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How to Delete a Folder in Outlook Mail at Outlook.com

Delete folders you no longer use and clean up your mailbox

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Email & Messaging How-Tos

Email & Messaging

by Heinz Tschabitscher

Updated November 12, 2019

When you create folders to organize your messages in Outlook.com, you may not need these folders after a while. When you no longer need a folder, delete it.

Instructions in this article apply to Outlook on the web at Outlook.com.

Delete a Folder in Outlook on the web at Outlook.com

Any folder that you create in Outlook can be deleted when you no longer need it. The exception is that the default folders such as Drafts, Inbox, and Sent Mail cannot be deleted. When you delete a folder, the email messages in that folder are also deleted.

If you don't see the folder you want to delete, make sure the folders are not collapsed. To display collapsed folders, select the arrow next to Folders.

Right-click the folder you want to delete.
Select Delete folder.
In the Delete folder dialog box, select OK.

Restore a Deleted Folder

If you accidentally delete a folder, restore it. Folders that have been permanently deleted cannot be restored.

In the Folders pane, select Deleted Items.
Select the folder you want to restore.
Drag the folder to the Folders list.

Automatically Empty Your Deleted Items Folder

Outlook.com can empty your Deleted Items automatically every time you sign out. This permanently removes the folders and email messages you deleted.

In the upper-right corner of the Outlook window, select Settings.
Select View All Outlook Settings.
In the Settings dialog box, select Mail.
In the Layout section, select Message handling.
Select the Empty my deleted items folder check box.
Select Save.
Close the Settings dialog box when you're finished.