Email Sync Problems

How to Fix 'Item Could Not Be Moved' Error in Outlook IMAP

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to delete or move messages in an Outlook 365 IMAP inbox due to an 'Item could not be moved' error, often accompanied by deleted emails appearing with strikethrough text instead of disappearing.

How to Fix 'Item Could Not Be Moved' Error in Outlook IMAP

Product: Microsoft Outlook 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Deleting or moving email messages within an IMAP account configured in Outlook 365.
Observed behavior: Outlook frequently displays an 'Item could not be moved' error message. Additionally, deleted items remain visible in the inbox with a strikethrough format until manually synced or purged.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as IMAP synchronization heavily depends on network timing between Microsoft Outlook and your email provider's server.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Reading Pane Settings to Prevent Sync Conflicts

Modify how Outlook handles the read/unread status of messages to allow IMAP synchronization to complete before an item is moved or deleted.

This error often triggers when Outlook has not finished synchronizing with the IMAP server, particularly right after a message's read status changes. Letting the synchronization finish prevents the conflict.

Access Outlook Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Outlook window and select 'Options' from the sidebar menu.

Open Reading Pane Settings

Navigate to the 'Mail' tab in the left pane. Scroll down to the 'Outlook panes' section and click the 'Reading Pane...' button.

Disable Automatic Read Marking

Uncheck the option labeled 'Mark items as read when viewed in the Reading Pane' and click 'OK' to save your changes.

Change Selection Before Moving

As a manual workaround, click on the next message in your inbox before deleting or moving the previous one. This forces Outlook to finalize the previous message's status with the server.

Adjust Reading Pane Settings to Prevent Sync Conflicts

Quick Temporary Fix: If you encounter the error on a specific email, right-click the message, select 'Mark as Unread', and try moving or deleting it again.

Solution 2

Purge Deleted Items to Remove Strikethrough Text

Configure Outlook to properly hide and purge IMAP messages that have been marked for deletion, resolving the strikethrough visual glitch.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Lightweight, Reliable Office Suite?

While WPS Office does not include a standalone email client, it offers a robust, free, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you are experiencing performance issues or high subscription costs with Office 365, consider switching to WPS Office for a smoother document management experience.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the lightweight installation process.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting preservation.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office document formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation with significantly faster loading times.Familiar and intuitive user interface for a seamless, zero-learning-curve migration.Built-in advanced PDF editing and conversion tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my deleted IMAP emails show a strikethrough instead of disappearing in Outlook?

This happens because IMAP accounts initially only mark items for deletion on the email server rather than erasing them instantly. To fix this visual issue, configure your Outlook view settings to 'Hide Messages Marked for Deletion' or use the 'Purge' option under the Folder tab to permanently remove them.

Does the 'Item could not be moved' error happen with all email providers?

No, it is primarily associated with specific IMAP servers (such as Comcast or certain localized ISP-provided emails) where network latency or strict server-side synchronization timing causes conflicts with Outlook's real-time actions.

Will recreating my Outlook email profile fix IMAP synchronization issues?

Recreating your Outlook profile or removing and re-adding the IMAP account can sometimes clear corrupted sync states. However, if the issue stems from timing delays between the ISP server and Outlook, adjusting your Reading Pane settings and manually purging items is usually a more reliable long-term solution.

Outlook & Email Problems