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How to Permanently Delete Emails in Outlook

Delete messages without sending them to the Deleted Items folder

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 16, 2020 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Outlook Word Excel Powerpoint

What to Know

Select the message and press Shift+Delete. Select Yes to confirm.To turn off the confirmation message: Select File > Options > Advanced. Then clear the Prompt for confirmation check box.To permanently delete Deleted Items folder contents: Right-click the Deleted Items folder and select Empty Folder. This article explains how to delete Outlook emails permanently, bypassing the Deleted Items folder. Permanently deleted items are unrecoverable. Instructions cover Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010; and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

Permanently Delete an Email in Outlook Beyond Recovery

To permanently delete a message (without having the message go to the Deleted Items folder) in Outlook: Select the message that you want to permanently delete. To permanently delete a folder in Outlook, go to the Folders pane and select the folder. Press Shift+Del. Or, go to the Home tab, press and hold Shift, and select Delete. A dialog box opens and warns you that the message will be permanently deleted. Select Yes.

Turn off the Confirmation Dialog for Deleting Permanently in Outlook

To prevent Outlook from asking for a confirmation every time you delete a message: Go to the File tab. Select Options. In the Outlook Options dialog box, select Advanced. In the Other section, clear the Prompt for confirmation before permanently deleting items check box. Select OK.

Empty the Deleted Items Folder in Outlook

When you want to permanently delete all the emails that have been sent to the Deleted Items folder in Outlook, either use your mouse or the Outlook menu.

Empty the Deleted Items Folder With the Mouse

Right-click the Deleted Items folder for the account or PST file you want to empty. Select Empty Folder. A dialog box opens and warns you that the everything in the Deleted Items folder will be permanently deleted. Select Yes.

Empty the Deleted Items Folder From the Outlook Menu

Select the Deleted Items folder. Go to the Folder tab. In the Clean Up group, select Empty Folder.

Empty the Deleted Items Folder When Outlook Closes

You don’t have to empty the Deleted Items folder. Instead, set up Outlook to automatically and permanently delete emails in the Deleted Items folder when you close Outlook. To delete all items from the Deleted Items folder when Outlook closes: Go to the File tab. Select Options. In the Outlook Options dialog box, select Advanced. In the Outlook start and exit section, select the Empty Deleted Items folders when exiting Outlook check box. Select OK.

Why Does Outlook Maintain a Deleted Items Folder

The Deleted Items folder in Outlook is a convenient way to manage messages that you no longer want. The Deleted Items folder is a temporary location for the messages you delete and makes it easy to recover accidentally deleted items. If you want to make sure a message cannot be recovered, delete it and then empty the Deleted Items folder. When you empty this folder, any messages, contacts, and other items in the folder are also permanently deleted. When you want to avoid sending a message to the Deleted Items folder and want the message permanently deleted, there is an option. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Empty Deleted Items and Junk Folders Fast in Outlook.com How to Clear the Outlook Cache How to Purge Deleted Outlook Email How to Streamline Conversations in Outlook How to Auto Empty Trash in Outlook How to Export Emails From Outlook How to Purge Deleted Messages Automatically in Outlook How to Recall an Email in Outlook How to Delete an Address From the Outlook Autocomplete List Forward Multiple Emails Individually in Outlook How to Recover Deleted Emails in Outlook How to Quickly Clean an Inbox Folder in Outlook.com How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows How to Fix It When Outlook Folders Are Missing How to Fix Outlook Search When It's Not Working How to Forward an Email as an Attachment in Outlook Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies