The rules on this computer do not match the rules on Microsoft Exchange

Last Updated: July 20, 2020

ISSUE

You go to create or edit a rule in Outlook Desktop, and you get the following Rules Wizard dialog:

"The rules on this computer do not match the rules on Microsoft Exchange. Only one set of rules can be kept. You will usually want to keep the rules on the server.

Which rules do you want to keep?"

Rules Wizard Dialog Prompt

Prior to the error above you might also see this error:

"One or more rules cannot be uploaded to Microsoft Exchange and have been deactivated. This could be because some of the parameters are not supported, or there is insufficient space to store all of your rules."

Rules cannot be uploaded error dialog

STATUS: FIXED

The issue is fixed in Monthly Channel Version 2006 Build 13001.20266. To install the update from Outlook click File, Office Account, Update Options, Update Now.

The fix has been backported to Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) Version 2002 Build 12527.20834. The fix went to Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel on July 14th 2020 with Version 2002 build 12527.20880.

Note: Once you have the fixed build you may get the prompt "Which rules do you want to keep" one last time. Choose Server when prompted and then go back in Outlook and re-enable any rules that were disabled.

See the Update History page for build availability.

Until you get the fixed build please use the following workaround:

WORKAROUND: In recent reports, the issue has occurred for those that have only created client rules in Outlook desktop. If you continue to run into the problem, consider deleting the rules and then create and edit rules only in OWA (Outlook Web App) until the issue is resolved.

If you cannot delete the rules manually you can run an Outlook command when you start Outlook by running Outlook.exe /cleanrules. This will delete both the client and server rules. It will delete all of the rules for all of the accounts in the Outlook Profile. This command is further documented in the Command-line switches article.