Applies ToOutlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2024 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016

When you create an email folder, the new folder is inserted in alphabetical order under the parent folder. If you want to change the order of your email folders, you can drag-and-drop them into a custom order. If you want to move an email from one folder to another, see Move or copy an item to another folder.

Move an email folder

In the folder list, click and hold the folder name, then drag the folder to a new location. You can drag-and-drop folders within one mailbox or Outlook Data Files (.PST) or between mailboxes and Outlook Data Files (.PST).

You can also right-click a folder in your folder list and then select Move Folder from the context menu. This opens a dialog box that lets you choose the folder destination.

Alphabetize my folders

If you've moved folders around and now want to return them to alphabetical order, select the Folder tab on the ribbon, then under Clean Up, select Show All Folders A to Z.

Order your folders alphabetically by clicking Show All Folders A to Z.

See Also

Switch between Outlook folders

Create a Search Folder

Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook

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