Delete email in Outlook


Introduction

Deleting email is a good way to keep your mailbox content relevant while discarding those messages you no longer need. In addition to hunt and peck deleting and weekend mass delete projects, Inbox Rules and the Sweep function may be used to mass delete messages.

Deleted messages go to the Deleted folder and remain there, unless manually deleted from the Deleted folder, for 30 days. During that time, messages may be recovered or permanently deleted – if you want messages to become irrecoverable. 

Delete emails

  1. Select items by clicking on the selection checkbox of the message.
    Message example<

  2. Click on Delete at the top.
    Delete button

Empty Deleted Items folder

  1. In your Folders section, select Deleted Items.
    Deleted items folder
     
  2. Click on Empty folder.
    Empty folder

Delete emails from Deleted Items folder

  1. In your Folders section, select Deleted Items.
    Deleted items folder
     
  2. Select items by clicking on the selection checkbox of the message.
    Message example
     
  3. Click on Delete at the top.
    Delete button

Delete emails permanently 

Items removed from your Deleted Items folder are recoverable for 30 days. Follow these instructions for permanent deletion: 

  1. In your Folders section, select Deleted Items.
    Deleted items folder
     
  2. Click on Empty folder or select individual emails and click on Delete.
    Empty folder
     
  3. Click on the Recover deleted items from this folder link.
    Recover deleted items from this folder link
     
  4. Click on Empty folder or select individual email and click on Delete.
    Empty folder

Related article

Recover deleted email