TL;DR
If your Outlook folders are not in alphabetical order, you can quickly fix this by right-clicking any folder and selecting Sort Subfolders A to Z. Outlook supports manual and automatic folder sorting, and the issue typically arises when folders are rearranged manually or the Favorites list is used. This guide explains how to organize folders alphabetically in all Outlook versions.
A common question from Outlook users is why Outlook folders are not in alphabetical order, especially after creating new folders or migrating from another system. In most cases, the folder list can become disorganized due to manual drag-and-drop actions or changes in folder view settings.
Fortunately, Outlook provides a built-in option to restore alphabetical sorting quickly and keep your folders easy to navigate. Whether you’re using Outlook for Windows, Mac, or the web, this guide will show you how to put your email folders back in proper order.
Why Are Outlook Folders Not in Alphabetical Order?
Outlook folders can become unordered for several reasons:
- Manual rearrangement via drag and drop
- Use of Favorites or pinned folders
- Folders created outside Outlook (e.g., via mobile sync)
- Cached view not updating
- Corrupt navigation pane profile
In these situations, even newly added folders may appear out of place.
How to Sort Outlook Folders Alphabetically on Windows
To fix folder order in Outlook desktop:
- Open Outlook
- Go to the Mail view
- Right-click on the Inbox or your account name at the top of the folder pane
- Choose Sort Subfolders A to Z
Outlook will instantly arrange all subfolders under that folder in alphabetical order.
Note: This does not affect folders under Favorites or those dragged to custom positions.
Keyboard Shortcut Tip
Outlook does not offer a direct shortcut for this function, but you can access the folder menu using:
- Press Alt + F, R to open folder context menu
- Then navigate with arrow keys to “Sort Subfolders A to Z”
Or use your mouse for faster access.
How to Sort Outlook Folders Alphabetically on Mac
- Open Outlook for Mac
- In the Navigation Pane, right-click the main folder (e.g., Inbox)
- Choose Sort Subfolders by Name or similar, depending on your version
Mac versions may have limited folder sorting options compared to Windows, so ensure you’re using the latest version of Outlook.
How to Organize Folders in Outlook Web
Outlook Web (Office.com) does not support folder sorting via right-click. However, it automatically lists folders alphabetically under your mailbox unless manually dragged.
To reset the order:
- Remove the folder from Favorites if it appears pinned
- Drag and drop folders under the main account pane to reposition them
- Refresh the browser to apply updates
How to Prevent Outlook Folders from Losing Order
To keep folders sorted:
- Avoid dragging folders unless you want a manual sort
- Use “Sort Subfolders A to Z” after adding or renaming folders
- Avoid duplicating folder names with spaces or special characters
- Keep folder names simple and consistent for best sorting
Can I Sort Favorites Alphabetically?
No. Outlook’s Favorites section does not sort automatically. You must drag and drop folders manually into your preferred order. Favorites is a user-customized section and is intentionally flexible.
Using Search Folders Instead of Custom Folder Lists
Search Folders can help avoid sorting confusion:
- Go to Folder > New Search Folder
- Choose a condition (e.g., Unread Mail, Mail from specific people)
- Name the folder
Search Folders update dynamically and do not affect your standard folder list.
How to Rebuild the Folder Pane If Sorting Fails
Sometimes, the navigation pane profile is corrupt:
- Close Outlook
- Press Windows + R, type
outlook.exe /resetnavpane, and press Enter
This command resets the folder pane to default and can restore alphabetical order.
FAQ: Outlook Folders Alphabetical Order
Why are my Outlook folders not in alphabetical order?
Manual sorting or drag-and-drop actions can disrupt the default order. Favorites and custom folders are not auto-sorted.
How do I sort folders alphabetically in Outlook?
Right-click the parent folder (like Inbox), then choose Sort Subfolders A to Z.
Can I sort the Favorites section alphabetically?
No. Favorites must be arranged manually by dragging folders into position.
Does Outlook Web support folder sorting?
Folders in Outlook Web are sorted by default unless you manually reorder them.
Is there a shortcut to sort folders in Outlook?
No direct key, but you can use Alt + F, R to access folder options with keyboard navigation.
How do I fix a folder that won’t sort properly?
Try resetting the navigation pane with outlook.exe /resetnavpane or removing and recreating the folder.
Conclusion: Keep Outlook Folders in Alphabetical Order for Maximum Productivity
Knowing how to manage Outlook folders alphabetical order helps keep your mailbox structured and easy to navigate. Whether you’re sorting manually or restoring the default view, these tips ensure your folders stay organized. For users wondering why Outlook folders are not in alphabetical order, this guide offers quick fixes and lasting solutions to maintain clarity across your devices.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment