When you use Gmail with Outlook via IMAP, Gmail automatically applies a label called “Important” to emails. This label syncs to Outlook and appears as a separate folder, which many users find unnecessary and confusing. The good news is that you can completely disable this feature from Gmail’s settings so that “Important” no longer appears in Outlook or any other email client.

This guide explains how to stop Gmail from marking emails as Important and remove the “Important” folder from Outlook.

✔ Why “Important” Folder Appears in Outlook

Gmail uses machine learning to predict which emails are important for you. When Gmail marks an email as “Important,” it creates a label that syncs to Outlook as a separate folder. Outlook cannot control or remove this label — the change must be made from Gmail.

? Method 1: Stop Gmail from Marking Emails as Important

This prevents new emails from automatically being categorized as Important.

1. Open Gmail in a web browser

2. Click Settings ⚙ → See all settings

3. Open the Inbox tab

4. Under Importance markers, choose:
   ➝ No markers

5. Scroll and click Save Changes

? Method 2: Hide “Important” Label from IMAP

This removes the “Important” folder from Outlook.

1. Open Settings → Labels

2. Find Important

3. Set:

   • Show in label list → Hide

   • Show in IMAP → Uncheck

Outlook will sync and the “Important” folder will disappear.

? Optional: Remove Existing Important Flags

If older emails are still flagged:

1. Search in Gmail:

   is:important
   

2. Select emails → Right-click → Mark as not important

? Summary Table

? Final Note

These Gmail changes apply to:

• Outlook 2013 / 2016 / 2019 / 2021

• Microsoft 365 Outlook Desktop

• Mobile apps using IMAP

Once done, simply restart Outlook or wait a few minutes for sync.

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