New Outlook Folder Management Guide

 

This guide explains how to create, organize, sort and safely move folders in the New Outlook interface.

How to Sort Folders in the New Outlook

Sort Folders Alphabetically (A → Z)

1. Go to Mail.

2. Select the View tab on the ribbon.

3. Choose Folder Pane.

 

4. Select Order folders A to Z.

 

Sort Folders Using a Custom Order (Drag & Drop)

1. In the Folder Pane, click Mail.

2. Go to the View tab → Folder Pane.

 

3. Select Custom folder order.

4. Drag folders to your preferred position.

 

Switch Between Alphabetical and Custom Order

Return to your custom order via View → Folder Pane → Custom folder order.

 

How to Create New Folders in New Outlook

Create a top-level folder:

  1. In the folder pane, right-click your email address or click on the three dots and select Create new folder.

  1. Enter a name, press Enter.

 

New Outlook creates the folder exactly where you initiate the action.
If you select your email account name and choose Create new folder, Outlook creates a top‑level folder.
If you select a specific folder such as Inbox, Sent Items, or any custom folder Outlook creates the new folder inside that folder, as shown in the screenshot.

 

 

 

Create a subfolder:

1. Select parent folder. Right-click or hover, select More options > Create new subfolder.

2. Enter name, press Enter.

 

How to Safely Move Folders in Outlook (New)

Best Method (Recommended): Move folders in Outlook on the Web (OWA)

1. Go to https://www.office.com → Outlook

2. Right click the folder

3. Choose Move and select the destination

In the above example we are moving the folder misc to the folder Email Signature.

If moving folders in the New Outlook desktop app:

1. Use Right click → Move Folder (more stable than drag/drop)

2. Move ONE folder at a time and allow syncing to finish

3. DO NOT move folders during sync ('Updating…', 'Syncing…', 'Working Offline')