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How can I stop e mails deleted in Outlook from also deleting from server? IMAP e mail

shenagh mckiernan 20 Reputation points
2025-09-08T15:42:31.01+00:00

When I delete e mails from Outlook it used to always keep a copy on the server (BT mail IMAP server) But I have noticed that any items deleted in Outlook are now synching with the server and being deleted there too. I have checked for answers online and it mentions making sure keep a copy of message on server is ticked, however I have not got that option in my outlook settings. Can anyone help?

Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Sumit D - IA 166.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-08T16:18:01.2966667+00:00

    Hi,

    I'm Sumit, here to help with your query on the Microsoft Q&A forums.

    Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. I am happy to help you today.

    As Stefan said, IMAP is based on the principle of syncing. The option to "Leave a copy of messages on the server" is a feature specific to the POP email protocol, which is why you will not find it in your IMAP account settings in Outlook.

    Do you have an Outlook 365 subscription? If so, you can revert to classic Outlook and use that.

    I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Stefan Blom 338.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-09-08T17:32:27.2633333+00:00

    Is it possible to disable the synch to keep messages on the server - there used to be an option for that.

    Only with certain setups—using the POP protocol, typically. See Sumit's reply.

    I don't think you can set up POP access if you have the new Outlook, but I'm not sure. Maybe POP will be added in the future.

    Under Windows, the new Outlook does not have a File tab, which the classic Outlook does. That is one way to tell the difference between them.

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  2. Sumit D - IA 166.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-08T16:25:46.79+00:00

    Thank you. Yes, once you revert the checkbox for keeping a copy on the server, it will be enabled. Fair enough to say Outlook new lacks many features, which is why Microsoft is continuing supporting it until 2029 at least.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. Stefan Blom 338.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-09-08T15:50:29.5633333+00:00

    IMAP accounts will typically synchronize. For more on synchronization in Outlook, see https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/sync-basics-what-you-can-and-cannot-sync-5537d587-4930-4ac2-b044-3568509b1294 .

    Which version of Outlook do you have?

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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