How to Empty Deleted Items in Outlook (2026)
The Deleted Items folder (called Trash on some accounts) holds messages until you empty it, so it can quietly grow large. Emptying it permanently removes those messages — though a short recovery window exists for Exchange and Outlook.com accounts.
1. Empty Deleted Items (New Outlook & Web)
- In the folder pane, right-click Deleted Items (or Trash).
- Choose Empty folder.
- Click OK / Yes to confirm.
You can also open the folder and click Empty folder in the toolbar at the top.
2. Empty Deleted Items (Classic Outlook for Windows)
- Right-click the Deleted Items folder in the navigation pane.
- Select Empty Folder.
- Click Yes to confirm permanent deletion.
Alternatively, go to the Folder tab and click Empty Folder while the folder is selected.
3. Empty Deleted Items Automatically on Exit
Make Outlook clear the folder every time you close it.
Classic Outlook: Go to File > Options > Advanced. Under Outlook start and exit, check Empty Deleted Items folders when exiting Outlook, then click OK.
New Outlook / web: Go to Settings (gear) > Mail > Message handling and turn on Empty my Deleted Items folder (when I sign out).
4. Empty on Outlook Mobile (iOS & Android)
- Tap your profile picture, then the folder icon.
- Open Deleted / Trash.
- Tap the menu (…) at the top and choose Empty folder if available, or select messages and delete them.
Mobile support for emptying in bulk varies; the web client is more reliable for a full clear-out.
5. Troubleshooting
I emptied it by mistake — can I get them back?
For Exchange and Outlook.com accounts, open Deleted Items and click Recover items deleted from this folder (classic) or Recover deleted items (new Outlook/web). There’s a limited recovery window, often around 14–30 days.
Empty folder is greyed out
The folder is already empty, or a sync is in progress. Wait a moment and retry.
The folder fills up again immediately
A rule or another device may be deleting messages. Check Settings > Mail > Rules and your other signed-in clients.
Related Outlook guides: How to recover deleted emails in Outlook · How to mass delete emails in Outlook · How to archive emails in Outlook · How to clean up your inbox in Outlook · How to create rules in Outlook
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