Can't find a folder anymore

Hi Giacomo Caldonazzo1 ,

Good day.

Thank you for posting to the Microsoft Community. We are glad to assist.

To help us narrow down your query kindly provide the following information:

1. What version of Outlook do you have? What version of Outlook do I have? - Microsoft Support
2. Are you using Microsoft 365 or a Business account(@xxx.onmicrosoft.com/@domain.com)? Or using a personal account type such as Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, Live.com, and so on? Or using another third-party POP/IMAP account?

I understand you accidentally moved your folder to a location where it might not be immediately visible. Don't worry, I can help guide you through locating it.

You can try the following ways to retrieve the folder :

Use the following steps to search for your folders:

1. Open Outlook and right-click on the "Outlook Mail Box"
2. Select the "Data File Properties option"
3. Go to the "Outlook Today" dialog box and in the box, choose the "Folder Size" option
4. You will see a list of all the folders in Outlook, their names and locations provided, as well as their different sizes.
5. When you can figure out or rather, determine the location of the particular folder you are searching for, browse it, and return to its original location.

This is a means of searching for missing Outlook folders using an advanced folder search. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Microsoft Outlook application for the desktop.
2. Go to the "Search" tab on the Menu bar

3. Click on "Search Tools", and choose the" Advanced Find" option which would make the "Advanced Find" window pop up. You can use the shortcut code Ctrl + Shift + Fkey combination

4. Note the details of the item with the name of the folder and click on the "Browse" option located at the top right corner of the window. This would search for and find the folder you are looking for.
5. Under the "Select Folder(s)" dialog box, note and remember the folder location and path before clicking "Ok"
6. Go back to the Outlook main window, find the folder, and move it back to its original position by clicking and dragging.

I hope this helps let me know if this is contrary to what you need, I would still be helpful to answer more of your questions.

Best Regards

Community Moderator

Hi Giacomo Caldonazzo1 ,

Good day.

I see! Let’s dig into this more and I’ll guide you step by step.

Make sure you are using the Outlook desktop app. Locate the folder pane (on the left side of Outlook)

• You should see all your folders listed here, like "Inbox," "Sent Items," and any custom folders you've created.
• Your missing folder may have been moved, so carefully check if there’s any section collapsed.

Right-click on your main mailbox (the one at the top of your folder list):

• For example, if your email is connected to a personal or company account, right-click where it says your account name (like "Mailbox - [Your Name]" or "Personal Folders").

Choose "Data File Properties" or "Properties":

• This will open your mailbox's properties window, where you can view or access hidden folders.

However, this might not always directly help in finding the folder itself unless there is some issue with folder visibility.

Since you mentioned the emails are searchable, here's how you can get more details on those emails and track down the folder:

1. Search for an email that you know was filed in the missing subfolder.
2. Right-click on the email in search results and select "Open Folder" (or "Show in Folder"). This will open the folder where the email is currently located. Even if you don’t see the folder at first, it’ll help you pinpoint its location.
3. Use the "Search Tools" at the top of the Outlook window after you perform a search to refine your results and view more folder details.

If you’re still having trouble, you can try contacting Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn the support team will have access to assist remotely and collect logs to investigate the issue from the back end.

I hope this helps let me know if this is contrary to what you need, I would still be helpful to answer more of your questions .

Best Regards

Community Moderator

Hi, thnak you for your help. However, I have not been able to find the folder: the second option you provide only search the name of the folder into the subject of any email, but does not find the folder itself.

on the first option, I cannot find where to doble click on Outlook Mail Box:

can you help me find it?

I have a business account (******@company.com) on classic version. Can you please try to help me more?

thank you!