Moving the Outlook navigation bar from the side to the bottom requires adjusting a single setting in the view options. If you are wondering how do i move outlook icons from side to bottom, you have come to the right place. This guide walks you through the exact steps, explains why the change matters, and answers common questions.
How Do I Move Outlook Icons From Side To Bottom
Outlook’s default layout places navigation icons—like Mail, Calendar, and People—on the left side. Some users prefer them at the bottom for a cleaner, more compact view. The setting is simple to change, but it is hidden in the Options menu.
Step-By-Step Instructions For Windows Desktop
These steps work for Outlook 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 on Windows. The process is nearly identical across versions.
- Open Outlook and click the File tab in the top-left corner.
- Select Options from the left-hand menu.
- In the Outlook Options window, click Advanced.
- Scroll down to the Outlook panes section.
- Click the button labeled Navigation Options.
- In the dialog box that appears, look for the dropdown menu next to Navigation pane position.
- Change it from Left to Bottom.
- Click OK twice to save and close all windows.
Your icons will now appear at the bottom of the screen. The change takes effect immediately—no restart required.
What If You Use Outlook On Mac
Outlook for Mac does not have the same setting. The navigation bar stays on the left side by default. However, you can minimize it to save space.
- Go to Outlook > Preferences.
- Select General.
- Under Appearance, check Show navigation bar.
- Choose Small icons to reduce the bar’s width.
Unfortunately, moving icons to the bottom is not an option on macOS. You might consider using the web version for a bottom layout.
How To Move Icons In Outlook Web App
Outlook on the web (OWA) also supports a bottom navigation bar. The setting is located in the view options.
- Log into Outlook.com or your work webmail.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
- Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
- Go to General > Layout.
- Under Navigation bar, choose Bottom.
- Click Save.
The change syncs across all devices where you use the same account.
Why Move Icons To The Bottom
Many users find the bottom layout more intuitive, especially on widescreen monitors. It frees up vertical space for reading emails or viewing calendars. Some people also prefer it because it mimics the look of mobile apps.
- More screen space: The side bar takes up horizontal room, which is precious on smaller displays.
- Easier thumb reach: On touchscreen laptops, bottom icons are easier to tap.
- Consistent experience: If you use Teams or Slack, those apps often place navigation at the bottom.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes the setting does not stick or the icons look different. Here are solutions to typical problems.
Setting Does Not Save
If you change the position but it reverts to the side, try these steps:
- Close and reopen Outlook after changing the setting.
- Check if your IT department has locked the layout via Group Policy.
- Update Outlook to the latest version.
Icons Are Too Small Or Too Large
You can adjust icon size separately from position. In Windows Outlook:
- Right-click an empty area of the navigation bar.
- Select Navigation Options again.
- Check Small icons for a compact view.
Bottom Bar Missing Some Icons
If you do not see all your modules (Mail, Calendar, People, Tasks), you can add them manually:
- Right-click the bottom bar.
- Choose Navigation Options.
- In the list, check the boxes for any missing modules.
- Click OK.
How To Customize The Bottom Navigation Bar
Once you move icons to the bottom, you can reorder them. Drag and drop any icon to a new position. You can also remove modules you rarely use.
- Reorder: Click and hold an icon, then drag it left or right.
- Remove: Right-click the icon and select Remove from navigation.
- Add: Go to Navigation Options and check the module you want.
Comparing Side Vs Bottom Layout
Both layouts have pros and cons. The side layout is traditional and shows more text labels. The bottom layout is modern and saves horizontal space.
| Feature | Side Layout | Bottom Layout |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal space | Uses about 50px | Uses 0px |
| Vertical space | 0px | Uses about 40px |
| Icon labels | Visible by default | Hidden, shown on hover |
| Touch friendly | Less | More |
Choose based on your monitor size and personal preference. Most users who switch to bottom never go back.
How To Reset To Side Layout
If you change your mind, reversing the process is easy. Follow the same steps and select Left instead of Bottom. Your icons will return to the side instantly.
Does This Work In Outlook For Android Or IOS
Mobile versions of Outlook already have navigation at the bottom by default. You do not need to change anything. The desktop setting does not affect the mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move Outlook icons to the bottom in Outlook 2016?
Yes, the same steps work for Outlook 2016. Go to File > Options > Advanced > Navigation Options, and change the position to Bottom.
Why is the Navigation Options button grayed out?
This usually happens when your organization restricts layout changes. Contact your IT admin to enable customization. Alternatively, use the web version where settings are often more flexible.
Will moving icons to the bottom affect my folders?
No, the folder pane on the left remains unchanged. Only the navigation icons (Mail, Calendar, etc.) move to the bottom.
How do I move Outlook icons from side to bottom in Outlook 365?
Microsoft 365 users follow the exact same path: File > Options > Advanced > Navigation Options. The setting is identical across all modern versions.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts to move the navigation bar?
No, there are no direct keyboard shortcuts for this setting. You must use the mouse or trackpad to navigate the Options menu.
Additional Tips For Power Users
If you frequently switch between side and bottom layouts, consider creating a custom ribbon button. This requires some VBA coding but saves time.
- Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
- Insert a new module and paste a script that toggles the navigation position.
- Add a button to the Quick Access Toolbar that runs the macro.
Alternatively, you can use third-party add-ins like Outlook Tools to manage layouts more efficiently.
What To Do If The Setting Does Not Appear
In rare cases, the Navigation Options button might be missing. This can happen if Outlook is corrupted or if you are using an outdated version.
- Run Outlook /safe from the Run dialog (Win + R).
- Repair Office via Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair.
- Update Outlook to the latest build from File > Office Account > Update Options.
If none of these work, consider reinstalling Office completely.
How To Move Icons In Outlook For Business (Exchange)
Exchange accounts behave the same as personal accounts. The setting is per installation, not per mailbox. So if you change it on one computer, other devices remain unaffected.
Does This Change Affect Outlook Performance
No, moving icons to the bottom has zero impact on performance. It is purely a visual change. Outlook runs the same speed regardless of navigation bar position.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how do i move outlook icons from side to bottom is a small tweak that can make a big difference in your daily workflow. The setting is buried in the Advanced options, but once you find it, the change is permanent until you decide to switch back. Try it for a week—you might prefer the cleaner look and extra horizontal space.
Remember that the web version offers the same flexibility, while Mac users have limited options. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting steps above should resolve them. Customize your Outlook to match how you work best.