Your Outlook favorites list can become cluttered over time, and removing unwanted items keeps your navigation tidy. If you’re wondering how to remove favorites from Outlook, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every method, from desktop to web to mobile, so you can clean up your folder pane in minutes.
Understanding Outlook Favorites
Favorites in Outlook are shortcuts to folders you access often. They appear at the top of the folder pane, making it easy to jump to your inbox, sent items, or any custom folder. But when you add too many, the list gets messy. Removing them is simple, but the steps vary by version.
You can remove favorites from Outlook on Windows, Mac, the web app, and mobile. Each platform has its own interface, but the core idea is the same: right-click or drag to delete.
Why Clean Up Your Favorites
A tidy favorites list saves time. When you see only the folders you actually use, you navigate faster. It also reduces visual noise, which helps you focus on important emails.
- Less clutter means less scrolling.
- Fewer distractions improve workflow.
- Removing old favorites prevents accidental clicks.
How To Remove Favorites From Outlook (Desktop App)
This section covers the classic Outlook desktop client for Windows and Mac. The steps are nearly identical, but we’ll note any differences.
Method 1: Right-Click To Remove
The fastest way is to right-click the favorite folder and choose “Remove from Favorites.” Here’s the step-by-step:
- Open Outlook on your computer.
- Look at the folder pane on the left side. Your favorites are listed under “Favorites.”
- Right-click the folder you want to remove (for example, “Inbox” or “Sent Items”).
- From the menu, select “Remove from Favorites.”
- The folder disappears from the favorites list but stays in the regular folder list below.
That’s it. The folder is not deleted, just hidden from your shortcuts. You can always add it back later.
Method 2: Drag And Drop
Some users prefer dragging. This works in both Outlook for Windows and Mac.
- Click and hold the favorite folder you want to remove.
- Drag it downward, below the favorites section, into the regular folder list.
- Release the mouse button. The folder is no longer a favorite.
This method is intuitive but can be tricky if you have many folders. Make sure you drop it in the right area.
Method 3: Using The Ribbon (Windows Only)
Outlook for Windows has a ribbon option for managing favorites.
- Select the favorite folder in the pane.
- Go to the “Folder” tab in the ribbon at the top.
- In the “Favorites” group, click “Remove from Favorites.”
This is handy if you prefer using the menu bar over right-clicking.
How To Remove Favorites From Outlook (Mac)
The Mac version of Outlook looks slightly different, but the process is similar. Here’s how to do it on macOS.
Using The Right-Click Menu
- Open Outlook for Mac.
- In the left sidebar, find the folder under “Favorites.”
- Control-click (or right-click) the folder.
- Choose “Remove from Favorites.”
Using The Drag Method
- Click the favorite folder.
- Drag it down into the folder list below the favorites section.
- Release when you see a horizontal line or the folder moves.
Note: On Mac, the favorites section is sometimes called “Favorites” or “Pinned.” The steps are the same.
How To Remove Favorites From Outlook (Web App)
Outlook on the web (OWA) is used by many people for work or personal email. Removing favorites here is a bit different.
Steps For Outlook Web
- Go to outlook.com or your work webmail.
- Log in if needed.
- On the left side, you’ll see your folders. Favorites are pinned at the top.
- Hover your mouse over the folder you want to remove.
- Click the three dots (more options) that appear next to the folder name.
- Select “Remove from Favorites.”
Alternatively, you can right-click the folder and choose the same option. The folder stays in your regular folder list.
Pinning Vs. Favorites In Web
In Outlook Web, “Favorites” and “Pinned” are sometimes used interchangeably. If you see a pin icon, clicking it unpins the folder. This is the same as removing it from favorites.
How To Remove Favorites From Outlook (Mobile App)
The Outlook mobile app for iOS and Android also has a favorites feature. Here’s how to clean it up.
On IPhone Or IPad
- Open the Outlook app.
- Tap the folder icon (usually at the bottom left) to see your folders.
- Find the favorite folder. It may have a star or pin icon.
- Tap and hold the folder name until a menu appears.
- Select “Remove from Favorites.”
On Android
- Open Outlook.
- Tap the three-line menu (hamburger icon) at the top left.
- Scroll to the folder you want to remove.
- Tap the star or pin icon next to it. This toggles the favorite status off.
On some Android versions, you may need to long-press the folder and choose “Remove from Favorites.”
Common Issues When Removing Favorites
Sometimes the remove option is grayed out or missing. Here are fixes for common problems.
Option Not Available
If you can’t right-click or see the remove option, try these steps:
- Restart Outlook. A simple restart often fixes glitches.
- Update Outlook to the latest version.
- Check if you have permission to modify folders (work accounts may have restrictions).
Folder Reappears
If a folder keeps coming back to favorites, it might be pinned by default. For example, the Inbox folder often auto-pins. You can’t remove it permanently in some versions, but you can hide it.
- Try dragging it out of favorites again.
- Check your account settings for auto-pin options.
Multiple Accounts
If you have several email accounts in Outlook, each has its own favorites. Make sure you’re removing from the correct account’s folder list.
How To Add Favorites Back
Removing a favorite is not permanent. You can add it back anytime.
Adding In Desktop App
- Right-click the folder in the regular list.
- Select “Add to Favorites.”
- It appears at the top of the pane.
Adding In Web App
- Right-click the folder.
- Choose “Add to Favorites.”
Adding In Mobile
- Tap the folder.
- Tap the star or pin icon.
Tips For Managing Outlook Favorites
Keep your favorites list lean for better productivity.
- Only favorite folders you use daily.
- Review your list monthly and remove unused ones.
- Use subfolders instead of adding every single folder to favorites.
- Rename folders to make them easier to identify.
Organizing By Priority
You can reorder favorites by dragging them up or down. Put your most-used folder at the top.
Using Search Instead
If you have many folders, use the search bar instead of favorites. It’s faster than scrolling through a long list.
How To Remove Favorites From Outlook (New Outlook Preview)
Microsoft is rolling out a new Outlook for Windows. It looks similar to the web app. Here’s how to remove favorites there.
- Open the new Outlook.
- In the left pane, find the folder under “Favorites.”
- Right-click the folder.
- Select “Remove from Favorites.”
You can also click the three dots next to the folder name and choose the same option.
How To Remove Favorites From Outlook (Classic Vs. New)
If you’re using the classic Outlook (pre-2023), the steps are as described in the desktop section. The new Outlook uses a different interface, but the logic is the same. If you’re unsure which version you have, check the title bar. The new one says “Outlook (new)” or has a different layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Remove All Favorites At Once?
No, Outlook does not have a “remove all” button. You must remove each favorite individually. This is by design to prevent accidental deletion.
2. Will Removing A Favorite Delete My Emails?
No. Removing a favorite only removes the shortcut from the top of the folder pane. The folder and all its contents remain in your mailbox.
3. Why Can’t I Remove The Inbox From Favorites?
In some Outlook versions, the Inbox is pinned by default and cannot be removed. You can try dragging it out, but it may reappear. This is a known limitation.
4. Does Removing Favorites Sync Across Devices?
Yes, if you use the same Microsoft account, favorites sync across desktop, web, and mobile. Removing on one device removes it on all.
5. How Do I Remove Favorites From Outlook For Office 365?
Office 365 uses the same desktop app as the standalone version. Follow the steps for the desktop app above. The web version also works the same.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to remove favorites from Outlook on any platform. It’s a quick task that makes your email experience smoother. Start by removing folders you no longer need, and keep only the essentials. Your future self will thank you for the cleaner workspace.
If you run into any issues, refer back to the common issues section. Most problems are solved by restarting Outlook or updating the app. Happy emailing!