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Summary

The question of whether Outlook email deliverability issues are fully resolved is complex. While specific outages or widespread filtering incidents may pass, email deliverability to Microsoft domains (Outlook, Hotmail, Exchange Online) remains a dynamic and ongoing challenge for senders. These challenges are influenced by a continuous evolution of Microsoft's spam filtering algorithms, new sender requirements, and the constant threat of malicious actors. Senders must maintain rigorous best practices to ensure consistent inbox placement, as even minor shifts can impact performance.

What email marketers say

Email marketers frequently report encountering fluctuations and challenges with deliverability to Outlook and Hotmail addresses. These issues can range from temporary widespread outages and filtering anomalies to persistent problems affecting specific senders. The sentiment often reflects a need for constant adaptation and monitoring, as the landscape shifts without much warning, impacting campaign performance and client expectations.

Marketer view

An Email Geeks marketer acknowledges that there was indeed a 'ruckus' around Outlook deliverability recently and is seeking confirmation on whether these issues have been resolved for their client's sending.

06 Sep 2018 - Email Geeks

Marketer view

A marketer from Email Geeks suggests that, based on real-time outage trackers, the situation appears to be improving and is 'on the up' after recent reported issues.

06 Sep 2018 - Email Geeks

What the experts say

Email deliverability experts consistently emphasize that Outlook, like other major mailbox providers, continuously refines its filtering mechanisms. This necessitates senders to adopt robust authentication, diligent reputation management, and proactive monitoring practices. While specific outages or incidents may have temporary resolutions, the overarching challenge is maintaining long-term deliverability by adhering to evolving best practices.

Expert view

A deliverability expert from Email Geeks notes that Microsoft's filtering systems are highly sensitive and require meticulous attention to sender reputation and proper authentication, indicating that problems are quick to arise if these are not maintained.

15 Jan 2024 - Email Geeks

Expert view

A deliverability expert from Email Geeks warns that even minor misconfigurations in email setup can lead to significant deliverability drops with Outlook and Hotmail, highlighting their strict adherence to standards.

05 Feb 2024 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says

Official documentation from Microsoft outlines clear expectations and requirements for senders, particularly for those sending high volumes of email. These guidelines consistently focus on the importance of strong email authentication standards, proactive sender reputation management, and adherence to established email best practices to ensure messages reach the inbox. Recent updates also highlight a continuous effort to strengthen the overall email ecosystem.

Technical article

Microsoft documentation states that email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are fundamental for validating email senders and preventing spoofing, emphasizing their critical role in deliverability.

15 Jan 2024 - Microsoft Docs

Technical article

Microsoft's official guidelines highlight that high-volume senders must meet specific thresholds for spam complaints and bounce rates to maintain good standing and avoid filtering to the junk folder.

01 Feb 2024 - Microsoft 365 Defender

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