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How to Access Junk Email Folder in Outlook?

Max C. Hollingsworth-Hays 0 Reputation points
2026-02-03T03:36:10.1433333+00:00

I'm trying to access my junk email folder in Outlook since I have a verification email that possibly went there, but I can't find this folder. Other older posts on this forum (old outloo) say that it should be right under the "deleted items" tab or the "drafts" folders, but I don't see that on my account. I'm on a school account, how do I find this folder? Thanks.
Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For education
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  1. AI answer

    2026-02-03T03:36:19.33+00:00

    To access the Junk Email folder in Outlook, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check the Folder List: In the left pane of Outlook, look for the folder list. The Junk Email folder is typically located under your main mailbox folders, which may include Inbox, Sent Items, and Deleted Items.
    2. Expand Your Mailbox: If you don't see the Junk Email folder, ensure that your mailbox is fully expanded. Sometimes, folders can be collapsed, and you may need to click on the arrow next to your mailbox name to expand it.
    3. Use the Search Function: If you still can't find the Junk Email folder, you can use the search bar at the top of Outlook. Type "Junk Email" or "Junk" to see if it appears in the search results.
    4. Check for Missing Folders: If the Junk Email folder is missing entirely, it may be due to a configuration issue. You can try resetting folder names using the MFCMAPI tool, which can help restore the default folder structure in Outlook. This process involves downloading MFCMAPI, logging into your Outlook profile, and checking the properties of your folders.

    If you are using a school account, it might also be helpful to check with your IT department to ensure that there are no restrictions on accessing certain folders.

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  2. Sophie N 14,955 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-02-03T04:44:31.3266667+00:00

    Dear @Max C. Hollingsworth-Hays,

    Thank you so much for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I completely understand the urgency of finding a verification email, especially when you are working against a clock. It can be quite disorienting when the interface changes and a familiar folder like Junk Email seems to have vanished. 

    In the new Outlook and Outlook on the web, the folder is still there, but it may be hidden behind a collapsed menu or a slightly different naming convention. 

    How to locate your Junk Email folder 

    1. Expand the "Folders" Menu On the left-hand sidebar, look for a small arrow (>) next to the word Folders. If it is pointing to the right, click it to expand the full list. Sometimes the Junk Email folder is tucked away under this main category.  User's image
    2. Check the "More" or "All" Section If you still don't see it, look at the bottom of your folder list for a link that says More. Clicking this will reveal every folder in your school account, including Junk Email. 
    3. Use the Search Bar If you are in a rush, you can simply type folder:Junk into the main search bar at the top of Outlook. This should pull up the folder directly. 

    Since you are using a school account, there are two unique possibilities to keep in mind: 

    • Renamed folders: Occasionally, institutional settings may label this folder as "Spam" or "Bulk Mail," though "Junk Email" is the Microsoft standard. 
    • IT Admin policies: In some strict school environments, IT administrators use a "Quarantine" system. If the email was flagged as a high security risk, it might not even reach your Junk folder. If the steps above fail, you may need to check your school's Microsoft 365 Security/Quarantine portal or contact your school's IT helpdesk. 

    As a member of the Microsoft 365 Community Support team, I am here to help you navigate the features and settings of your account. While I can guide you to where the folder should be, I do not have the administrative permissions to "release" emails that your school's IT department might have blocked or quarantined for security reasons. 

    Please let me know if you have any further questions or if the problem persists after trying these solutions. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.   

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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