Sometimes you need an email window to stay visible while working in other tabs. Learning how to pop out an email in Outlook can save you time and help you multitask more effectively. This simple trick lets you keep a message open in a separate window while you browse your inbox, calendar, or other apps.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to do it in Outlook for Windows, Mac, and the web version. You will also learn keyboard shortcuts, common troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get started.
How To Pop Out An Email In Outlook
Popping out an email means opening it in its own window, separate from the main Outlook interface. This is useful when you need to reference an email while composing a new one, or when you want to keep a message open without losing your place in your inbox.
The process is slightly different depending on which version of Outlook you use. Below, I break it down for each platform.
Popping Out An Email In Outlook For Windows
Outlook for Windows is the most common version. Here are the steps:
- Open Outlook and go to your inbox.
- Double-click the email you want to pop out. This opens it in a new window automatically.
- If the email opens in the reading pane, look for the pop-out icon. It looks like a small square with an arrow pointing out. Click it.
- Alternatively, right-click the email in your inbox and select “Open in New Window.”
Once the email is in its own window, you can resize it, move it around, or keep it open while you work in other tabs. This is the core of how to pop out an email in Outlook.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts In Windows
If you prefer using your keyboard, there is a shortcut:
- Select the email in your inbox.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + O. This opens the email in a new window instantly.
This shortcut works in most versions of Outlook for Windows. It is one of the fastest ways to pop out an email.
Popping Out An Email In Outlook For Mac
Outlook for Mac works a bit differently. Here is how to do it:
- Open Outlook and find the email you want to pop out.
- Double-click the email to open it in its own window.
- If the email opens in the reading pane, click the “Pop Out” button in the top-right corner. It looks like a small window icon.
- You can also right-click the email and select “Open in New Window.”
On Mac, the keyboard shortcut is Command + Shift + O. This works for most versions of Outlook for Mac.
Popping Out An Email In Outlook On The Web
Outlook on the web (browser version) also supports popping out emails. Here are the steps:
- Log in to Outlook.com or your Office 365 account.
- Click the email you want to pop out to open it in the reading pane.
- Look for the pop-out icon in the top-right corner of the email. It looks like a square with an arrow pointing out.
- Click it, and the email opens in a new browser tab or window.
You can also right-click the email in your inbox and select “Open in new tab” or “Open in new window.” This is handy if you want to keep the email open while you check other messages.
Why Pop Out An Email In Outlook?
There are several reasons you might want to pop out an email:
- Multitasking: Keep a reference email open while composing a reply.
- Compare emails: Open multiple emails side by side to compare information.
- Focus: Work on a single email without distractions from your inbox.
- Copy content: Easily copy text or attachments from one email to another.
Popping out an email is a small but powerful feature that can improve your productivity. It is especially useful for professionals who handle many emails daily.
Common Issues When Popping Out Emails
Sometimes the pop-out feature does not work as expected. Here are common problems and solutions:
Email Opens In Reading Pane Instead Of New Window
If single-clicking an email opens it in the reading pane, double-click it instead. Double-clicking usually forces the email to open in a new window.
Pop-Out Icon Is Missing
In some versions of Outlook, the pop-out icon may be hidden. Look for it in the toolbar or ribbon. If you cannot find it, right-click the email and select “Open in New Window.”
Keyboard Shortcut Does Not Work
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, check your Outlook settings. Sometimes shortcuts are disabled. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon and ensure keyboard shortcuts are enabled.
Email Opens In A Separate Tab Instead Of A Window
In Outlook on the web, the email may open in a new browser tab instead of a separate window. You can drag the tab out to create a new window, or adjust your browser settings.
Advanced Tips For Popping Out Emails
Once you know how to pop out an email in Outlook, you can take it further. Here are some advanced tips:
Pop Out Multiple Emails At Once
You can open multiple emails in separate windows. Simply repeat the process for each email. This is useful for comparing information or working on multiple tasks.
Use Pop-Out For Drafts
When composing a new email, you can pop it out into a separate window. This gives you more space to write and edit. Just click the pop-out icon in the compose window.
Keep Popped-Out Emails On Top
In Windows, you can use third-party tools to keep popped-out emails always on top. This is helpful if you need to reference an email while working in other apps.
Save Popped-Out Emails As Files
You can save a popped-out email as a .msg file. Just click File > Save As in the popped-out window. This is useful for archiving or sharing emails.
How To Pop Out An Email In Outlook Mobile
Outlook mobile apps (iOS and Android) do not have a pop-out feature like the desktop version. However, you can open an email in a separate window by using the “Open in new tab” option in your browser. This works if you access Outlook through a web browser on your phone.
For the mobile app, you can swipe left or right to view emails in a separate pane. This is not the same as popping out, but it helps with multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Pop Out An Email In Outlook 365?
The process is the same as for Outlook for Windows. Double-click the email or use the pop-out icon. Outlook 365 also supports the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + O.
Can I Pop Out An Email In Outlook Without Double-clicking?
Yes. You can right-click the email and select “Open in New Window.” Or use the keyboard shortcut if you have one set up.
Why Is My Pop-out Button Not Showing In Outlook?
The pop-out button may be hidden in the ribbon. Click the “…” (more commands) button to find it. Alternatively, use the right-click menu.
Does Popping Out An Email Affect The Original Message?
No. Popping out an email opens a copy in a new window. The original message remains in your inbox unchanged.
Can I Pop Out Multiple Emails At The Same Time?
Yes. You can open each email in its own window by repeating the pop-out process. This works in all versions of Outlook.
Final Thoughts On Popping Out Emails In Outlook
Knowing how to pop out an email in Outlook is a simple skill that can make your workflow smoother. Whether you use Windows, Mac, or the web version, the steps are straightforward. Use the keyboard shortcuts for even faster access.
If you run into issues, check the common problems section above. Most issues are easy to fix. With practice, popping out emails will become second nature.
Try it today. Open an email, pop it out, and see how it improves your multitasking. You might wonder how you ever worked without it.
Remember, the key is to double-click or use the pop-out icon. If you prefer shortcuts, Ctrl + Shift + O (Windows) or Command + Shift + O (Mac) will do the trick. Happy emailing!
This guide covered everthing you need to know about popping out emails in Outlook. If you have more questions, check the FAQ section or leave a comment below. I hope this helps you stay organized and productive.
One last tip: if you use Outlook daily, mastering this feature can save you a lot of time. It is one of those small things that makes a big difference. So go ahead, pop out an email, and see how it works for you.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this article useful. If you did, share it with a colleague who might benefit. And if you have any other Outlook tips, let me know in the comments.
Now you know how to pop out an email in Outlook. Use it wisely and enjoy a more efficient email experience.