Outlook IMAP – Newly Created Subfolders Not Syncing to Server
Applies to: Outlook 2016 / 2019 / 2021 / Microsoft 365 (IMAP setup)
Services: cPanel Email Hosting, Business Email Hosting, VPS Email Services
Issue
When a client creates a new subfolder in Microsoft Outlook, the folder does not appear in Webmail (Roundcube) or on the email server. This happens because Outlook is not using the correct IMAP root folder path.
Cause
Outlook needs to know the correct Root Mailbox Path for IMAP synchronization.
By default, Outlook leaves this setting blank, which causes subfolders to be created locally on the PC instead of the mail server.
Solution
- Open Outlook and go to File → Account Settings → Account Settings.
- Double-click your IMAP email account.
- Click More Settings → Advanced tab.
- In the Root folder path field, enter:
INBOX
- Click OK → Next → Finish and restart Outlook.
Result
All newly created folders and subfolders will now correctly sync with the IMAP server and appear in cPanel Webmail (Roundcube) automatically.
Additional Tip
If subfolders were created before applying this fix:
- Move them manually under the IMAP Inbox after restarting Outlook, or
- Recreate them after the root path is corrected.
— iCoreHosting Technical Support Team
