Empty the Deleted Items folder

Items that you delete are moved to the Deleted Items folder, but aren't permanently deleted until that folder is emptied. Over time, the contents of the Deleted Items folder can consume a large amount of your data file or email server storage quota.

The Deleted Items folder appears in the folder pane when you are using the Mail or the Folder List views. Outlook can be configured to automatically empty the Deleted Items folder, or you can manually empty the folder at any time.

Tip:  To open the Folder List view, at the bottom of the folder pane, click Folder List or press Ctrl+6.

Automatically empty the Deleted Items folder

1. Click the File tab.

2. Click Options.

3. On the Advanced tab, under Outlook Start and Exit, select the Empty the Deleted Items folder upon exiting check box.

4. To be notified before the Deleted Items folder is emptied automatically, on the Advanced tab, under Other, select the Prompt for confirmation before permanently deleting items check box.

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Manually empty the Deleted Items folder

1. To open the Folder List view, at the bottom of the folder pane, click Folder List or press Ctrl+6.

2. Right-click the Deleted Items folder, and then click Empty Folder.

   You can also do this procedure in Mail, in the folder pane.

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