All of my emails - unread and read - just disappeared!

Hi Diane Serratore

I understand how concerning it is when a large number of Inbox messages suddenly disappear, especially when both read and unread emails are affected. Please reply with these details:

• Are the missing emails gone only from Inbox, or from all folders?
• Do you see anything under Recover items deleted from this folder?
• Did you recently see unusual sign-in activity, account security alerts, or new rules/forwarding settings?

Meanwhile, try these steps in order:

1) Search for the messages across the whole mailbox

In Outlook.com, use the search box at the top and search by sender name, subject, or a word from one of the missing messages. Make sure you are not only searching the Inbox.

Also check these folders:

• Junk Email
• Deleted Items
• Archive
• Other tab, if Focused Inbox is enabled
• Any custom folders

2) Turn off filters or check Focused Inbox

In the Inbox, check whether a filter is hiding messages. Select Filter, then choose All.

If Focused Inbox is enabled, check both Focused and Other, or temporarily turn Focused Inbox off so all messages show in one list.

3) Check Deleted Items and Recoverable Items

Open Deleted Items first. If the emails are there, select them and choose Restore or Move to > Inbox. If they are not in Deleted Items, select Recover items deleted from this folder at the top of Deleted Items. If the messages appear there, select them and choose Restore.

4) Check rules, Sweep, and forwarding

Because many Inbox emails disappeared at once, check whether a rule, Sweep action, or forwarding setting moved or deleted them.

In Outlook.com, go to Settings > Mail > Rules, then check for:

• Any rule that moves mail out of the Inbox
• Any rule that deletes mail
• Any Sweep rule affecting the Inbox

Also check Settings > Mail > Forwarding to confirm mail is not being forwarded elsewhere.

5) Secure the account if the changes were not made by you

If the emails disappeared without your action, please also review the account for possible unauthorized access:

• Run a malware or antivirus scan on your device.
• Change your Microsoft account password.
• Review your security information and recent sign-in activity.
• Re-check forwarding, connected accounts, rules, and automatic replies.

Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!  

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