Microsoft documents how to delete email on the server for Outlook.com accounts. Delete and Empty folder send messages to Deleted Items. Deleted Items passes them on to a hidden Recoverable Items store. Purging that store erases them for good. Microsoft does not describe server deletion from Outlook desktop.
You delete mail in Outlook and the server copy remains. Storage remains full. Outlook.com and Outlook on the web show the messages again.
Facts follow the Microsoft support article Delete email in Outlook.com. It describes Outlook.com and the web version only. Desktop Outlook, POP and IMAP settings fall outside it.
How to Delete One or More Emails on the Server?
- Open your Inbox in Outlook.com.
- Select one or more messages.
- Select Delete above the reading pane.
On a mobile browser, swipe left on a message to delete it.
How to Empty a Whole Folder?
- Open the folder.
- Select the check box above the message list.
- Select Empty folder in the reading pane.
Messages move to Deleted Items. They remain in the mailbox for now. When Focused inbox is on, empty the Focused and Other inboxes separately.
How to Empty the Deleted Items Folder?
- Open Deleted Items.
- Select Empty folder above the message list.
Microsoft says large deletions take time and advises you not to close the browser. When the deletion fails, Microsoft advises a smaller batch. When deleted email reappears, wait and try again.
How to Delete Emails Permanently?
Emptying Deleted Items alone does not erase mail. Microsoft states that deleted email moves to Recoverable Items first.
- Open Deleted Items.
- Select Recover items deleted from this folder.
- Select Empty folder.
Items purged from Recoverable Items cannot be restored. Microsoft links a separate article for restoring deleted mail before you purge.
What does Microsoft Not Say?
- How long deleted items remain before Microsoft removes them automatically.
- Whether purging Recoverable Items frees storage space. Quotas do not appear in the article.
- Any steps for desktop Outlook, POP accounts or IMAP accounts.
Related reading: how to delete an attachment from an Outlook email and how to fix a full Outlook mailbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Delete Emails From the Server?
Select the messages in Outlook.com and select Delete. Then empty Deleted Items and purge Recoverable Items for a permanent result.
Does Empty Folder Delete Mail Permanently?
No. Microsoft states that Empty folder moves the messages to Deleted Items. Deleted email then moves to Recoverable Items.
Can I Restore Mail After I Empty Deleted Items?
Yes. Microsoft states that deleted email can be restored while it sits in Recoverable Items. Items purged from there cannot be restored.
How do I Erase Recoverable Items?
Open Deleted Items and choose the recover option for items deleted from this folder. Then select Empty folder.
Does This Work for POP and IMAP in Desktop Outlook?
Microsoft does not say. Its article describes Outlook.com and the web version only.
Key Takeaways
- Delete and Empty folder send mail to Deleted Items first.
- Deleted Items empties into Recoverable Items.
- Purging Recoverable Items erases mail for good.
- Purged items cannot be restored.
- Microsoft describes Outlook.com and the web version only.
Sources and References
Facts follow Microsoft Support.
- Delete email in Outlook.com (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com