Easily Fix “Outlook Cannot Display the Folder” Error

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  • Updated on June 11th, 2025

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Summary: Organizing the inbox by creating multiple folders is one of Outlook’s key features. But, at times, users face problems while accessing these folders with messages like “Outlook Cannot display the Folder”. This error can disrupt email management and affect productivity and workflow efficiency. So, what is the reason behind this error? This blog covers multiple effective solutions and introduces a trusted OST Repair Tool that will help you resolve the issue quickly. Read the blog carefully to understand it better.

Outlook displays this error when it is unable to access shared mailboxes, public folders, or other additional accounts. The error occurs while trying to access emails and is caused by incorrect permissions, connection issues, or improper Outlook settings. 

Why Outlook Cannot Display the Specific Folder?

Below are some of the common causes responsible for this Outlook error. Have a look:

  • A malicious software or virus may damage your Outlook profile.
  • Hard drive issues may impact the OST files stored locally, causing Outlook errors.
  • Forced or abrupt shutdown may affect the functionality of MS Outlook.
  • A corrupt OST/PST file is a common cause leading to errors in Outlook.
  • Faulty or conflicting add-ins can cause errors if they interfere with Outlook’s functionality.
  • Problems within Microsoft Office installations may cause errors.
  • Incorrect folder permissions prevent access to certain folders in Outlook.
  • Running Outlook on low memory or processing power may cause Outlook to crash.
  • If important folders are mistakenly deleted from the server, it disrupts folder syncing in Outlook.
  • Incomplete synchronization between the local data and the Exchange server can cause issues.

How to Fix Outlook Cannot Display the Folder Error?

With the reasons identified behind this error, let’s now focus on resolving the issue. This section will provide solutions to fix the issue and restore Outlook’s normal operation. 

Adjust Folder Visibility Permissions 

This solution will only work if you have administrative rights to access the shared mailbox. It helps users resolve visibility issues by controlling who can view the folders. Ensure that you have an active Exchange server and an Exchange Email account configured in Outlook. 

Follow these steps to change the folder visibility settings:

  1. First, right-click on the shared folder and select Properties.
  2. Now, open the Permissions tab, and check your current permission level.
  3. Under the Other section, check Folder Visible
  4. If not, then click Edit, assign the permissions, and hit Ok.

Turn Off Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook

Cached Exchange Mode keeps a local copy of your OST file, allowing Offline access. However, if this file gets corrupted, it may throw an error “Outlook Error Cannot Display the Folder”. 

These are the steps to disable cached Exchange Mode:

  1. Launch MS Outlook.
  2. Navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  3. Under the Email tab, select the email account and click Change.
  4. Now, uncheck Use cached exchange mode under Offline Settings.
  5. Then, click Next > Finish and restart Outlook.

Rename or Delete the OST File

An Outlook error can occur due to OST File corruption because of synchronization issues. Therefore, consider renaming or deleting the corrupted OST File.

Here is how to delete the OST File:

  1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type this command: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook and hit Enter.
  3. Now, locate your OST File, right-click on it, and choose Delete.

Turn Off the Outlook “Anywhere” Protocol

The Outlook Anywhere enables users to access their emails remotely. But, an incorrect configuration may result in Microsoft Outlook Cannot Display The Folder. 

The following are the steps to disable Outlook Anywhere Protocol:

  1. Open Outlook and go to File.
  2. Navigate to Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  3. Now, select your Email account and click on More Settings.
  4. Under the Connection tab, uncheck the Outlook Anywhere protocol. 

Trusted Solution to Fix “Outlook Cannot Display the Folder”

If none of the above methods worked and the OST File is still not functioning properly, consider repairing it. Use the OST Repair Tool to solve the problem efficiently and securely. This software is built for fixing and repairing the damaged OST File while preserving all your data.

Steps to repair the damaged OST File:

  1. Launch the repair tool on your PC.
  2. Click Open and find your OST file. 
  3. Now, pick the desired Recovery Mode and enter the required OST File Details.
  4. After the scan, click on Ok.
  5. Then, select the preferred File Format and location to save the repaired OST File.
  6. Press Save to save the repaired OST File.
  7. Lastly, click on Ok to complete.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Outlook Cannot Display the Folder error may occur from several issues. This includes limited visibility access permissions, damaged OST Files, cached Exchange mode issues, etc. You can resolve these issues either manually or by using a specialized OST Repair Tool for error-free and reliable solutions. Some of the manual solutions include modifying folder visibility, repairing the Outlook data file, turning off cached exchange mode, etc. The following solutions will help restore Outlook’s functionality. 

Related Guide: Outlook Not Connecting to Server.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- How to fix cannot display the folder in Outlook?

Ans- Here are a few effective methods to fix this issue:
1. Disabling Cached Exchange Mode
2. Repair corrupted OST File or Outlook Data File
3. Turning off the Outlook Anywhere feature
4. Updating the Folder Visibility permissions, etc.

Q- How do I fix Cannot expand folder error in Outlook?

Ans- While there can be various factors causing this error, one of them could be folder visibility permission settings. Let’s try to fix this. 
1. First, right-click on the shared public folder 
2. Then, choose Properties > Permissions > Others. 
3. Now, check the Folder Visible checkbox.

About The Author:

Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.

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