how to stop emails from going to the archive folder

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how to stop emails from going to the archive folder

Jane Mallon 0

I don't use the archive folder when I delete an email how to I stop using the archive folder

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Answer 1

Vasil Michev 127.8K MVP Volunteer Moderator

Are you using the "backspace" key to delete the email? Unfortunately, said key is hard-mapped to "archive" the item instead, that is move it to the Archive folder. You can use the Delete key instead.

If you feel comfortable working with the registry, you can also disable the "hit Backspace to archive items" behavior, as explained for example here: https://office365itpros.com/2022/09/02/outlook-archive-folder/

Jonathan D. Leonard 0 Reputation points

2026-08-14T15:52:03.83+00:00

This is ridiculous, you shouldn't have to edit the Registry just to disable what should be an in-app option. And it's a stupid option in the first place, I have accidentally Archived SO MANY e-mails. When I click on the Search bar, sometimes the click doesn't register, and I still have the e-mail selected. So when I hit Backspace it Archives the e-mail instead. This morning I couldn't find a specific e-mail; I had accidentally Archived it at some point.
Stefan Blom 351.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-14T18:11:47.88+00:00

@Jonathan D. Leonard

Microsoft developers do not read what you write here in Q&A. To post product feedback, go to https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/89a8afa3-2e1c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472 . (Or you can use the Help > Feedback command in the app.) Good luck.

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