Using classic Outlook for Windows in business environments
Dear @Lara Christiansen
I understand this is urgent, especially since multiple subfolders were deleted. Since you’re using Classic Outlook for Windows, I recommend trying the following recovery steps:
Step 1: Check Deleted Items
- Open Deleted Items in Outlook.
- Expand it and check whether the deleted folder(s) are still listed.
- If you find the folder, you can drag it back to its original location.
Step 2: If the folder is no longer in Deleted Items
- Select Deleted Items, then go to:
- Home > Recover Deleted Items From Server
- Select the deleted messages you need and choose Restore Selected Items.
Please note that if the folder itself was permanently deleted, Classic Outlook cannot restore the deleted folder structure. However, the messages that were contained in that folder may still be available under Recoverable Items and can be recovered. Microsoft states that deleted contents can remain recoverable for a limited retention period.
Please refer to this document: Recoverable Items folder in Exchange Online
Step 3: If the required items are not available in the recovery window
Please contact your Microsoft 365/Exchange administrator as soon as possible. For Exchange Online, an administrator can search for and recover deleted mailbox messages through the Exchange admin tools, provided the items are still within the applicable retention period and the administrator has the required permissions.
Please refer to this document: Recover deleted messages in a user's mailbox in Exchange Online
In Exchange Online, the default deleted-item retention period is 14 days, and it can be configured up to 30 days. Please refer to this: Recoverable Items folder in Exchange Online
Important: Please avoid permanently deleting or purging any remaining deleted items while the recovery is being investigated.
You can find Microsoft’s official guidance here: Recover and restore deleted items in Outlook
I hope you found the answer helpful. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.