How to Create a Search Folder in Outlook (2026)
A Search Folder is a saved search that looks like a folder — it gathers matching messages (unread, flagged, from a person) from across your mailbox without moving them. It’s a classic Outlook for Windows feature; new Outlook and the web use saved searches and filters instead.
1. Create a Search Folder (Classic Outlook for Windows)
- In the folder pane, scroll to Search Folders under your mailbox.
- Right-click Search Folders and choose New Search Folder (or Ctrl+Shift+P).
- Pick a preset, such as:
- Unread mail
- Flagged for follow up
- Mail from specific people
- Large mail
- Configure any options the preset asks for, then click OK.
The new folder appears under Search Folders and updates automatically as mail arrives.
2. Build a Custom Search Folder
For criteria the presets don’t cover:
- Right-click Search Folders > New Search Folder.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Create a custom Search Folder.
- Click Choose, name the folder, then click Criteria.
- Set conditions on the Messages, More Choices, or Advanced tabs (e.g., received in the last 7 days, from a domain, with attachments).
- Click OK through the dialogs.
3. The Equivalent in New Outlook & Web
New Outlook and Outlook on the web don’t have classic Search Folders. Use these instead:
- Filter: Above the message list, click Filter and pick Unread, Flagged, To me, Has attachments, etc.
- Saved search: Run a search, then look for an option to save or pin it (availability varies by build).
- Categories + rules: Auto-apply a category with a rule, then click that category to gather matching mail.
For recurring, complex collections, classic Outlook’s Search Folders remain the most powerful option.
4. Manage Search Folders
- Edit criteria: Right-click the Search Folder > Customize This Search Folder.
- Delete: Right-click > Delete Folder. This removes the saved search only — the actual emails stay in their real folders.
- Add to Favorites: Right-click > Show in Favorites to pin it to the top.
5. Troubleshooting
Search Folders is missing from the folder pane
You’re in new Outlook or on the web, which don’t support them. Switch to classic Outlook (toggle off New Outlook) to use Search Folders.
My Search Folder is empty
The criteria may be too narrow, or it only searches the current mailbox. Recheck the conditions and confirm the right account is selected.
Deleting a Search Folder asks about deleting messages
Choose Delete Folder (not the messages). Search Folders are virtual — deleting one never deletes real email.
Related Outlook guides: How to filter emails in Outlook · How to create folders in Outlook · How to create rules in Outlook · How to find archived emails in Outlook · How to clean up your inbox in Outlook
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