That left sidebar in Outlook can be resized or repositioned for better workflow. If you’ve ever wondered how to move the left side bar in outlook, you’re not alone—many users find the default layout a bit cramped or distracting. This guide will show you exactly how to adjust, hide, or relocate that sidebar to suit your preferences.
Outlook’s left sidebar—often called the Folder Pane or Navigation Pane—holds your mail folders, calendar, and shortcuts. But it doesn’t have to stay stuck in one place. You can resize it, minimize it, or even move it to a different position entirely. Let’s dive into the steps.
Understanding The Left Sidebar In Outlook
The left sidebar is a core part of Outlook’s interface. It shows your inbox, sent items, drafts, and other folders. For some people, it’s essential; for others, it takes up too much screen space.
You can control its width, visibility, and even its location. But first, you need to know which version of Outlook you’re using—steps vary slightly between Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.
What The Sidebar Does
- Displays all your email folders
- Shows calendar, contacts, and tasks shortcuts
- Provides quick access to shared mailboxes
- Acts as the main navigation hub
How To Move The Left Side Bar In Outlook
Now for the main event. Here’s the exact process to reposition or adjust the left sidebar in Outlook. Follow these steps carefully.
Method 1: Resizing The Sidebar
If you don’t want to move it entirely, you can just make it smaller or larger. This is the simplest fix.
- Open Outlook and look at the left edge of the sidebar.
- Hover your mouse over the border between the sidebar and the main email list.
- Your cursor will change to a double-headed arrow.
- Click and drag left or right to resize.
- Release the mouse when you’re happy with the width.
That’s it. You can make it as narrow as a few pixels or as wide as half the screen. This works in all modern versions of Outlook.
Method 2: Minimizing The Sidebar
Sometimes you don’t need to see the sidebar at all. You can minimize it to a thin strip.
- Click the small arrow icon at the top-right corner of the sidebar.
- This collapses the sidebar into a narrow bar showing only icons.
- To expand it again, click the same arrow or click any icon.
This is great for reading emails on a small laptop screen. You still have access to all folders, but they’re hidden until you need them.
Method 3: Moving The Sidebar To The Bottom
In some Outlook versions, you can move the navigation pane to the bottom of the screen. This changes the layout completely.
- Go to the View tab in the ribbon.
- Click Folder Pane in the Layout group.
- Select Options from the dropdown.
- In the dialog box, choose Bottom under “Navigation Pane position.”
- Click OK.
Now your folders appear at the bottom of the window. This frees up horizontal space for your email list. Some users find this more intuitive, especially on wide monitors.
Method 4: Moving The Sidebar To The Right
Outlook doesn’t natively support moving the sidebar to the right side. However, you can achieve a similar effect using a workaround.
- Open Outlook and go to File > Options.
- Click Advanced.
- Scroll down to the Outlook panes section.
- Check the box for Show the Navigation Pane on the right (if available in your version).
Note: This option is not present in all Outlook versions. If you don’t see it, you can’t move the sidebar to the right without third-party tools. Microsoft has removed this feature in recent updates.
Customizing The Sidebar Content
Beyond moving the sidebar, you can also control what appears inside it. This helps declutter your view.
Showing Or Hiding Folders
You don’t have to see every folder. Right-click the sidebar and choose Folder Properties to hide specific ones. Or use the View tab to toggle the Folder Pane on and off.
Adding Shortcuts
Drag frequently used folders to the Favorites section at the top of the sidebar. This keeps them visible even when the rest of the sidebar is minimized.
Changing The Navigation Pane Width
If you prefer a permanent width, you can set it in the registry (advanced users only). But resizing manually is usually enough.
Troubleshooting Common Sidebar Issues
Sometimes the sidebar doesn’t behave as expected. Here are fixes for common problems.
Sidebar Won’t Resize
If you can’t drag the border, try restarting Outlook. Also check if the sidebar is pinned or locked. In some views, the resize handle is hidden.
Sidebar Disappeared Completely
Press Ctrl + Shift + B to open the Address Book, then close it. This often restores the sidebar. Alternatively, go to View > Folder Pane and select Normal.
Sidebar Keeps Resetting
This can happen if Outlook isn’t closing properly. Make sure you exit Outlook completely (not just minimize it). Also clear the Outlook cache if the problem persists.
Advanced Sidebar Moves For Power Users
If you’re comfortable with registry edits, you can force the sidebar to the right side. This is not for beginners.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences.
- Create a new DWORD value named NavigationPaneOnRight.
- Set its value to 1.
- Close the Registry Editor and reopen Outlook.
This forces the sidebar to the right side. To revert, change the value to 0 or delete the DWORD. Be careful—registry edits can cause issues if done wrong.
Using Third-Party Tools
Some add-ins like Outlook Tools or VBOUT allow more flexible sidebar positioning. These are paid solutions but offer features Microsoft doesn’t provide.
Why Move The Sidebar?
You might wonder why bother with all this. Here are common reasons users adjust the sidebar.
- To see more email content on screen
- To reduce visual clutter
- To match a preferred workflow
- To use a second monitor more effectively
- To access folders faster
Moving the sidebar can make Outlook feel like a completely different app. It’s a small change that has a big impact on productivity.
Comparing Sidebar Options Across Outlook Versions
Different Outlook versions offer different levels of customization. Here’s a quick comparison.
| Version | Resize | Minimize | Move to Bottom | Move to Right |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlook 2016 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Outlook 2019 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Outlook 2021 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Microsoft 365 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Outlook for Mac | Yes | No | No | No |
As you can see, the right-side option is missing from all current versions. Microsoft removed it after Outlook 2013. The registry hack is the only workaround.
Keyboard Shortcuts For Sidebar Management
Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts.
- Ctrl + 1 – Switch to Mail view
- Ctrl + 2 – Switch to Calendar
- Ctrl + 6 – Switch to Folder List
- Alt + F1 – Toggle the Navigation Pane (in some versions)
- Ctrl + Shift + B – Open Address Book (can restore sidebar)
These shortcuts help you navigate without touching the mouse. They work in most Outlook versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the left sidebar to the right in Outlook?
Not directly in current versions. You can use a registry edit or third-party tool to force it to the right side. Microsoft removed the native option after Outlook 2013.
How do I hide the left sidebar in Outlook?
Click the small arrow at the top-right of the sidebar to minimize it. Or go to View > Folder Pane and select Minimized or Off.
Why is my left sidebar missing in Outlook?
It might be minimized or turned off. Go to View > Folder Pane and choose Normal. If that doesn’t work, restart Outlook or repair your Office installation.
Can I change the sidebar width permanently?
You can set a default width via registry, but it’s easier to just resize it manually each time. Outlook remembers the last width you set.
Does moving the sidebar affect my emails?
No, it only changes the layout. Your emails, folders, and settings remain unchanged. It’s purely a visual adjustment.
Final Tips For Sidebar Management
Experiment with different positions to see what works best for you. Try the bottom position if you have a wide monitor. Use the minimized mode if you’re on a laptop.
Remember that you can always revert changes. If you don’t like a new layout, go back to View > Folder Pane and select Normal.
One more thing: if you use multiple monitors, consider moving Outlook to the secondary screen and adjusting the sidebar there. This can give you even more flexibility.
Mastering how to move the left side bar in outlook is a small skill that pays off every day. It reduces eye strain, speeds up navigation, and makes Outlook feel less cluttered.
Take five minutes to try the methods above. You’ll be surprised how much smoother your email management becomes. And if you ever get stuck, just come back to this guide—it’s got you covered.