How to Recover Deleted Outlook Folder

Accidentally deleted an Outlook folder containing important emails, contacts, or subfolders? In Desktop Outlook (PST-based accounts), folder recovery depends on how the folder was deleted. Below are the correct and reliable methods to recover a deleted Outlook folder.

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Why Do Outlook Folders Get Deleted?

Outlook folders may get deleted due to:

• Accidental deletion
• Emptying the Deleted Items folder
• Using Shift + Delete (permanent deletion)
• PST file corruption
• Unexpected Outlook crash
• System shutdown while Outlook was running

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Method 1: Recover Deleted Folder from Deleted Items

If the folder was recently deleted, it is usually available inside the Deleted Items folder.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Click on the Deleted Items folder.
3. Locate the deleted folder.
4. Right-click the folder.
5. Select Move > Other Folder.
6. Choose the original folder location and click OK.

This restores the folder along with all emails and subfolders.

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Method 2: Restore Folder from Backup PST File

If you created a backup of your Outlook data file earlier, you can restore the deleted folder from that backup.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open > Import.
3. Select Import from another program or file.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
5. Select your backup PST file.
6. Choose the folder you want to restore and complete the import process.

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Method 3: Recover Permanently Deleted Folder from PST File

If the folder was permanently deleted using Shift + Delete or if the Deleted Items folder was emptied, Outlook does not provide a built-in option to restore it.

In such cases, recovery is possible only if the deleted data still exists inside the PST file. A professional Outlook recovery tool can deeply scan the PST file and retrieve permanently deleted folders.

• Performs deep scan of PST file
• Recovers permanently deleted folders and emails
• Maintains original folder hierarchy
• Repairs corrupted or inaccessible PST files
• Supports all major Outlook versions

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Related Outlook Recovery Guides

• How to Recover Permanently Deleted Outlook Emails
• How to Repair Corrupted PST File in Outlook
• Outlook Not Opening PST File: Causes and Solutions
• How to Fix a Damaged PST File Without Using ScanPST
• Recover Emails from an Inaccessible PST File in Outlook

Conclusion

Recovering a deleted Outlook folder is straightforward if it remains in Deleted Items or if you have a backup. However, for permanently deleted folders or corrupted PST files, professional PST recovery software provides the most reliable and effective solution.