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Many users would like to leave their e-mail on the server so they can download it from other computers or read mail using their provider's web interface.
This setting is found only in POP3 accounts – IMAP always leaves mail on the server, as does Exchange Server (assuming you are not using a PST as the delivery location) and the Outlook Connector for Hotmail/MSN.
In Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010/2013:
- Go to Tools, Account Settings in Outlook 2007; File, Account settings in Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2013
- Select the Email account, click Change (or double-click on the email account)
- Click More Settings
- Go to the Advanced tab – leave on server settings are in the lower section
In Outlook 2003 and older:
- Tools, Email Accounts
- Select View or Change Existing Accounts
- Select the Email account, click Change
- Click More Settings
- Advanced tab – lower section
Tutorial: Leave mail on server in Outlook 2003 and older
Published January 20, 2011. Last updated on May 5, 2017.
I am using Outlook with my Comcast email addresses. I switched to IMAP BECAUSE it leaves the messages on the server.
If an email is loaded in Outlook, however, I NO LONGER HAVE ACCESS TO IT ANYWHERE ELSE!! It is NOT leaving them on the server!
I am thoroughly disgusted with IMAP at this point.
IMAP definitely leaves mail on the server and only deletes it when you delete it from Outlook (or delete it from a smartphone that is set up as IMAP too). Are you sure the account is configured in outlook as imap? It sounds like it's set up as a pop account and is deleting mail from the server as you download it into Outlook.
If you like a clean inbox and delete mail as you read it, it will be removed from the Inbox on the server too.
I want to leave Outlook mail on the server. Every time shows an error while sending mail. I am really upset. I am using outlook 2013. What should I do?
I am having similar issue. I have an outlook email address, setup on: 1.my computer (MS Outlook 2016), 2. mobile and 3. through http://www.outlook.com (server) If i read on my computer (1), it stays unread everywhere else. How can I setup so that the emails are sync, ie: - If i read once (either on outlook, mobile or server), it appears read on all. - If I delete, its deleted from all. - If i just read ( ie dont delete) - its not removed from server or mobile. I dont want an option where I read emails from MS… Read more »
Typically, with outlook.com accounts, you'd set it up on the devices and in outlook as an EAS account (or, if your account was moved to the new server, as an exchange account). This leaves mail on the server, syncs changes (read/delete state) to all computers and devices. POP3 is the only account that has an option to leave mail on the server - it downloads mail that is in the inbox on the server and would normally delete it from the server. Changes do not sync back to the server. IMAP, EAS, and Exchange sync with the server and mail… Read more »
That was a great help, THANKS. I have a new laptop with Outlook 2016 using IMAP but my emails were disappearing after 14 days. My email host Tech support was unable to help. Well after reading your Outlook Tips I realized that my desktop with Outlook 2010 using POP3 was controlling the duration that the files stayed on the server not the new laptop.
How do I do the opposite of this with outlook 2016. I do not want my emails on the email server. WHen I log into outlook on my computer, I want to download the emails from the email server. The older versions of outlook did this. I can not find a setting on 2016 to do this.
I'm guessing you had POP3 before and have IMAP now. Autoaccount setup creates imap accounts by default, if your server supports it. IMAP is a sync protocol - and mail stays on the server, syncing to outlook (or other clients). It's great if you use multiple computers or devices. If you want to switch back to POP3, if you have calendar, contact, or task folders labels 'this computer only', more or export these items to a pst file. Delete the imap account then add it back - using the manual setup option. If you have POP3, you can control how… Read more »
Finally, been trying to find out how to do this all night, thanks!