threads deep.
- Smarter sorting: Copilot learns as you go. Instead of creating rules, you can just say “show me vendor invoices” or “flag anything from my accountant.” It adapts to how you actually work.
- Clearer context: It doesn’t just highlight messages—it tells you why they were prioritized. That transparency builds trust, and helps you tweak it over time.
How to Make It Work for Your Team
- Check your plan: Make sure you’ve got the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on. If not, ask whether the cost is worth the time and stress this tool might save.
- Roll it out gradually: Let your staff know it’s available. Maybe walk them through the setup in a quick team huddle or internal message.
- Use natural prompts: Encourage your team to train Copilot by saying things like “emails from [client name]” or “anything about payroll.” It understands the way you actually speak.
- Review what’s flagged: Have users check why a message showed up in Priority view. The more you refine it, the better it gets.
- Watch for desktop updates: Right now, it’s mobile only. But similar tools may soon hit desktop and web Outlook, so keep your eyes peeled.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about chasing the next big tech trend or the promise of a new AI tool. It’s about making space in your brain (and your day) for what actually moves your business forward.
Priority View isn’t magic. But it’s a quiet, capable assistant working behind the scenes. It helps you focus, respond faster, and spend less time wrestling with your inbox and more time running your business.
Need help deciding if it’s a good fit for your setup? Or want a hand getting your team onboard? I’ve got your back.