how to recover my messages from outlook

Marjorie Chambers 0 Reputation points
2026-11-12T19:41:08.26+00:00

my messages just disappeared from my email account

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. EmilyS726 280.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-12T20:13:32.82+00:00

    Hello There's currently a global outage affect some Microsoft services, including Outlook. It is an issue on Microsoft's end. Service status can be monitored here https://status.cloud.microsoft/ however, even this page is loading extremely slow right now. As forum helpers, we don't have insider information regarding when this will be restored. I am sorry.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-11-12T19:42:00.16+00:00

    Sign in to Outlook.com from a computer, check Deleted Items, and use Recover items deleted from this folder if the messages are no longer visible there.

    Recover the messages

    1. Open Outlook.com in a PC or Mac browser; the Recoverable Items folder cannot be accessed from a mobile browser or the Outlook mobile apps.
    2. Select Deleted Items in the left navigation.
    3. If the messages are visible:
      • Select them.
      • Choose Restore, or Move to → Inbox.
    4. If they are not visible:
      • At the top of the message list, select Recover items deleted from this folder.
      • Select the missing messages and choose Restore.

    Outlook.com normally retains messages in Deleted Items for 30 days, and messages removed from Deleted Items can normally be recovered for another 30 days. Junk Email is also removed after 30 days, but once removed from Junk Email it is not recoverable.^1^ ^2^

    If they were not deleted

    Check these locations and display settings:

    • Other tab, if Focused Inbox is enabled. To return a message, select it and choose Move to → Move to Focused inbox.
    • Junk Email. Select a valid message and choose Report → Not junk.
    • Archive. Select messages there and choose Move to → Inbox.
    • Above the message list, select Filter → All.
    • Search using a known sender, subject, or phrase from a missing message.

    Also open Settings → Mail → Rules on a computer. Edit or delete any rule that unexpectedly moves or deletes messages.^2^

    If all messages remain missing

    • If you did not create the rules or make these changes, review the account’s recent sign-in activity and secure the account.
    • In Outlook.com, select Help, enter missing emails, complete the suggested checks, then scroll to Still need help? and select Yes to contact Outlook.com support.^2^
    • If this is a Microsoft 365 work or school mailbox rather than a personal Outlook.com account, contact the organization’s administrator. Recovery availability can depend on the organization’s retention policy.^1^

    References

    1. Web
    2. Email is missing from your Outlook.com inbox | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.