emails to deleted folder

Question

Why are my incoming emails being automatically moved to the Deleted folder?

Answer 1

@Brigitte Gregg said

I suspect my account has been compromised. What can I do to confirm this?

If an attacker has added any "Hidden Rules" to your account. You will not be able to see them. See this similar case: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5779648/i-need-to-look-for-hidden-rules-in-my-email-accoun

In most cases this is not something you can fix yourself. You will need Microsoft Support to connect to account and remove them.

• Logon to https://outlook.live.com/
• From the main menu: Help -> ? Help
• {This should open the Help side panel}
• Search Help -> {Your problem} and press Enter
• Still need help? [Yes]
• If you get "We're here to help": Tell us your problem -> {Your problem, again} [Get Help]
• [Sign In] {Use any Outlook/Microsoft account}
• Choose a support option -> Chat with a support agent in your web browser

Answer 2

This happens because of a message rule or a setting in some anti-malware apps.

Answer 3

I have looked into all of these suggestions and none of them seem to be applicable. I suspect my account has been compromised. What can I do to confirm this?

Answer 4

This typically happen because of a rule, filter, sweep setting, blocked sender configuration, mailbox cleanup setting, or a connected device/app that is deleting them automatically.

First check for inbox rules. Go to Settings > Mail > Rules and look for any rule that moves or deletes messages. Disable or remove suspicious rules, especially ones using conditions like specific senders, keywords, or “move to Deleted Items.”

Next, check Sweep settings if you use Outlook.com. Open the message from a sender being affected, select Sweep, and verify there is no cleanup rule configured to move or delete future messages automatically.

Also review blocked senders and junk filtering. Go to Settings > Mail > Junk email and make sure the sender or domain is not listed under Blocked senders and domains. Sometimes messages are routed incorrectly and then deleted by another rule.

If you use the Outlook desktop app alongside webmail, check desktop rules too. In Outlook desktop, go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts and review all active rules. Rules created in the desktop app can still affect messages on the server.

Another potential cause is mobile mail apps or third-party email clients. If your account is connected to an iPhone Mail app, Android mail app, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or another client, one of them may be deleting or syncing incorrectly. Temporarily remove the account from other devices or apps and test whether new mail still goes to Deleted Items.

If only specific emails are affected, Outlook may be treating conversation threads unusually. Check whether “Ignore Conversation” is enabled for those email threads. In Outlook, right-click the conversation and turn off Ignore. Ignored conversations automatically send future messages to Deleted Items.

You should also verify that no automatic cleanup settings are enabled. In Outlook desktop, Home > Clean Up can remove or move messages automatically within conversations.

If the issue started suddenly, it can also indicate account compromise. Check recent sign-in activity for your Microsoft account and change your password if you see unfamiliar access. Then remove unknown rules or forwarding settings.

---

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin