Deleting a folder in Outlook can seem a bit daunting if you’re not sure where to start, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need to do is right-click on the folder you want to get rid of, select “Delete Folder,” and then confirm your choice. Just like that, the folder—and all the emails within it—will be gone. If you’re ready to tidy up your inbox, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to delete a folder in Outlook.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete a Folder in Outlook
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that deleting a folder in Outlook will remove all the emails it contains. So, make sure you’ve saved or moved any important messages elsewhere. Ready? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open Outlook
Open your Outlook application to get to your mailbox.
Outlook is where all your email folders are housed, so you’ll need to start here. Make sure you’re in the “Mail” view to see your list of folders.
Step 2: Find the Folder
Locate the folder you wish to delete in the list of folders on the left-hand side of the screen.
Scroll through your folders until you find the one you no longer need. If you have a lot of folders, you might need to use the search bar to find it quicker.
Step 3: Right-Click the Folder
Right-click on the folder you want to delete.
When you right-click the folder, a menu will pop up with various options. Be careful not to click on any other options if you’re sure you want to delete the folder.
Step 4: Click “Delete Folder”
Select “Delete Folder” from the menu that appears.
After you click “Delete Folder,” another popup will ask you to confirm that you want to move the folder to the Deleted Items folder. This is like the recycle bin on your computer; it’s a holding area for items before they’re permanently deleted.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
Confirm that you want to delete the folder.
Once you confirm the deletion, your folder and all its contents will move to the Deleted Items folder. Remember, if you want to permanently remove the folder, you’ll need to empty the Deleted Items folder.
After completing these steps, the folder you selected will be moved to the Deleted Items folder, essentially deleting it from your main list of folders. If you change your mind or accidentally delete the wrong folder, you can retrieve it from the Deleted Items folder—unless you’ve emptied it, that is.
Tips for Deleting a Folder in Outlook
- Always double-check that you’re deleting the correct folder to avoid losing important emails.
- Remember that subfolders will also be deleted when you delete a parent folder, so move any you want to keep first.
- Consider backing up important emails before deleting any folders.
- If you can’t find the Deleted Items folder, look for “Trash” or “Recycle Bin,” as it may be named differently depending on your version of Outlook.
- You can also use the search function in Outlook to find the folder you want to delete if you have many and can’t locate it easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the emails in a folder when I delete it?
When you delete a folder in Outlook, all the emails contained within it are also moved to the Deleted Items folder.
Can I recover a deleted folder?
Yes, as long as you haven’t emptied your Deleted Items folder, you can recover a deleted folder by dragging it back to your list of folders.
How do I permanently delete a folder?
To permanently delete a folder, you’ll need to empty your Deleted Items folder after moving the folder you want to remove.
Is it possible to delete multiple folders at once?
Yes, you can delete multiple folders by holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and selecting multiple folders before right-clicking to delete.
Will deleting a folder in Outlook also delete it from other devices?
If your Outlook is synced across multiple devices, deleting a folder will also remove it from Outlook on all other devices.
Summary
- Open Outlook.
- Find the folder you want to delete.
- Right-click the folder.
- Click “Delete Folder.”
- Confirm the deletion.
Conclusion
Deleting a folder in Outlook is a straightforward process that can help you keep your inbox organized and free of clutter. Whether you’re tidying up your folders or removing an old project’s correspondence, the steps outlined above will ensure you can delete folders confidently. Just remember, once a folder is deleted and the Deleted Items folder is emptied, there’s no going back—so be certain before you confirm that deletion.
As you continue to use Outlook, think about setting up a folder organization system that works for you. This way, you can keep your important emails sorted and avoid having an overload of folders to delete in the future. And if you’re ever unsure about deleting something, it’s always a good idea to back up important messages. With these tips and the knowledge of how to delete a folder in Outlook, you’re well on your way to becoming an email organization pro!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.