Steps to Completely Remove an Email from M365

Danger! Always be cautious when permanently deleting emails, as this action cannot be undone. 

Introduction

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to permanently delete an email from Microsoft 365 (M365), including the steps to remove it from the recoverable items folder, ensuring that the email cannot be restored.

Steps to Permanently Delete an Email From M365

1. Delete the Email from the Inbox

  • Open your M365 Outlook application or navigate to Outlook on the web. 
  • Locate the email you wish to delete in your Inbox or any other folder. 
  • Right-click on the email and select Delete. Alternatively, you can select the email and press the Delete key on your keyboard. 
  • The email will now be moved to the Deleted Items folder. 

2. Remove the Email from the Deleted Items Folder 

  • Navigate to the Deleted Items folder in your M365 Outlook application or on the web. 
  • Find the email you previously deleted. 
  • Right-click on the email and select Delete again, or select the email and press the Delete key.  
  • Confirm the permanent deletion when prompted. 
  • The email will now be moved to the Recoverable Items folder. 

3. Permanently Delete the Email from the Recoverable Items Folder 

  • In Outlook on the web, navigate to the Deleted Items folder. 
  • At the top of the folder, click on the link Recover items deleted from this folder
  • You will be redirected to the Recoverable Items folder. 
  • Locate the email you wish to permanently delete. 
  • Right-click on the email and select Delete again, or select the email and press the Delete key. 
  • Confirm the permanent deletion when prompted. 

Conclusion

By following these steps, you ensure that the email is permanently removed from your M365 account and cannot be recovered. This process involves deleting the email from the Inbox, the Deleted Items folder, and the Recoverable Items folder.

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