Exchange Connection Problems

Fix SharePoint Group Folders Cannot Be Opened in Outlook on the Web

Adam Davis Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to load group folders in Outlook on the web when selecting Conversations in a SharePoint site.

How to Fix SharePoint Group Folders Not Opening in Outlook

Product: Microsoft SharePoint and Outlook on the web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access group conversations from a SharePoint site via Outlook on the web.
Observed behavior: Outlook on the web opens but displays a 'Cannot load folders for this group' error. The group inbox may be visible, but actions like folder creation are unavailable.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and the necessary permissions to access the specific SharePoint group and its associated Outlook mailbox.

Solution 1Recommended

Access the Microsoft 365 Group Directly via Outlook Web URL

Bypass the SharePoint redirect link by manually verifying and entering the direct group mailbox URL in Outlook on the web.

Sometimes the integration link from SharePoint fails to route correctly. Accessing the group directly through its standardized URL structure in Outlook on the web can bypass this routing error.

Log into Outlook on the web

Open your web browser and sign in to Outlook on the web using your Microsoft 365 credentials.

Verify the URL format

Check your browser's address bar. Ensure the URL follows the group mailbox path format, which should resemble: https://outlook.office365.com/mail/group/yourdomain.onmicrosoft.com/groupname/email.

Load the group directly

If the URL is incorrect, manually type or correct the URL path to match your specific domain and group name, then press Enter to load the group folders.

Access the Microsoft 365 Group Directly via Outlook Web URL

Gathering details for support: If the issue continues after trying this direct URL, take a screenshot of the group URL and the error screen (ensuring you remove any confidential information) to share with your IT administrator.

Solution 2

Search for the Group Using the Discover Feature

Use Outlook's built-in Discover tool to manually search and connect to the affected Microsoft 365 group.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get the 'Cannot load folders for this group' error in Outlook?

This error usually occurs due to syncing issues between SharePoint and Exchange Online, incorrect URL routing from the SharePoint site, or temporary permission glitches in Microsoft 365.

Can I still view my group emails when this SharePoint error occurs?

Yes, often the main group inbox remains visible and accessible. However, advanced actions like creating new folders or accessing specific subfolders are restricted until the routing issue is resolved.

How do I find my exact Microsoft 365 group URL?

You can find it by navigating to Outlook on the web, selecting your group under the Groups section in the left pane, and checking the browser's address bar. It typically follows the format: outlook.office365.com/mail/group/domain/groupname/email.

Outlook & Email Problems