How do I permanently delete emails from Outlook? This is a common question among Outlook users who want to ensure their inbox remains organized and clutter-free. Deleting emails permanently is different from simply deleting them from the inbox, as the latter can be recovered from the Deleted Items folder. In this article, we will guide you through the process of permanently deleting emails from Outlook, whether you are using the desktop application or the web version.
First, let’s discuss how to permanently delete emails from the Outlook desktop application. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the Outlook desktop application and navigate to the folder containing the emails you want to delete permanently.
2. Select the emails you want to delete by clicking on them. If you want to delete multiple emails at once, you can hold down the Ctrl key and click on each email.
3. Right-click on the selected emails and choose “Delete.” Alternatively, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.
4. The selected emails will be moved to the Deleted Items folder. To permanently delete them, click on the “Deleted Items” folder.
5. Right-click on the emails and choose “Empty Deleted Items Folder.” A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the emails. Click “Yes” to confirm.
Now, let’s move on to the process of permanently deleting emails from the Outlook web version:
1. Log in to your Outlook web account.
2. Navigate to the folder containing the emails you want to delete permanently.
3. Select the emails by clicking on them. If you want to delete multiple emails at once, you can hold down the Ctrl key and click on each email.
4. Click on the “Delete” button located at the top of the screen.
5. The selected emails will be moved to the Deleted Items folder. To permanently delete them, click on the “Deleted Items” folder.
6. Click on the “Empty Deleted Items Folder” link located at the top of the screen. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the emails. Click “Yes” to confirm.
It’s important to note that once you have permanently deleted emails from Outlook, they cannot be recovered. Therefore, it is advisable to double-check that you have selected the correct emails before proceeding with the deletion process.
By following these steps, you can easily and permanently delete emails from Outlook, ensuring that your inbox remains clean and organized. If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to consult the official Outlook support website or seek assistance from a professional.
