- Microsoft Outlook is an email client that allows you to organize your messages in multiple ways.
- It’s possible to set up Outlook search folders that always show certain criteria of mail, e.g., only unread mail or mail from a specific person.
- This feature is only available on desktop-based Outlook, not web-based Outlook or mobile versions of Outlook.
Do you know how to create an Outlook search folder? If not, you’re in the right place. Organizing your email inbox is easier when you have virtual folders that instantly sort your mail into categories or criteria of your choice. You can sort mail from specific people into a single folder, or grab everything on a certain subject and lump it together for easy access.
Currently, you can only utilize this feature on Outlook for Windows on desktops and laptops, not the web-based or mobile versions of Outlook. Follow the steps below to create search folders on both Classic and New Outlook for Windows.
How to Create an Outlook Search Folder in Classic Outlook
Step 1: Open Outlook on your computer.
Step 2: Click on the Folder tab in the middle of the top row of options.
Step 3: Click New Search Folder.
Step 4: Choose the criteria for your new search folder. You can choose to separate unread mail, mail from specific people, or mail by certain categories.
Step 5: Click OK. You can now access your new Outlook search folder in the menu on the left-hand side. Any new folders will be listed under the new tab that’s appeared here – Search Folders.
How to Create an Outlook Search Folder in New Outlook
Step 1: Open Outlook and look for the Search Folders option which should already be visible. It’s usually right at the bottom of the left-hand list of existing mail folders.
Step 2: Click the three dots next to the Search Folders option and choose Create new search folder.
Step 3: Choose the criteria you want to search by, using the top dropdown menu.
Step 4: Choose a name for your folder and type it into the bottom space on the New search folder popup box, then click the blue Create button.
Step 5: You’ll now see your new folder under the Search Folders tab on the left-hand side. Any further search folders you create will also appear here.
Deleting Search Folders
You might need to delete Outlook search folders that you no longer use to streamline your mail organization. Otherwise, you can end up with a list of folders that aren’t really helping you and can even clutter your inbox.
To remove Outlook search folders, right-click on the search folder you want to get rid of and choose the delete option. This option is available in both Classic and New Outlook.
Deleting a search folder in Classic Outlook:
Deleting a search folder in New Outlook:
