IMAP folder sync issue in the new Outlook (moved emails not syncing to webmail)

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing a sync issue with the new Outlook (the modern version with the simplified interface, not the classic Outlook desktop app). Here's the situation:

• My email account is configured using IMAP, not POP.
• When I create folders in Outlook, they appear correctly in my webmail (provided by my ISP), and vice versa — so the folder structure is syncing fine.
• However, when I move an email to one of these folders in Outlook, the email doesn't appear in the corresponding folder on the webmail side.
• The opposite does work: if I move an email in the webmail interface, the change is reflected in Outlook.

So it seems that folders are synced, but moving emails between folders in the new Outlook doesn’t push the changes to the server.

I also noticed that some IMAP settings — like the root folder path (e.g. "INBOX") — are not available in the new Outlook, which makes troubleshooting more difficult. In the classic Outlook, I would normally check or adjust these.

Has anyone experienced the same issue?
Is this a known limitation of the new Outlook, or is there a workaround to ensure full sync of moved emails with the server?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Thanks for your reply and for confirming that the issue seems to be related to limitations in IMAP synchronization in the new Outlook.

That said, I must admit it’s a bit frustrating.

The new Outlook is clearly being pushed as the default experience — in some cases even replacing the classic version automatically, without a clear way back (some users can't even reinstall the legacy app due to installation bugs). So when a core feature like proper IMAP sync doesn’t work as expected, it's not just an inconvenience — it's a serious problem.

Basic operations like moving emails between folders are essential, especially for users relying on IMAP accounts (which are still very common). If the new Outlook can't handle this properly, it raises questions about its readiness to replace the classic version.

I appreciate the suggested workarounds, but it feels a bit like we’re being asked to downgrade our workflow — or switch to other tools — just to keep things working as they used to.

Are there any plans on Microsoft’s side to address this sync issue in the near future? Or is IMAP support in the new Outlook simply considered non-priority at this point?

Thanks again for your time,

Answer 2

I am having the same issue.

The "New" Outlook just doesn't communicate correctly with IMAP. It doesn't matter how many times you delete and recreate, refresh, or repair the account. The only aspect of IMAP synchronization that does work is receiving and deleting messages, anything else isn't going to work.

I've been working via chat with an MS tech for weeks now, and all he wants me to do is record screen video which means he doesn't have any idea how it's supposed to work.

For the record, Outlook "Classic" works perfectly, and has for many years.

Answer 3

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of the IMAP folder sync issue you are experiencing in the new Outlook.

I understand how concerning it can be when changes you make to your email folders in Outlook don’t sync with your webmail interface.

Based on your description, it seems that the problem might be related to limitations in IMAP synchronization in the new Outlook interface. While the folder structure syncs correctly between Outlook and your webmail, moving emails to folders in Outlook doesn’t reflect those changes on the server side.

Here are some troubleshooting steps and potential solutions you can try:

• Verify IMAP Server Settings:
• Ensure that your IMAP account is configured with the correct incoming and outgoing server settings. You can obtain these settings from your email provider (ISP).
• Switch to the Classic Outlook Desktop App:
• If possible, consider using the classic Outlook desktop app, where advanced IMAP settings like the root folder path (e.g., "INBOX") can be configured. This might address the syncing issue.
• Enable Synchronization Settings:
• Check your account’s synchronization settings in the new Outlook to ensure that changes to emails are configured to sync back to the server.
• Clear Cache and Update Outlook:
• Clear the cached data in Outlook and ensure your application is updated to the latest version. Updates often include fixes for known bugs.

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• Recreate Your IMAP Account:
• Remove and re-add your IMAP account in Outlook to refresh its connection to the server.
• Contact Your ISP Support:
• If the issue persists, reach out to your email provider for guidance on server-side limitations or compatibility with the new Outlook IMAP functionality.

We greatly appreciate your patience and efforts in troubleshooting this matter.

Best regards,
Tani | Microsoft Community Support Specialist