How to make Outlook show the unread count of a folder, including its sub-folders?

I have a folder in MS Outlook called Technology, and under technology I have Software and Hardware.

If I setup rules to automatically forward email to Software or Hardware folder, I don't realize there are any unread mail unless I expand the Technology Folder.

I would expect Technology itself to show that there are unread items in its folder structure.

Is there a way to do this?

Answer

I have a partial answer for you that I use to show counts of unread items in sub folders.

This method gives an overall count of ALL unread items; but not a unread count for each sub folder.

You set this up once, and it will keep track with no further input from you.

I have my Outlook window configured to show set up to show the Navigation pane (Alt-F1) like this

I then create a search folder to count the unread mail, as shown in the next two pictures:

This keeps a count of the unread items and will show a list of them. Drag the Unread Mail folder to the Favorites pane within the Navigation Pane so that it is always visible even when the Search Folders is collapsed.

As a bonus, I find this is a very convenient way to keep track of all FLAGGED items,