How to create a new folder in Outlook

The quickest way in every version of Outlook is the same: right-click where you want the folder to go. Here are the exact steps for each version, including the phone app.

Updated October 17, 2026 · 2 min read

New Outlook for Windows

1. In the folder list on the left, right-click your email address (or choose More options next to it).
2. Choose Create new folder.
3. Type a name and press Enter.

For a folder inside another folder, right-click the parent folder and choose Create new subfolder.

Outlook.com and Outlook on the web

1. Next to your mailbox name in the folder pane, open the menu (three dots) or right-click.
2. Choose Create new folder.
3. Type a name and press Enter. New folders are listed alphabetically below the standard ones.

This works the same for Hotmail and Live addresses, which use Outlook.com.

Classic Outlook for Windows

1. Click the Folder tab, then New Folder. Or press Ctrl+Shift+E.
2. Type a name.
3. Choose where to put it (for example under Inbox) and click OK.

Or right-click any folder and choose New Folder.

Outlook for Mac

Right-click your email address, or the folder you want it inside, and choose New Folder. Type a name and press Return.

Outlook app on iPhone and Android

1. Tap your profile picture or the menu at the top left to open the folder list.
2. Tap the Edit icon.
3. Tap Create Folder, type a name and save.

From the same screen you can rename, move and delete folders. If you do not see these options, update the Outlook app. Another way: press and hold a message, tap the three dots, choose Move to Folder, then the add-folder icon.

Send emails to the folder automatically

Folders are most useful with rules. In new Outlook and Outlook.com, right-click an email and choose Rules › Create rule, then pick the folder. In classic Outlook, right-click an email and choose Rules › Always move messages from the sender. Your rules then run on new mail as it arrives.

Questions people ask

What is the shortcut to create a folder in Outlook?

In classic Outlook for Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+E.

Why can I not create a folder in Outlook?

Make sure you right-click your email address or an existing mail folder, not Favorites. Shared mailboxes can also be read-only. In the app, update Outlook to get the folder options.

How do I move emails into a folder?

Drag them onto the folder, or right-click and choose Move. To do it automatically, create a rule.

Sending one email to a whole list? Check the addresses first with Veml, which removes bad and risky emails before you hit send. (Veml and EmailNa have the same owner.)