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Why won't my deleted items folder empty?

Anonymous
2024-05-15T10:04:40+00:00

Hi,

I have this ongoing issue with my Outlook, I can't empty the deleted items folder. I have 62,614 emails in there (I think mostly on Microsoft Exchange)?. Every few weeks my mailbox becomes too full and stops me sending, receiving or moving any emails. IT press a few buttons for a temporary fix, but we're unable to empty it.

I've researched so much, I've tried logging onto the online site rather than the desktop app, it shows that it is deleting them all - but within seconds all 62k are back. I've tried deleting, then recovering, then deleting again... every suggestion I have read has failed.

Please tell me there is something else I can try!

Thank you

Tara

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-05-21T12:24:01+00:00

    Hello Tara B,

    Apologies for the late reply. In your case, I advise reaching out to the technical support team by opening a service request in the Microsoft 365 admin center Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn, the support team there has more resources and permission than us, they can collect logs and investigate the issue from the back end to identify the cause for this issue.

    We are looking forward to your response! Thanks for your precious time. Have a nice day!

    Best regards,

    Microsoft Community Support

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-05-15T15:10:19+00:00

    Hiya,

    Thanks for your reply. We have tried the above but still no luck.

    Will try again in the morning and pass your comments over.

    Thank you

    Tara

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-05-15T12:18:12+00:00

    Dear Tara B,

    Good day! Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Community.

    To help us narrow down the issue you are facing kindly check the troubleshooting steps below:

    Check for retention policies:

    • In the Outlook on the Web > settings > Navigate to Mail > Retention policy.
    • Review the policies and ensure that they are set to permanently delete items from the Deleted Items folder.

    See the screenshot for reference:

    Use PowerShell to Delete Items**

    If you have administrator access, you can use PowerShell to clear the Deleted Items folder. If no ask the admin to do it for you. Here are the steps:

    • Open PowerShell as an administrator.
    • Connect to Exchange Online using:
      Connect-ExchangeOnline -UserPrincipalName your_email@example.com
    • Run the following command to clear the Deleted Items folder:
      Search-Mailbox -Identity "your_email@example.com" -SearchQuery "Folder:DeletedItems" -DeleteContent

    If the issue persists kindly reach out to your admin to open a ticket in the Microsoft 365 admin center and the technical support team will help you check this issue from the back end. Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn

    We are looking forward to your reply. I appreciate your reply.

    Sincerely,

    Microsoft Community Moderator

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