Relocating the sidebar to the bottom of Outlook changes how you interact with folders. If you’ve been searching for how to move sidebar to bottom in outlook, you are not alone. Many users find the default left-side navigation cluttered, especially on widescreen monitors. This guide walks you through every method, from simple drag-and-drop to registry tweaks, so you can reclaim screen space and work faster.
Outlook’s sidebar, also called the Folder Pane or Navigation Pane, typically sits on the left. But you can move it to the bottom. This adjustment gives you more horizontal room for reading emails and viewing calendars. Let’s get started.
Why Move The Sidebar To The Bottom?
Before we jump into the steps, it helps to understand why this change matters. The default left-side layout works well on tall screens. But on modern widescreen monitors, the left sidebar eats up valuable width. Moving it to the bottom uses vertical space, which is often underutilized.
Here are a few benefits you’ll notice:
- More horizontal space for reading emails
- Cleaner, less cluttered interface
- Better use of ultrawide monitors
- Easier access to folders when working in split-screen mode
Some users also find the bottom layout more intuitive for touchscreens or tablet modes. Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
How To Move Sidebar To Bottom In Outlook
This is the main method most people use. It works in Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365. The trick is to use the “Compact Navigation” setting combined with a simple drag. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Enable Compact Navigation
First, you need to switch Outlook to compact mode. This condenses the sidebar into icons. Here’s how:
- Open Outlook and click on the “View” tab at the top.
- In the “Layout” group, look for “Folder Pane.”
- Click the dropdown arrow next to “Folder Pane.”
- Select “Compact” from the menu.
Your sidebar will now show only icons for Mail, Calendar, People, and Tasks. The folder list will appear as a narrow column. This is the first step to moving it to the bottom.
Step 2: Drag The Sidebar To The Bottom
Now that compact mode is active, you can reposition the sidebar. This part is a bit tricky if you haven’t done it before.
- Look at the very bottom of the sidebar area. You’ll see a small, thin bar or handle. It might look like a dotted line or a slight ridge.
- Click and hold on that handle. Your cursor should change to a four-sided arrow or a crosshair.
- Drag the handle downward. Keep dragging until the sidebar snaps to the bottom of the Outlook window.
- Release the mouse button. The sidebar should now be at the bottom.
If it doesn’t snap into place, try dragging more slowly. Sometimes the drop zone is small. You can also try dragging the handle to the very bottom edge of the window.
Step 3: Adjust The Sidebar Size
Once the sidebar is at the bottom, you can resize it. Hover your mouse over the top edge of the sidebar until you see a double-headed arrow. Then click and drag up or down to make it taller or shorter.
You can also switch back to normal view if you prefer. Just go back to the “View” tab, click “Folder Pane,” and select “Normal.” But note: this will move the sidebar back to the left. To keep it at the bottom, you must stay in compact mode.
Alternative Method: Using Registry Editor
If the drag method doesn’t work for you, there’s a more advanced option. Editing the Windows Registry can force the sidebar to the bottom. This is useful if you have a custom Outlook version or if the drag method is buggy.
Warning: Editing the registry can cause problems if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making changes. Proceed at your own risk.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control.
- The Registry Editor window opens.
Step 2: Navigate To The Outlook Key
You need to find the correct registry key for Outlook. The path depends on your Outlook version. For Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365, use this path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences
If you have an older version, replace “16.0” with “15.0” for Outlook 2013, or “14.0” for Outlook 2010.
Step 3: Create Or Modify The DWORD Value
- In the right pane, right-click on an empty space.
- Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it NavigationPanePosition.
- Double-click the new value and set the data to 2.
- Click OK and close Registry Editor.
The value “2” tells Outlook to place the sidebar at the bottom. A value of “1” puts it on the left (default), and “0” hides it. After making this change, restart Outlook to see the effect.
Step 4: Verify The Change
Open Outlook and check the bottom of the window. The sidebar should now be there. If it’s not, make sure you used the correct registry path. Also, ensure Outlook is fully closed before restarting.
If you want to revert, simply change the DWORD value back to “1” or delete the “NavigationPanePosition” entry.
What If The Sidebar Won’t Move?
Sometimes the drag method just doesn’t work. Here are common issues and fixes.
Issue 1: The Handle Is Not Visible
If you can’t see the drag handle, you might not be in compact mode. Double-check that “Compact” is selected under Folder Pane in the View tab. Also, make sure your Outlook window is not maximized in a way that hides the handle.
Issue 2: The Sidebar Snaps Back To The Left
This happens if you release the mouse too early. Try dragging the handle all the way to the bottom edge of the window. You should see a blue highlight or a snap indicator. If not, try dragging to the very bottom of the screen, just above the taskbar.
Issue 3: Registry Change Doesn’t Work
If the registry method fails, check that you have write permissions to the registry key. Also, some IT-managed computers block registry edits. In that case, contact your administrator.
Another possibility: your Outlook version might use a different registry path. For Outlook 2019 or Microsoft 365, the path above should work. For Outlook 2021, it’s the same as 16.0.
Customizing The Bottom Sidebar
Once the sidebar is at the bottom, you can customize it further. Here are a few tweaks to make it work better for you.
Show Or Hide Specific Modules
Right-click on any icon in the bottom sidebar. You’ll see options to show or hide Mail, Calendar, People, Tasks, and more. Uncheck the ones you don’t use to save space.
Change The Icon Size
If the icons are too small or too large, you can adjust them. Go to File > Options > Advanced. Under “Display,” look for “Navigation Pane” settings. You can change the icon size from small to medium or large.
Use The Folder List
When the sidebar is at the bottom, the folder list might still appear on the left. To hide it, go to View > Folder Pane and select “Minimized” or “Off.” This gives you even more screen space.
How To Move Sidebar To Bottom In Outlook For Mac
Outlook for Mac works differently. The sidebar is called the “Folder Pane” and it’s always on the left. Unfortunately, there is no built-in way to move it to the bottom on Mac. However, you can minimize it or use a workaround.
Minimize The Sidebar
Click the small arrow icon at the top of the sidebar to collapse it. This hides the folder names and shows only icons. It’s not exactly at the bottom, but it frees up horizontal space.
Use Full-Screen Mode
Press Control + Command + F to enter full-screen mode. This hides the menu bar and gives you more room. The sidebar will still be on the left, but the extra vertical space can help.
If you really need the sidebar at the bottom on Mac, consider using Outlook Web App (OWA) in a browser. OWA allows you to customize the layout more freely.
How To Move Sidebar To Bottom In Outlook Web App
Outlook on the web (OWA) has a different interface. You can move the sidebar to the bottom there too. Here’s how.
- Open Outlook.com or your work OWA site.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right.
- Select “View all Outlook settings” at the bottom.
- Go to Layout.
- Under “Folder pane,” choose “Bottom” from the dropdown.
- Click “Save.”
The sidebar will now appear at the bottom of the web app. This setting syncs across devices if you’re signed in.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When moving the sidebar, people often make these errors. Avoid them for a smoother experience.
- Forgetting to enable compact mode: The drag handle only appears in compact mode.
- Dragging too fast: Slow down and look for the snap indicator.
- Not restarting Outlook after registry edits: Changes take effect only after a restart.
- Using the wrong registry path: Double-check your Outlook version.
- Assuming it works on Mac: It doesn’t, unless you use OWA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Move The Sidebar To The Bottom In Outlook 2010?
Yes, but the steps are slightly different. In Outlook 2010, go to View > Navigation Pane and select “Compact.” Then drag the handle to the bottom. The registry method also works with the path HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\Preferences.
Will Moving The Sidebar Affect My Folders Or Emails?
No, it only changes the visual layout. Your folders, emails, and settings remain the same. It’s a cosmetic change.
How Do I Reset The Sidebar Back To The Left?
Simply go to View > Folder Pane and select “Normal.” Or, if you used the registry, change the DWORD value back to “1” or delete it.
Does This Work In Outlook 2021?
Yes, Outlook 2021 uses the same interface as Microsoft 365. The drag method and registry method both work. Use the registry path for 16.0.
Why Is My Sidebar Stuck At The Bottom After I Tried To Move It?
This usually means the drag handle snapped into place. To move it back, simply drag the handle upward. Or use the View tab to switch back to Normal layout.
Final Thoughts
Moving the sidebar to the bottom in Outlook is a small change that makes a big difference. It frees up horizontal space, reduces clutter, and makes your workflow more efficient. Whether you use the drag method or the registry editor, the process is simple once you know the steps.
Remember to enable compact mode first. If the drag doesn’t work, try the registry method. For Mac users, consider using Outlook Web App. And if you ever want to revert, just switch back to Normal view.
Now you know exactly how to move sidebar to bottom in outlook. Give it a try and see how much cleaner your inbox looks. You might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.