To permanently delete files you've already deleted in Outlook, you need to empty the Deleted Items folder. Here's how:
-
Go to the Deleted Items Folder: In your Outlook navigation pane, locate and click on the "Deleted Items" folder (sometimes labeled as "Trash").
-
Select the Item(s) to Remove:
- To delete a specific item: Click on the item you want to permanently delete.
- To delete multiple items: Hold down the Ctrl key (Command key on Mac) and click on each item you want to delete.
- To delete all items: Skip selecting individual items.
-
Delete the Selected Item(s):
- Press the Delete Key: On your keyboard, press the "Delete" key.
- Use the Ribbon: In the Outlook ribbon, locate the "Delete" button (usually looks like an 'X' or a trash can icon) and click it.
- Right-Click: Right-click on the selected item(s) or the folder itself, and then choose "Delete" from the context menu.
Important Considerations:
- Permanent Deletion: Once you delete an item from the Deleted Items folder, it is usually permanently removed from your email account. Depending on your email provider's policies, recovery might not be possible.
- Emptying the Entire Folder: To delete all items in the Deleted Items folder at once, right-click on the "Deleted Items" folder in the navigation pane and select "Empty Folder". Outlook will usually ask for confirmation before proceeding with this action.
- Retention Policies: Some organizations and email providers have retention policies that automatically delete items from the Deleted Items folder after a certain period (e.g., 30 days). Check your organization's policies or email provider's settings to understand how long deleted items are stored.
- Recoverable Items: Some email systems, especially for business accounts, have a "recoverable items" feature. Even after you've emptied the Deleted Items folder, an administrator may be able to recover these items for a limited time. This is typically handled through server-side backups or archiving.
