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Deleted items folder missing in Outlook 365 on windows 11 Pro 25H2

JoannaPhipps-9255 20 Reputation points
2026-03-13T06:09:07.2933333+00:00

I don't know how it happened, but my deleted items folder is missing. The only time that I need to check it is if a message goes missing for some reason. Right now, I cannot do that because I cannot find the folder. How do I fix this? The account in question is an Outlook.com (Hotmail) account.

One more thing, how do I get the original interface back? I use the experimental one because the original interface wouldn't display images.

Thanks in Advance

Jo

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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Answer accepted by question author
  1. Chloe-L 11,550 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-13T21:49:31.34+00:00

    Hello JoannaPhipps-9255,

    Based on your description, the folder was likely inadvertently moved into another directory (such as the Inbox or Archive), or a backend synchronization error is temporarily preventing the default folder list from displaying properly. 

    Since your goal is to return to the original interface, the most efficient approach is to revert the classic application first, resolve the image display settings within that stable environment, and then restore the missing folder:

    • Look at the top right corner of the New Outlook window for a toggle labeled New Outlook and switch it off. 
    • If that toggle is not visible, click the Help tab in the top ribbon and select Go to Classic Outlook. The application will then close and relaunch in the original interface. 

    Step 1: Resolving the Image Display Issue 

    Classic Outlook blocks images by default as a security measure against tracking pixels. You can adjust this setting to allow your emails to load normally: 

    • In Classic Outlook, click File in the top left corner. 
    • Select Options, then click Trust Center
    • Click the Trust Center Settings button. 
    • Select Automatic Download on the left side. 
    • Uncheck the box labeled "Don't download pictures automatically in standard HTML email messages or RSS items." 
    • Click OK to apply and save these changes. 

    Step 2: Restoring the Deleted Items Folder 

    For an Outlook.com account, default system folders like "Deleted Items" cannot be permanently deleted. If the folder does not reappear after switching back to Classic Outlook, you can force the server to recreate the default folder paths: 

    • Close Classic Outlook completely. 
    • Right-click the Windows Start button and select Run (or press the Windows Key + R). 
    • Type outlook.exe /resetfolders in the box and press Enter. Outlook will launch and automatically restore any missing default folders to their proper locations. 

    I hope this helps you restore your preferred interface and functionality. Please let me know if you need further assistance!


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