How can I find a folder in Microsoft Outlook?

Question

How can I find a folder in Microsoft Outlook?

Vicki Spray 40

I put emails into a folder, and I can no longer find the folder. When I search for one of the emails that I know is in the folder, it tells me that it is in the folder I created, but I have no idea where it is. How can I find it?

Mads Lomholt 0 Reputation points

2026-04-14T13:41:28.6+00:00
Sign in at outlook.office.com with the same account.

Expand Folders and use the Search folders box

Where is that "Search folders box"? Screen shot, please :)

Answer accepted by question author

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Your answer

Mads Lomholt 0 Reputation points

2026-04-14T13:41:28.6+00:00

Sign in at outlook.office.com with the same account.

Expand Folders and use the Search folders box

Where is that "Search folders box"? Screen shot, please :)

Answer 1

Hi @Vicki Spray,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m sorry for the inconvenience you’ve experienced. Based on your description, you moved emails into a custom folder and search shows those emails in that folder, but you cannot locate the folder in the new Outlook.

This typically happens when a folder is accidentally nested under another folder, is inside a collapsed parent, or was moved under Archive or Deleted Items. In the new Outlook, search results show the folder name for the message but do not always show the full path, so the location is not obvious. Favorites or a collapsed folder list can also hide it from view until expanded.

Below are a few practical solutions that could best fit your current needs: 

1/ Jump straight to the folder from a known message

Use the search bar to find one of the messages you know is in that folder and open the message.
At the top of the message header, look for the folder name label and select the folder name to open its location in the left pane.
In the folder list, right click the folder and choose Add to Favorites so it stays easy to access next time.
If needed, drag the folder to the top level of your mailbox to make the path clear.

2/ Find the folder by name in the left pane

In the left navigation, expand Folders for your mailbox.
Use the Search folders box above the folder list and type part of the folder name.
Expand any parent folders that appear and look for your folder.
Once found, drag it to the desired location or right click and Add to Favorites.

3/ Check Deleted Items and Archive

Expand Deleted Items and look for your folder as a subfolder. If you see it, right click the folder and choose Move then select the mailbox root or another parent folder.
Expand the Archive mailbox under your account and check for the folder there. If found, drag it back to your main mailbox or add it to Favorites.

4/ Use Outlook on the web to surface the folder then sync back to New Outlook

Sign in at outlook.office.com with the same account.
Expand Folders and use the Search folders box to locate the folder by name.
Right click the folder and choose Add to Favorites or move it to a visible location.
Return to New Outlook and the change will sync, making the folder easy to access.

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If you have any updates regarding the issue, please feel free to share them with me.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding.

I look forward to continuing the conversation. Wishing you a smooth rest of your day.

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Vicki Spray 40 Reputation points

2026-01-15T20:24:19.6133333+00:00

I had actually deleted it! It was in my deleted folder. #3 helped me find it!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
Vy Nguyen 11,415 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-15T20:50:50.24+00:00

Hi @Vicki Spray,

Thank you for updated information. I appreciate you confirming that everything is set up correctly on your end.

Moreover, if you feel that I’ve been able to support you and help resolve your concern, it will mean a lot if you could mark this answer as helpful. This helps others who may have similar questions and ensures we continue to improve our service.

If you have any concerns or questions in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Not only will I be happy to assist you, but all moderators in the Q&A forum will also do their best to provide support and guidance.

To support the community and help others who might face the same issue, could you please mark my answer as the Accepted Answer? This will make it easier for others to find and benefit from the solution.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

Answer 2

To find a folder in Microsoft Outlook where you have stored emails, you can follow these steps:

Use the Search Function: If you know the name of the folder or the email you placed in it, you can use the search bar at the top of Outlook. Type the name of the email or keywords related to it. Once the search results appear, you can see the folder name where the email is located.
Check the Folder List: On the left side of the Outlook window, you should see a list of your folders. Expand any collapsed sections to see if your folder is hidden within a parent folder.
Use the Advanced Find Feature: If you are unable to locate the folder using the basic search, you can use the Advanced Find feature:
- Click on the Search tab in the ribbon.
- Select Search Tools and then Advanced Find.
- In the Advanced Find window, set the search criteria to look for emails in specific folders or all folders, and then execute the search.
Look for Custom Folders: If you created a custom folder, ensure that you check under the main Inbox or any other folders you might have created.
Check for Hidden Folders: Sometimes folders can be hidden or minimized. Make sure to check all sections of your folder list.

By following these steps, you should be able to locate the folder where your emails are stored.