New Outlook - Search folders gone

Question

New Outlook - Search folders gone

Sophie Moinet 445

Good morning, I just switched to 'New Outlook' (Microsoft Outlook Version 1.2023.411.200 (Production) but my search folders are gone and I don't see how to recreated them. the Home ribbon doesn't display any "Folder" Menu and the keyboard shortcut ctrl+shift+p isn't working. Thank you for the support

Al Stroupe 60 Reputation points

2023-04-19T15:44:35.07+00:00

Same issue here. Switched this morning. Any help is appreciated!
Rick Borage 180 Reputation points

2023-04-20T14:48:31.9166667+00:00

Yep, same for me. Being able to save searches that are used frequently is very time saving. Need to restore this feature.
ChristyZhang-MSFT 26,051 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-04-24T08:05:34.7833333+00:00

Hi @Sophie Moinet ,

Just checking in to see if above information was helpful. If it is useful, would you mind marking the helpful post as an answer? Which would benefit others who also has similar issues in forum.
Michael 210 Reputation points

2023-04-28T02:15:52.6333333+00:00

Removing another useful feature. THis is why people just dont upgrade, because you make everything new painful and terrible.
Sheldon Dorney 140 Reputation points

2023-05-03T07:21:13.8666667+00:00

search folders are really useful for manging high volume mailboxes. I don't use OWA because it's not available there and now its been removed from the new outlook as well. Time to downgrade again which is a shame as now I am used to it most of the other new features work well.
Sobitthen 5 Reputation points

2023-05-04T21:34:42.1933333+00:00

Search folder is nothing I even knew about, but public folders I need those as I save and organize anything that isn't junk so my inbox is slim and easier when use on mobile account. Also do not need quick links to apps I have installed or they are trying to get us to buy. Feels like a mobile app, too simplistic.

Had this email over 20 years and been on forums before, 0 is my rating here? It acted like was first time here unless this is different than Microsoft Community or wherever else it sent us to discuss issues??
Sanjay Parbhoo 175 Reputation points

2023-05-05T16:17:41.2433333+00:00

Please ensure that Search Folders are migrated to the new outlook. I cannot work without them and having been using them for many years as I imagine many others do.
Kevin O'Brien 105 Reputation points

2023-05-05T16:29:14.67+00:00

Removing search folders is going to make organizing my email a lot harder.
Rodney Graham 66 Reputation points

2023-05-06T15:28:11.5533333+00:00

Please ensure Search Folders is a feature carried forward. They are powerful and useful. Removing them will very negatively impact our companies Outlook experience and I am note sure how we can accomplish an equivalent process without them.
Daniel O'Keeffe 180 Reputation points

2023-05-09T06:23:50.8733333+00:00

At least, according to this - https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/new-outlook-for-windows-available-to-all-office-insiderssearch folders are still in the pipeline, but I'd suggest making sure you send them feedback.

In my case, I went back to the current public release and told them why. I can't work without Search Folders to find all Unread mail, as I have all my folder/mail management done with rules.
Wesley Caldwell 66 Reputation points

2023-05-10T16:17:57.5233333+00:00

Yeah, i quickly switched back. to the old version. My entire outlook structure is focused around the use of search folders. My today items, yesterday, last week etc. New features are nice but to take a way features the new features have to be amazing. Architecture changes are not a reason to take features away.
Wesley Caldwell 66 Reputation points

2023-05-10T16:21:45.5066667+00:00

i see you can follow the release here.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=122152
Alicia Smith 15 Reputation points

2023-05-15T02:06:11.6533333+00:00

Agree 100% . Finding and using Search folders changed my work life. I get to the most critical emails first, miss fewer critical email and save a tone of time. From managing a team I found this works best for people who receive a lot of emails 24/7 and has a hard time filing them all or just doesn't file. I will not upgrade without them.
CHUBB Steve 25 Reputation points

2023-05-15T14:04:42.3+00:00

I have the same issue. Actually, I had the same issue. I immediately reverted to the current version. My whole approach to Outlook is based on using search folders.

Removing this is basically sabotage - when/if Microsoft actually implements this I might move, but not before.

Seriously - don't the words "backwards compatibility" mean something at Microsoft?
Jody Whitlock 5 Reputation points

2023-05-15T14:25:47.9766667+00:00

Yeah, it's just OWA in a desktop frame, what a joke. I reverted back and provided feedback, if everyone does that maybe they will get the hint, maybe not.

I can see this causing havoc at my company when it "transparently" rolls out to the users and things are missing, everything is moved around, etc.
Ludy Chacon (Live-Tech) 30 Reputation points

2023-05-18T10:46:52.5933333+00:00

One of the most important features in Outlook. the second i switched the ON button and noticed they where not there , quickly switched back. MS please address this critical feature and assure it carries over to the new version.
Chris Anderson 30 Reputation points

2023-05-19T17:00:00.8933333+00:00

Why would you remove something so potent in organizing the deluge of email we all have to deal with, and have spent years fine tuning our inbox rules, views, and features to try to get a stranglehold on? It makes it seem like this was designed by starting with OWA, rather than starting with the existing Outlook and trying to make it better. If you limit the desktop app to be only as useful/useless as the web app, what motivation does anyone have to buy a 365 license with the apps included?
ED 0 Reputation points

2023-05-23T23:37:36.32+00:00

Uh, yeah. Used for about an hour, found out there are STILL no search folders. So, if this goes live in this state, expect a LOT of very 'annoyed' customers. "Annoyed" is being extremely polite. Switching back. Removing functionality for some stylized icon buttons is not going to be palatable.
Greg Steele 25 Reputation points

2023-05-25T04:42:40.2333333+00:00

Please bring "Search Folders" back.

Search Folders are an essential part of managing my mailbox, and filtering to what important to read and what's not. I receive 500-1500 emails a day and reading them all is impractical but with search folders I can cherry pick what's important verses what I might need to find & refer back to at a later date.

Rules are ineffective as they file an email into just one folder/category. I always see other people who just use rules going in & out of various folders they've filled this or that in based on a rule or the thing of interest to them at the time of filling.

Using Search folders allows you to easily manage a busy mailbox by having various filters that are not mutually exclusive. Search folders ability to show the same email in multiple search folders at the same time was invaluable, as your search criteria were allowed to overlap creating great flexibility.

For example I had a search folder for To/From "Company Directors" & another from Certain companies just using @domain for "Important Customers" I need to respond to; then others covered certain projects or Invoices etc and emails could show in either my to/from "Company Directors" or "Important Customer" or "Project X" and find the email in any of the ways I might look at It.

Please bring "Search Folders" back.

Thanks in Advance,

Greg
Joe Whited 6 Reputation points

2023-06-02T18:09:15.1266667+00:00

Looks like you can pin a contact to favorites and it works a little like a search folder. I thought at first this would help, but it doesn't show the unread email count next to the name and that is critical for me. So... yeah, going back to standard Outlook.
Jim Turpin 10 Reputation points

2023-06-07T16:36:44.1433333+00:00

Please continue to support Search Folders in Outlook. These are one of the most useful features available and those of us who manage hundreds of emails per day desperately need them. Reducing or removing critical functionality is one of the worst mistakes a company can make for its customers.
Oskar Johansson 10 Reputation points

2023-06-12T07:52:50.9266667+00:00

The one feature you use daily is gone? Even the unread-folder..

And where's the counter now?
Josh 15 Reputation points

2023-06-12T17:07:16.1533333+00:00

Like most people in this thread, I switched back, because Search Folders are an essential feature, especially for Unread mail.
Mike McGuire 10 Reputation points

2023-06-12T20:18:43.4533333+00:00

I need search folders. They are critical to the way I process my email. Please do not remove the search folder feature.
zciwogor 5 Reputation points

2023-06-16T01:30:08.4+00:00

Change the ribbon back to classic, and the folder menu will be available.
zciwogor 5 Reputation points

2023-06-16T01:31:07.6366667+00:00

Change the ribbon back to classic mode and the Folder tab will be there.
Spieler, Emil GIZ NA 0 Reputation points

2023-06-16T06:59:49.0366667+00:00

Thank you! I can't find that option under settings, layout... Where is it to be found?
anarxi 5 Reputation points

2023-06-21T17:22:47.97+00:00

Microsoft updates are continually proving to be a severe headache. How can they justify rolling out new versions with diminished functionality without users' consent? The inconvenience caused by this recent update has wrecked my entire day. Managing emails without search folders is simply unthinkable. At the very least, Microsoft ought to provide a guide on how to reverse these disruptive changes. It's an absolute mess!
Kent_s 15 Reputation points

2023-07-06T11:12:13.26+00:00

same here what passes as search folder criteria is nothing compared to what it was I switched back .
Marc Gibert (Group) 15 Reputation points

2023-07-24T17:31:34.6366667+00:00

I see here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=122152 that it says "Launched", but I still don't see it in my "New Outlook" despite being in Client Version 20230714005.05.

Am I missing something?
David Gilfillan 0 Reputation points

2023-07-26T10:59:03.1066667+00:00

I don't see them on Client Version is 20230721005.05 ?
Tod G Franklin 0 Reputation points

2023-08-23T20:05:13.4033333+00:00

Search folders have disappeared in outlook desktop for exchange mailboxes that are not the primary. They were there yesterday before the update.
Heco 20 Reputation points

2023-09-21T22:01:52.67+00:00

Everything about folders has either been removed, downsized, or is barely existent. Have they downgraded to Windows 98 version? Even being able to re-organize folders, or to modify properties, gone. I switched back to the old version using the toggle at the top right hand corner of my outlook home page (desktop app) and spent the morning chatting on Facebook messenger with the outlook people about my questions and concerns. Looks like they underestimated The number of users who require folder options to do their job!
Anthony W 10 Reputation points

2023-10-04T23:31:38.1366667+00:00

Without customisable search folders, the new version of Outlook is a downgrade from the current version.
Agrawal, Pankaj [JANBE] 20 Reputation points

2023-10-05T12:32:54.97+00:00

We need capability of custom search folders. How can this be removed ? Its definitely a downgrade without them.
Michael Penny 20 Reputation points

2023-10-06T05:54:32.7966667+00:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one. Immediately reverted back to the original outlook as I simply can't operate without function search folders.
Steve Smith 5 Reputation points

2023-10-12T13:28:16.09+00:00

I switched right back. This is a must-have for me. If there is an alternative, I'm all ears.
Julian Lemcke 0 Reputation points

2023-10-21T10:01:48.6833333+00:00

Interestingly it works on Outlook for Enterprises.
Wesley Caldwell 66 Reputation points

2023-10-21T14:07:11.71+00:00

It works for me, but the features with in the search folders are so bad that's it's almost not worth having it.

For instance, in I use a search folder to show all emails for specific folders limited to today. The functionality wasn't even close.
Rahat Baig 10 Reputation points

2023-10-28T07:30:53.1366667+00:00

Customized email search folder is one of the best features of Microsoft outlook. This feature needs to be made available in the new Outlook. Moreover, the new outlook should automatically import the search folders from the older version of the outlook. I decided not to use new outlook as I was not able to import my search folders from the previous one.
Drew, Chris (DTMB-Contractor) 10 Reputation points

2023-12-01T15:46:04.8+00:00

I don't see them in client version 20231117004.16?
john stalzer 0 Reputation points

2023-12-29T16:43:15.7066667+00:00

so very true. I had to switch back to the older view for just that reason.
Zach Bertram 10 Reputation points

2024-01-25T20:20:29.6533333+00:00

I will downgrade back to old Outlook solely for this feature. The limited options are no more effective than not having the option at all. Otherwise, there are some nice upgrades in the new Outlook. However, this feature is a key tool for managing high volume inboxes. I'm surprised it was an oversight.
Aurora V. Adams 0 Reputation points

2024-05-15T12:30:21.21+00:00

Looks like I'm switching back to the older version. How can you release something with such basic functionality missing?
Ingo Korte 0 Reputation points

2025-03-05T08:06:46.3+00:00

I don't know if it helps, but I have started reporting such things through the feedback portal or at least upvoting them.... https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/49beb770-3eb6-ef11-95f5-6045bdbc7c39
Sharon2612 0 Reputation points

2025-04-06T22:50:24.3+00:00

It has taken me a long time to trust that all I really need is search folders - traditional folders have limited use for me (all I use are General, Rubbish and Current) and search folders are far easier to find relevant emails. Unless they have improved search functionality (to and from specific email addresses at a minimum) new Outlook is useless for me.

I was willing to try but this is a dealbreaker!
Rick Borage 180 Reputation points

2025-04-07T00:47:51.7833333+00:00

@ChristyZhang-MSFT this has been going on for two years now... is MSFT ever going to address this... I'm still forced to use old outlook as I rely on search folders functionality.

4 answers

Your answer

Al Stroupe 60 Reputation points

2023-04-19T15:44:35.07+00:00

Same issue here. Switched this morning. Any help is appreciated!
Rick Borage 180 Reputation points

2023-04-20T14:48:31.9166667+00:00

Yep, same for me. Being able to save searches that are used frequently is very time saving. Need to restore this feature.
ChristyZhang-MSFT 26,051 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-04-24T08:05:34.7833333+00:00

Hi @Sophie Moinet ,

Just checking in to see if above information was helpful. If it is useful, would you mind marking the helpful post as an answer? Which would benefit others who also has similar issues in forum.
Michael 210 Reputation points

2023-04-28T02:15:52.6333333+00:00

Removing another useful feature. THis is why people just dont upgrade, because you make everything new painful and terrible.
Sheldon Dorney 140 Reputation points

2023-05-03T07:21:13.8666667+00:00

search folders are really useful for manging high volume mailboxes. I don't use OWA because it's not available there and now its been removed from the new outlook as well. Time to downgrade again which is a shame as now I am used to it most of the other new features work well.
Sobitthen 5 Reputation points

2023-05-04T21:34:42.1933333+00:00

Search folder is nothing I even knew about, but public folders I need those as I save and organize anything that isn't junk so my inbox is slim and easier when use on mobile account. Also do not need quick links to apps I have installed or they are trying to get us to buy. Feels like a mobile app, too simplistic.

Had this email over 20 years and been on forums before, 0 is my rating here? It acted like was first time here unless this is different than Microsoft Community or wherever else it sent us to discuss issues??
Sanjay Parbhoo 175 Reputation points

2023-05-05T16:17:41.2433333+00:00

Please ensure that Search Folders are migrated to the new outlook. I cannot work without them and having been using them for many years as I imagine many others do.
Kevin O'Brien 105 Reputation points

2023-05-05T16:29:14.67+00:00

Removing search folders is going to make organizing my email a lot harder.
Rodney Graham 66 Reputation points

2023-05-06T15:28:11.5533333+00:00

Please ensure Search Folders is a feature carried forward. They are powerful and useful. Removing them will very negatively impact our companies Outlook experience and I am note sure how we can accomplish an equivalent process without them.
Daniel O'Keeffe 180 Reputation points

2023-05-09T06:23:50.8733333+00:00

At least, according to this - https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/new-outlook-for-windows-available-to-all-office-insiderssearch folders are still in the pipeline, but I'd suggest making sure you send them feedback.

In my case, I went back to the current public release and told them why. I can't work without Search Folders to find all Unread mail, as I have all my folder/mail management done with rules.
Wesley Caldwell 66 Reputation points

2023-05-10T16:17:57.5233333+00:00

Yeah, i quickly switched back. to the old version. My entire outlook structure is focused around the use of search folders. My today items, yesterday, last week etc. New features are nice but to take a way features the new features have to be amazing. Architecture changes are not a reason to take features away.
Wesley Caldwell 66 Reputation points

2023-05-10T16:21:45.5066667+00:00

i see you can follow the release here.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=122152
Alicia Smith 15 Reputation points

2023-05-15T02:06:11.6533333+00:00

Agree 100% . Finding and using Search folders changed my work life. I get to the most critical emails first, miss fewer critical email and save a tone of time. From managing a team I found this works best for people who receive a lot of emails 24/7 and has a hard time filing them all or just doesn't file. I will not upgrade without them.
CHUBB Steve 25 Reputation points

2023-05-15T14:04:42.3+00:00

I have the same issue. Actually, I had the same issue. I immediately reverted to the current version. My whole approach to Outlook is based on using search folders.

Removing this is basically sabotage - when/if Microsoft actually implements this I might move, but not before.

Seriously - don't the words "backwards compatibility" mean something at Microsoft?
Jody Whitlock 5 Reputation points

2023-05-15T14:25:47.9766667+00:00

Yeah, it's just OWA in a desktop frame, what a joke. I reverted back and provided feedback, if everyone does that maybe they will get the hint, maybe not.

I can see this causing havoc at my company when it "transparently" rolls out to the users and things are missing, everything is moved around, etc.
Ludy Chacon (Live-Tech) 30 Reputation points

2023-05-18T10:46:52.5933333+00:00

One of the most important features in Outlook. the second i switched the ON button and noticed they where not there , quickly switched back. MS please address this critical feature and assure it carries over to the new version.
Chris Anderson 30 Reputation points

2023-05-19T17:00:00.8933333+00:00

Why would you remove something so potent in organizing the deluge of email we all have to deal with, and have spent years fine tuning our inbox rules, views, and features to try to get a stranglehold on? It makes it seem like this was designed by starting with OWA, rather than starting with the existing Outlook and trying to make it better. If you limit the desktop app to be only as useful/useless as the web app, what motivation does anyone have to buy a 365 license with the apps included?
ED 0 Reputation points

2023-05-23T23:37:36.32+00:00

Uh, yeah. Used for about an hour, found out there are STILL no search folders. So, if this goes live in this state, expect a LOT of very 'annoyed' customers. "Annoyed" is being extremely polite. Switching back. Removing functionality for some stylized icon buttons is not going to be palatable.
Greg Steele 25 Reputation points

2023-05-25T04:42:40.2333333+00:00

Please bring "Search Folders" back.

Search Folders are an essential part of managing my mailbox, and filtering to what important to read and what's not. I receive 500-1500 emails a day and reading them all is impractical but with search folders I can cherry pick what's important verses what I might need to find & refer back to at a later date.

Rules are ineffective as they file an email into just one folder/category. I always see other people who just use rules going in & out of various folders they've filled this or that in based on a rule or the thing of interest to them at the time of filling.

Using Search folders allows you to easily manage a busy mailbox by having various filters that are not mutually exclusive. Search folders ability to show the same email in multiple search folders at the same time was invaluable, as your search criteria were allowed to overlap creating great flexibility.

For example I had a search folder for To/From "Company Directors" & another from Certain companies just using @domain for "Important Customers" I need to respond to; then others covered certain projects or Invoices etc and emails could show in either my to/from "Company Directors" or "Important Customer" or "Project X" and find the email in any of the ways I might look at It.

Please bring "Search Folders" back.

Thanks in Advance,

Greg
Joe Whited 6 Reputation points

2023-06-02T18:09:15.1266667+00:00

Looks like you can pin a contact to favorites and it works a little like a search folder. I thought at first this would help, but it doesn't show the unread email count next to the name and that is critical for me. So... yeah, going back to standard Outlook.
Jim Turpin 10 Reputation points

2023-06-07T16:36:44.1433333+00:00

Please continue to support Search Folders in Outlook. These are one of the most useful features available and those of us who manage hundreds of emails per day desperately need them. Reducing or removing critical functionality is one of the worst mistakes a company can make for its customers.
Oskar Johansson 10 Reputation points

2023-06-12T07:52:50.9266667+00:00

The one feature you use daily is gone? Even the unread-folder..

And where's the counter now?
Josh 15 Reputation points

2023-06-12T17:07:16.1533333+00:00

Like most people in this thread, I switched back, because Search Folders are an essential feature, especially for Unread mail.
Mike McGuire 10 Reputation points

2023-06-12T20:18:43.4533333+00:00

I need search folders. They are critical to the way I process my email. Please do not remove the search folder feature.
zciwogor 5 Reputation points

2023-06-16T01:30:08.4+00:00

Change the ribbon back to classic, and the folder menu will be available.
zciwogor 5 Reputation points

2023-06-16T01:31:07.6366667+00:00

Change the ribbon back to classic mode and the Folder tab will be there.
Spieler, Emil GIZ NA 0 Reputation points

2023-06-16T06:59:49.0366667+00:00

Thank you! I can't find that option under settings, layout... Where is it to be found?
anarxi 5 Reputation points

2023-06-21T17:22:47.97+00:00

Microsoft updates are continually proving to be a severe headache. How can they justify rolling out new versions with diminished functionality without users' consent? The inconvenience caused by this recent update has wrecked my entire day. Managing emails without search folders is simply unthinkable. At the very least, Microsoft ought to provide a guide on how to reverse these disruptive changes. It's an absolute mess!
Kent_s 15 Reputation points

2023-07-06T11:12:13.26+00:00

same here what passes as search folder criteria is nothing compared to what it was I switched back .
Marc Gibert (Group) 15 Reputation points

2023-07-24T17:31:34.6366667+00:00

I see here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=122152 that it says "Launched", but I still don't see it in my "New Outlook" despite being in Client Version 20230714005.05.

Am I missing something?
David Gilfillan 0 Reputation points

2023-07-26T10:59:03.1066667+00:00

I don't see them on Client Version is 20230721005.05 ?
Tod G Franklin 0 Reputation points

2023-08-23T20:05:13.4033333+00:00

Search folders have disappeared in outlook desktop for exchange mailboxes that are not the primary. They were there yesterday before the update.
Heco 20 Reputation points

2023-09-21T22:01:52.67+00:00

Everything about folders has either been removed, downsized, or is barely existent. Have they downgraded to Windows 98 version? Even being able to re-organize folders, or to modify properties, gone. I switched back to the old version using the toggle at the top right hand corner of my outlook home page (desktop app) and spent the morning chatting on Facebook messenger with the outlook people about my questions and concerns. Looks like they underestimated The number of users who require folder options to do their job!
Anthony W 10 Reputation points

2023-10-04T23:31:38.1366667+00:00

Without customisable search folders, the new version of Outlook is a downgrade from the current version.
Agrawal, Pankaj [JANBE] 20 Reputation points

2023-10-05T12:32:54.97+00:00

We need capability of custom search folders. How can this be removed ? Its definitely a downgrade without them.
Michael Penny 20 Reputation points

2023-10-06T05:54:32.7966667+00:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one. Immediately reverted back to the original outlook as I simply can't operate without function search folders.
Steve Smith 5 Reputation points

2023-10-12T13:28:16.09+00:00

I switched right back. This is a must-have for me. If there is an alternative, I'm all ears.
Julian Lemcke 0 Reputation points

2023-10-21T10:01:48.6833333+00:00

Interestingly it works on Outlook for Enterprises.
Wesley Caldwell 66 Reputation points

2023-10-21T14:07:11.71+00:00

It works for me, but the features with in the search folders are so bad that's it's almost not worth having it.

For instance, in I use a search folder to show all emails for specific folders limited to today. The functionality wasn't even close.
Rahat Baig 10 Reputation points

2023-10-28T07:30:53.1366667+00:00

Customized email search folder is one of the best features of Microsoft outlook. This feature needs to be made available in the new Outlook. Moreover, the new outlook should automatically import the search folders from the older version of the outlook. I decided not to use new outlook as I was not able to import my search folders from the previous one.
Drew, Chris (DTMB-Contractor) 10 Reputation points

2023-12-01T15:46:04.8+00:00

I don't see them in client version 20231117004.16?
john stalzer 0 Reputation points

2023-12-29T16:43:15.7066667+00:00

so very true. I had to switch back to the older view for just that reason.
Zach Bertram 10 Reputation points

2024-01-25T20:20:29.6533333+00:00

I will downgrade back to old Outlook solely for this feature. The limited options are no more effective than not having the option at all. Otherwise, there are some nice upgrades in the new Outlook. However, this feature is a key tool for managing high volume inboxes. I'm surprised it was an oversight.
Aurora V. Adams 0 Reputation points

2024-05-15T12:30:21.21+00:00

Looks like I'm switching back to the older version. How can you release something with such basic functionality missing?
Ingo Korte 0 Reputation points

2025-03-05T08:06:46.3+00:00

I don't know if it helps, but I have started reporting such things through the feedback portal or at least upvoting them.... https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/49beb770-3eb6-ef11-95f5-6045bdbc7c39
Sharon2612 0 Reputation points

2025-04-06T22:50:24.3+00:00

It has taken me a long time to trust that all I really need is search folders - traditional folders have limited use for me (all I use are General, Rubbish and Current) and search folders are far easier to find relevant emails. Unless they have improved search functionality (to and from specific email addresses at a minimum) new Outlook is useless for me.

I was willing to try but this is a dealbreaker!
Rick Borage 180 Reputation points

2025-04-07T00:47:51.7833333+00:00

@ChristyZhang-MSFT this has been going on for two years now... is MSFT ever going to address this... I'm still forced to use old outlook as I rely on search folders functionality.

Answer 1

ChristyZhang-MSFT 26,051 Microsoft External Staff

Hi @Sophie Moinet ,

Welcome to our forum!

Based on my test, i found that the same result as yours. I'm afraid that the Search folder is not available in New Outlook preview.

Please kindly understand that many functions of our current products are designed and upgraded according to customer feedback. At present, what I can do for you is to submit feedback for your request and I have post here. It's suggested that you could vote for it and you can also post your suggestions on that website. Hope Microsoft will notice this in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support!

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Rick Borage 180 Reputation points

2023-04-24T13:32:56.74+00:00

This is the same as the answer to my inquiry about the move menu item. Just saying that it isn't there doesn't really help. Hopefully it gets added to the project list so it can be added before product release.
ChristyZhang-MSFT 26,051 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-04-25T01:35:25.69+00:00

Hi @Rick Borage ,

Thanks for your reply!

I can fully understand that you want a better sense of experience when using New Outlook. As i mentioned above, what I can do for you is to submit feedback for your request. So please wait patiently and thanks for your kindly understanding. Have a nice day!
M.W 30 Reputation points

2023-05-02T09:20:34.97+00:00
Microsoft removes more features than I have votes...

What I found so far in the new update:

Search folder missing

No custom selection in Calendar

No Calendar side by side possible

Rules overview: Not a nice table any more. I am completely loosing sight of my plenty rules

Mail folders cannot be dragged and dropped to the right position

Attachements!!!! Can select multiple attachments

Attachements!!!! Can't drag and drop attachments to Windows explorer fodler or desktop

Attachements!!!! File not opening in default App, but only in (stupid, not useable) Preview window

Blue "unread" bar cannot be clicked to mark read/ unread, need to click icon further in

Attachment icon disappearing when hovering over the mail

When mail is sorted into folders, I cannot see to WHOM I send a mail in the list, I can only see the "Sender" name. But since like something like 50% is send by me.... What good is it to see my name as a Sender? I want to see the recipient name! (Eudora was doing this better in 1997 already, by showing "Sender" on received mail and "Recipients" on sent mails... Outlook can't even manage to get this right 25 years later.

Custom modification of Ribbon/ and above ribbon missing

Icons... no words for it... Remember back in the Office 1995 days, when half or maybe even 1/3 sized icons were clearer to see/ identify than these monster sized icons

...

And all of this is just after playing for it for less than an hour, not even looked at Todo and Notes yet!

I am sure I found more but forgot about it already. I have work to do, not do trouble shooting features that developers forgot to include...

This new Version of Outlook is a continuation of a disgrace when "upgrading" the Version. (Many times it feels more like a downgrade, which I am sure will be soon forced upon us either by MS or our IT Admin...)
Gareth Spurling 0 Reputation points

2023-06-10T05:16:23.38+00:00

Access to Public Folders is a very useful function. Lack of this function means that upgrade to the new Outlook is not acceptable. Please ensure that the Search Folder feature is added back in to support Public Folders.
Nicolas Launois 0 Reputation points

2023-06-18T10:19:48.8466667+00:00

Same as previously said by other, I will roll back to the previous version of Outlook, as Search Folders are essential for me.
I use Search Folders, to be customised to my INBOX, excluding other folders where non-essential e-mails are forwarded to.
Jeff G 0 Reputation points

2023-08-08T20:53:23.0366667+00:00

Same issue, how do I revert back?
Tim Fuscaldo 0 Reputation points

2024-05-06T10:52:55.1033333+00:00

It has been over a year now, why no fix?
KVS 0 Reputation points

2025-03-04T19:23:13.6433333+00:00

I too am now held hostage to using the new Outlook because it will no longer let me log into our Microsoft 365 exchange account in Classic, and like others have already stated I too heavily relied on the Unread Search folder since all of my emails have rules that organize and move them to the appropriate folder. It was bad enough, that I have to manually run the rules because sometimes they worked, and sometimes they don't which I've tolerated, but now losing the unread folder search is just flooring me. In the New Outlook you can only execute one rule at a time, and the sweep rules which is supposed to run a regular intervals doesn't allow you to add any rules.. Why put this release out when it's clearly not ready, and force it upon us to boot!

KS

Answer 2

Chris Anderson 30

I reinstalled it today after reading that it had been added, and I see there is a Search Folders option now towards the bottom of my list of folders. Right clicking that has an option to create a new search folder, but it only allows you to create a search folder from the 4 built-in choices,

Unread Mail
Flagged for follow-up
Mail either unread or flagged for follow-up
Mail sent directly to me

There doesn't seem to be any way to use custom criteria, which of course was the only thing that made it useful in the first place.

So, while technically it has been added to the new Outlook, it is essentially no more useful than not having it at all.

john stalzer 0 Reputation points

2023-12-29T16:45:30.07+00:00

This will only work for the primary account, not for any added accounts you may have.

Answer 3

Warwick Hutchins 5

Search folders have made their way into new Outlook. But are still very limited in scope. Hopefully a sign that Microsoft intends to replicate the existing functionality eventually.

User's image

Ahmed Arif 0 Reputation points

2023-09-15T23:14:43.9733333+00:00

I see the search folder on my institutional account, but not on my personal account. Not sure if the idea is to provide this support to the institutional accounts first before covering personal accounts, or it needs to be enabled from the app.
Agrawal, Pankaj [JANBE] 20 Reputation points

2023-10-05T12:34:15.25+00:00

I see this too but there is no way to customize those. We need a way like before to customize...hopefully we get back that soon.
Michael Penny 20 Reputation points

2023-10-06T05:59:40.7033333+00:00

In this current form there are effectively useless. It was the custom criteria that made them useful.
john stalzer 0 Reputation points

2023-12-29T16:46:59.5266667+00:00

This is only on the primary account and not with any added accounts.
Colin Hay 0 Reputation points

2024-09-15T12:46:06.8666667+00:00

I can see the Search folder for one hotmail account and created an Unread folder under Favourites but not the other, nor my gmail account ....
Tim Cartwright 0 Reputation points

2024-10-17T13:17:55.26+00:00
They are VERY limited. Some of my favorite search folders I would create:

One that would search unread mail in service alerts or devops alerts.

Search old mail in service alerts that was older than say 6 months. Allowed me to easily delete these across multiple folders.

Another that would search for mail marked as high importance, or from management.

Now that is impossible unless I downgrade or MSFT eventually adds better search folders.
Steve Smith 5 Reputation points

2024-10-17T13:21:37.0233333+00:00

I still refuse to upgrade outlook without search folders. I hate using web outlook for work when I need it, because of the lack of this feature. It seems like a simple feature that people can use or not use. I'm not sure why MSFT thinks its advantageous to not have them. Don't like them? Don't use them.

Answer 4

Ingo Korte 0

The search folders are available to me now and I can add them as favorites. I'm on Version 20230714005.07.

As far as I am concerned the problem is solved!

Thanks Microsoft!

Marc Gibert (Group) 15 Reputation points

2023-07-25T08:29:50.6466667+00:00

The problem is not solved at all. The criteria and options for Saved Folders are minimal compared to what the "old" Outlook had.
Ingo Korte 0 Reputation points

2023-07-25T08:36:18.4566667+00:00

I don't use the searchfolder with extensive criterias. The options that I have there now, are enough for me.

But you are right. For users who need many criterias the problem is indeed not solved.
Ingo Korte 0 Reputation points

2023-08-09T06:32:36.8666667+00:00

I have to retract my last comment.

Even the simple searchfolders are gone again this morning.

Sadly I have to switch back to classic outlook.

Trying again in a few month, hopefully it will be better then.

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New Outlook - Search folders gone

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