How to create local folders in Outlook with IMAP settings

How to create local folders in Outlook with IMAP settings

If your email account is configured with IMAP and has limited space, you can move emails to a local folder on your computer to free up server space. Below, we show you how to do this in Outlook 2019.

1. Create a local data file
  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Go to File.


  1. Select Account Settings > Account Settings.


  1. Go to the Data Files tab.
  2. Click Add.

  1. Specify a name for the data file, and also choose the folder path on your computer (for example, "Local Folder").
  2. A new entry will appear among the Outlook data files with the name you selected. Confirm with OK and close the window.

2. Create a folder inside the data file
  1. In the Outlook sidebar, locate the new folder container you created.
  2. Right-click on it and select New Folder.


  1. Assign a name to the folder (for example, "Important").
  2. Press Enter to confirm.

3. Move emails to the local folder
  1. Go to your inbox.
  2. Select the email you want to move.
  3. Right-click on it and choose Move.
  4. Select the local folder you created previously.


  1. The email will be moved to the local folder, removing it from the server.

Considerations
  • Emails moved to a local folder will not sync with the server.
  • This is a useful solution for IMAP accounts with limited storage.
  • Make sure to create backups if you want to keep these emails long-term.
We hope this guide helps you keep your IMAP account organized and with enough available space.
 

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