Moving the Outlook navigation bar from the side to the bottom frees up vertical space for reading emails. If you’re wondering how to change outlook bar from side to bottom, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks you through the process step by step, covering Outlook for Windows, Mac, and web versions. Whether you’re using Outlook 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365, these instructions will help you reclaim screen real estate quickly.
Many users find the side navigation bar takes up too much width, especially on smaller monitors. By moving it to the bottom, you get a wider reading pane and more room for your inbox. Let’s dive into the exact steps.
Why Move The Navigation Bar To The Bottom?
The default navigation bar in Outlook sits on the left side. It shows icons for Mail, Calendar, People, and Tasks. While handy, it eats into horizontal space. For email-heavy workflows, vertical space is more valuable. Moving the bar to the bottom gives you a cleaner, more focused view.
Here are the main benefits:
- Wider reading pane for emails
- More columns visible in your inbox
- Less clutter on the left side
- Better use of widescreen monitors
- Faster navigation with icons at the bottom
How To Change Outlook Bar From Side To Bottom
This is the core section of the article. Follow these steps carefully for your specific Outlook version. The process differs slightly between Windows, Mac, and the web app.
For Outlook On Windows (Microsoft 365 / 2021 / 2019)
Outlook for Windows offers a simple toggle to switch the navigation bar position. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Outlook on your Windows computer.
- Look at the top-left corner of the window. Click the File tab.
- In the left sidebar, select Options.
- In the Outlook Options window, click Advanced in the left panel.
- Scroll down to the Outlook panes section.
- Click the button labeled Navigation Options.
- A small dialog box appears. Under “Navigation Pane Settings,” look for the dropdown menu labeled Show in.
- Change it from Left to Bottom.
- Click OK to close the dialog.
- Click OK again to close Outlook Options.
Your navigation bar should now appear at the bottom of the Outlook window. If it doesn’t, restart Outlook and check again.
Troubleshooting Tip
If the option is grayed out, you might be using an older Outlook version. Update to the latest Microsoft 365 build. Also, ensure you’re not in “Compact Navigation” mode, which sometimes locks the setting.
For Outlook On Mac (Microsoft 365 / 2021)
Outlook for Mac handles navigation differently. The option to move the bar to the bottom is not as straightforward, but you can achieve a similar layout using the “Sidebar” settings.
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Go to the top menu bar and click View.
- Select Sidebar from the dropdown.
- Choose Show Sidebar or Hide Sidebar based on your preference. Unfortunately, Mac Outlook doesn’t have a direct “move to bottom” option.
- Alternatively, use the Customize Toolbar option under View to add navigation buttons to the toolbar at the top.
- You can also resize the sidebar by dragging its edge to minimize it.
For a bottom bar experience on Mac, consider using the “Simplified Ribbon” mode. Go to View > Simplified Ribbon. This condenses navigation into a compact bar at the top, which some users prefer over the side bar.
For Outlook On The Web (Outlook.com Or Office 365)
The web version of Outlook has its own settings for navigation. Here’s how to adjust it:
- Open your browser and go to Outlook.com or your Office 365 portal.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- In the top-right corner, click the Settings gear icon (looks like a cog).
- At the bottom of the Settings pane, click View all Outlook settings.
- In the settings window, click General in the left sidebar.
- Select Navigation from the list.
- Under “Navigation pane options,” look for the dropdown labeled Navigation pane position.
- Change it from Left to Bottom.
- Click Save at the top.
Refresh your browser window. The navigation bar should now appear at the bottom of the screen, with icons for Mail, Calendar, People, and Tasks.
Note For Web Users
Some Outlook web themes may not support the bottom position fully. If the bar doesn’t move, try switching to a different theme under Settings > General > Appearance.
Alternative Methods To Change Navigation Bar Position
If the standard settings don’t work, there are workarounds. These are useful for older Outlook versions or when the option is missing.
Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users Only)
Warning: Editing the Windows registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Back up your registry first.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences - Look for a DWORD value named NavigationPanePosition. If it doesn’t exist, create it (right-click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value).
- Set the value data to 1 for bottom position, or 0 for left side.
- Click OK and close Registry Editor.
- Restart Outlook.
This method forces the navigation bar to the bottom. It works for Outlook 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Using Group Policy (For IT Administrators)
If you manage multiple Outlook installations, use Group Policy to set the navigation bar position. This is common in corporate environments.
- Open the Group Policy Management Console.
- Navigate to:
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Outlook 2016 > Outlook Options > Other - Find the policy named Set navigation pane position.
- Enable it and set the position to Bottom.
- Apply the policy and update users’ computers.
This ensures all users in your organization have a consistent layout.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes the navigation bar doesn’t move as expected. Here are frequent problems and solutions:
- Option missing: Update Outlook to the latest version. Check for updates under File > Office Account > Update Options.
- Bar reverts to side: This can happen after an update. Repeat the steps to change it back. If it persists, use the Registry Editor method.
- Bottom bar too small: Resize the Outlook window. The bottom bar adapts to window width. You can also customize which icons appear by right-clicking the bar.
- Mac users can’t move it: As noted, Mac Outlook lacks this feature. Use the Simplified Ribbon or hide the sidebar entirely.
- Web version not saving: Clear your browser cache and cookies. Try a different browser like Edge or Chrome.
Customizing The Bottom Navigation Bar
Once you’ve moved the bar to the bottom, you can customize it to suit your workflow. Here’s how:
Adding Or Removing Icons
- Right-click on the navigation bar at the bottom.
- Select Navigation Options from the context menu.
- In the dialog, check or uncheck modules like Mail, Calendar, People, Tasks, Notes, etc.
- Click OK to apply changes.
You can also reorder icons by dragging them left or right on the bar.
Changing Icon Size
In Outlook for Windows, you can adjust icon size. Go to View > Navigation Pane > Compact Navigation. This shrinks icons to save more space. For the bottom bar, compact mode works well.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
With the bar at the bottom, keyboard shortcuts become more intuitive. Press Ctrl+1 for Mail, Ctrl+2 for Calendar, Ctrl+3 for Contacts, and Ctrl+4 for Tasks. These shortcuts work regardless of bar position.
Pros And Cons Of Bottom Navigation
Before making the switch, consider these trade-offs:
Advantages
- More horizontal space for reading and composing emails
- Cleaner interface, especially on widescreen monitors
- Icons at the bottom are easier to reach with a mouse
- Works well with multiple monitors
Disadvantages
- Less vertical space, which can be an issue on short screens
- Some users find the bottom bar less intuitive
- Mac users have limited options
- Older Outlook versions may not support it
Test both positions for a few days to see which feels better for your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Change The Outlook Navigation Bar From Side To Bottom In Outlook 2016?
Open Outlook, go to File > Options > Advanced. Under “Outlook panes,” click Navigation Options. Change the dropdown from “Left” to “Bottom.” Click OK twice. This works for Outlook 2016 as well.
Can I Move The Navigation Bar To The Bottom In Outlook For Mac?
Outlook for Mac does not have a direct option to move the bar to the bottom. You can hide the sidebar or use the Simplified Ribbon view for a similar effect. Some third-party add-ins may offer this feature, but they are not officially supported.
Why Is My Navigation Bar Stuck On The Side In Outlook?
This usually happens if you’re using an outdated version. Update Outlook to the latest build. Also, check if “Compact Navigation” is enabled under View > Navigation Pane. Disable it if needed. If the problem persists, use the Registry Editor method described above.
Does Moving The Navigation Bar Affect Performance?
No, changing the bar position has no impact on Outlook’s performance. It’s purely a visual change. Your emails, calendar, and other features work exactly the same way.
How Do I Reset The Navigation Bar To Its Default Position?
Follow the same steps to change it back. In Outlook Options, set the position to “Left” instead of “Bottom.” For Registry Editor users, set the DWORD value to 0. Restart Outlook to see the change.
Final Thoughts On Changing The Outlook Bar
Moving the navigation bar from the side to the bottom is a simple adjustment that can significantly improve your email experience. It frees up horizontal space, making your inbox wider and easier to read. The steps are straightforward for Windows and web users, though Mac users have fewer options.
Remember to update Outlook regularly to access all features. If the standard method fails, try the Registry Editor or Group Policy workarounds. Customize the bottom bar with your preferred icons and shortcuts for maximum efficiency.
Give it a try today. You might find that the bottom bar becomes your new favorite layout. Happy emailing!