Shifting the navigation bar from the side to the bottom changes Outlook’s entire layout. If you are searching for how to move the navigation bar in outlook from side to bottom, you are likely using the new Outlook or the classic version. This simple adjustment can make your email experience feel more like a mobile app or a modern interface.
Many users prefer the bottom navigation because it gives more vertical space for reading emails. It also groups your Mail, Calendar, and People icons in a single row. Below, I will show you the exact steps for both the new Outlook and the classic version.
How To Move The Navigation Bar In Outlook From Side To Bottom
This section covers the main method for the new Outlook app. The new Outlook is rolling out to Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. It features a cleaner design and a toggle for the navigation bar position.
Step-By-Step Guide For New Outlook
First, open the new Outlook application on your computer. Make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account or work account.
- Look at the top-left corner of the Outlook window. You will see a small icon that looks like a gear or a cog. This is the Settings icon.
- Click on the Settings gear icon. A side panel will open on the right side of the screen.
- In the Settings panel, find and click on the option labeled “General.” It is usually the first item in the list.
- Under General, locate the section called “Navigation.” This is where you control the bar’s position.
- You will see a dropdown menu or a toggle that says “Navigation bar position.” The default is usually “Side.”
- Click on the dropdown and select “Bottom.” The change happens instantly.
- Close the Settings panel by clicking the X in the top-right corner of the panel.
Thats it. Your navigation bar now sits at the bottom of the Outlook window. You will see icons for Mail, Calendar, People, and To Do arranged horizontally.
What If You Cannot Find The Setting
Sometimes the new Outlook update is not fully rolled out to your account. If you do not see the “Navigation” option under General, try these steps.
- Check for Outlook updates. Go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
- Restart Outlook after updating. The setting should appear after a fresh restart.
- If you are using the classic Outlook, skip to the next section for a different method.
Some users report that the setting is hidden under “Layout” instead of “General.” Look for a “Layout” tab in the Settings panel. The option might be labeled “Navigation bar” there.
Moving The Navigation Bar In Classic Outlook
Classic Outlook (also called Outlook 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365 classic) does not have a simple toggle. But you can still move the navigation bar from the side to the bottom. The method involves a registry edit or a folder pane adjustment.
Method 1: Using The Folder Pane Options
This method works for most classic Outlook versions. It does not require registry changes.
- Open classic Outlook on your computer.
- Click on the “View” tab in the top ribbon menu.
- In the “Layout” group, find the button labeled “Folder Pane.”
- Click on “Folder Pane” and a dropdown menu appears.
- Select “Normal” from the dropdown. This ensures the folder list is on the left side.
- Now, right-click on an empty area of the navigation bar (the bar with Mail, Calendar, etc.).
- A context menu appears. Look for “Navigation Options” or “Navigation Pane Options.”
- In the dialog box, check the box that says “Show Navigation Bar at the bottom.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
After these steps, the navigation bar should move to the bottom. If it does not, try Method 2 below.
Method 2: Registry Edit For Advanced Users
Warning: Editing the Windows registry can cause problems if done incorrectly. Back up your registry before proceeding.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. Type “regedit” and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences
- If you are using Outlook 2019 or earlier, replace “16.0” with “15.0” or “14.0” depending on your version.
- In the right pane, look for a DWORD value named “NavBarPosition.”
- If it does not exist, right-click in the empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it “NavBarPosition.”
- Double-click the “NavBarPosition” value. Set the Value data to 0 for side position or 1 for bottom position.
- Click “OK” and close the Registry Editor.
- Open Outlook again. The navigation bar should now be at the bottom.
This method is reliable but requires caution. If you are not comfortable with registry edits, stick with Method 1.
Why Move The Navigation Bar To The Bottom
There are several reasons why users want to change the navigation bar position. Understanding these can help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
More Vertical Screen Space
When the navigation bar is on the side, it takes up horizontal space. On a widescreen monitor, this is not a big issue. But on a laptop or a smaller screen, every pixel counts. Moving it to the bottom frees up horizontal space for your email list and reading pane.
Familiarity With Mobile Apps
Most mobile email apps place the navigation bar at the bottom. If you use Outlook on your phone, you are used to tapping icons at the bottom. Moving it to the bottom on your desktop creates a consistent experience across devices.
Cleaner Aesthetic
Some users simply prefer the look of a bottom navigation bar. It makes the interface feel more modern and less cluttered. The side bar can sometimes feel bulky, especially if you have many folders.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after following the steps, you might encounter problems. Here are some common issues and their fixes.
Navigation Bar Does Not Move
If the bar stays on the side after you change the setting, try these steps.
- Restart Outlook completely. Sometimes the change requires a restart to take effect.
- Check if you are in “Compact Navigation” mode. In new Outlook, there is a separate toggle for compact mode. Disable it first.
- Update Outlook to the latest version. Older versions may not support the bottom position.
Icons Missing From Bottom Bar
After moving the bar, you might see only a few icons. This is normal. You can customize which icons appear.
- Right-click on the navigation bar at the bottom.
- Select “Navigation Options.”
- Check or uncheck the modules you want to see. Common modules include Mail, Calendar, People, and Tasks.
- Click “OK” to apply the changes.
Bottom Bar Overlaps With Reading Pane
If the bottom bar overlaps with your email content, adjust the reading pane settings.
- Go to the “View” tab in the ribbon.
- Click on “Reading Pane.”
- Choose “Bottom” or “Off” to give more space to the navigation bar.
Customizing The Bottom Navigation Bar
Once you have moved the bar, you can customize it further. This makes your Outlook experience even more efficient.
Adding Or Removing Modules
You can add shortcuts to folders or modules you use often.
- Right-click on the bottom navigation bar.
- Select “Navigation Options.”
- In the dialog box, you will see a list of available modules. Check the ones you want to show.
- Use the “Move Up” and “Move Down” buttons to reorder them.
- Click “OK” to save.
Changing Icon Size
Some users prefer larger icons for easier clicking. In new Outlook, you can adjust the icon size.
- Go to Settings > General > Navigation.
- Look for an option like “Icon size” or “Use large icons.”
- Toggle it on or off as needed.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Even with the bar at the bottom, keyboard shortcuts still work. Press Ctrl+1 for Mail, Ctrl+2 for Calendar, and Ctrl+3 for People. This can speed up your workflow.
Comparing Side Vs Bottom Navigation
Both positions have their pros and cons. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.
Side Navigation Pros
- More vertical space for reading emails.
- Easy to see folder names alongside icons.
- Familiar to long-time Outlook users.
Side Navigation Cons
- Takes up horizontal space on wide screens.
- Can feel cluttered if you have many folders.
- Less mobile-like experience.
Bottom Navigation Pros
- Frees up horizontal space for email list.
- Matches mobile app layout.
- Cleaner and more modern look.
Bottom Navigation Cons
- Reduces vertical space slightly.
- Icons may be smaller on some screens.
- Requires adjustment period for long-time users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about moving the navigation bar in Outlook.
Can I move the navigation bar in Outlook for Mac?
Yes, but the process is different. On Outlook for Mac, go to Outlook > Preferences > General. Look for “Show navigation bar at bottom” and check the box.
Does moving the navigation bar affect my folders?
No. Your folders and email data remain unchanged. Only the position of the navigation icons changes.
Why is the “Navigation bar position” option missing in my Outlook?
This option is only available in the new Outlook app. If you are using classic Outlook, you need to use the folder pane method or registry edit.
Can I move the navigation bar back to the side later?
Yes. Simply reverse the steps. In new Outlook, select “Side” instead of “Bottom.” In classic Outlook, uncheck the “Show Navigation Bar at the bottom” option.
Will this setting sync across my devices?
No. The navigation bar position is a local setting. It does not sync to other computers or mobile devices.
Final Tips For A Smoother Experience
After you move the navigation bar, take a few minutes to explore the new layout. Try reading a few emails and switching between modules. Your muscle memory will adapt quickly.
If you use multiple monitors, you might want to keep the bar on the side on one monitor and bottom on another. Outlook does not support per-monitor settings, so you have to choose one layout for all windows.
Remember that you can always revert the change if you do not like it. The process is reversable and takes only a few clicks.
Some users report that the bottom navigation bar looks better when combined with a dark theme. To enable dark mode, go to Settings > General > Personalization and choose “Dark” under Theme.
Finally, if you are using Outlook on a tablet or touchscreen device, the bottom bar is easier to reach with your thumb. This makes it a practical choice for hybrid devices like the Surface Pro.
By following the steps above, you now know exactly how to move the navigation bar in outlook from side to bottom. Whether you use the new Outlook or the classic version, the change is simple and improves your daily email workflow.