Change the Order of Folders in the Folder Pane in Outlook

Microsoft Outlook lets you customize how folders appear in your folder pane so you can group and reorder them for easier navigation. This article explains how to change the order of folders manually or using built‑in sorting features. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-in-outlook-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c))

📌 Reorder Folders Manually

In most Outlook clients (Windows, macOS, Outlook for Microsoft 365):

• 📁 In the folder pane, click and hold the folder you want to move.
• ⬆️⬇️ Drag it up or down to a new position within the same group.
• Release to drop it in the desired spot.

Note: Manual dragging works only for folders within the same account and folder group; you cannot drag a folder into another mailbox or a different data file in some configurations. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-in-outlook-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c))

📊 Use Sort Options

Outlook automatically sorts some folders (like Search Folders, Favorites, and automatic groups) using rules that cannot be changed by dragging. For example:

• 🔍 Search Folders are grouped separately from your mailbox folders.
• ⭐ Favorites appear at the top of the folder list if enabled. You can reorder items in Favorites by dragging only within that group. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-in-outlook-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c))
• 📬 System folders such as Inbox, Sent Items, Drafts, etc., are usually fixed in place by Outlook and follow built‑in organizational rules. (General Outlook design)

⚙️ View and Group Options

While you can’t change the fundamental structure of mailbox folders created by Outlook, you can use view and grouping options to:

• Show or hide certain folder groups (e.g., Favorites). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-in-outlook-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c))
• Adjust whether archived mail or data files appear in the pane. (Outlook settings)
• Sort by account, favorites, or custom categories where supported. (Outlook design)

📌 Tips and Limitations

• Dragging works within a single data file or mailbox; you cannot drag a mailbox folder into another mailbox in some Outlook versions. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-in-outlook-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c))
• Outlook may re‑sort folders automatically after updates or sync changes with an Exchange server. (Outlook behavior)
• If you’re using Outlook on the web (OWA), folder ordering is handled by the web interface and some manual drag‑and‑drop may differ. (Microsoft 365 behavior)

For full official steps and the latest guidance see: Change the order of folders in the folder pane in Outlook . ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-in-outlook-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c))