Deleted Outlook folder

Lucy 0 Reputation points
2026-08-20T12:51:00.99+00:00

Hi there,

I believe I've mistakenly deleted everything in a folder. The folder name is still there but by the time I noticed, the 30 days that deleted items stay in the recycle bin must have already passed, because I can't find the folder or its contents in deleted items. Can anyone assist with whether there might be a way to get these back? It was an admin folder and will cause me huge administrative burdens in future when I can't find document I'll need for a range of official purposes :(((((((

Massive thanks in advance,

Lucy

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-20T12:51:16.3833333+00:00

    If the folder name is still there but the contents are gone, the remaining recovery path in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com is to check Recover items deleted from this folder from Deleted Items on a computer.

    1. In Outlook on the web or Outlook.com, open Deleted Items.
    2. Above the message list, select Recover items deleted from this folder.
    3. Look for the missing messages and select Restore.

    Important limits from Outlook on the web / Outlook.com:

    • Email is automatically deleted from Deleted Items after 30 days.
    • Items removed from Deleted Items are recoverable for 30 days.
    • The Recoverable Items view is not available in a mobile browser; use a PC or Mac.

    If the missing items are no longer shown in Recover items deleted from this folder, the documented guidance is that they were probably permanently deleted and can’t be recovered from the mailbox. For work or school accounts, an administrator may still be able to recover an item in some cases. If this is an Outlook.com account, support is the next step.

    If the folder itself was deleted, Outlook can recover a deleted folder only if it is still in Deleted Items. A permanently deleted folder itself can’t be recovered, but messages from that folder can still be recovered if they still appear in the recovery window.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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