Moving Outlook’s sidebar to the bottom creates a horizontal navigation panel for a different workspace arrangement. If you’re looking for how to change outlook side bar to bottom, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks you through the process step by step, covering Outlook for Windows, Mac, and web versions.
The default sidebar in Outlook sits on the left side of the screen. It shows your mail folders, calendar, contacts, and tasks. But some users prefer a bottom navigation bar, especially on smaller screens or when they want more vertical space for reading emails. Unfortunately, Outlook doesn’t offer a built-in one-click option to move the sidebar to the bottom. But there are workarounds and settings you can tweak to achieve a similar result.
In this article, you’ll learn several methods to reposition the navigation pane. We’ll cover registry edits, third-party tools, and alternative layouts. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to change Outlook’s sidebar to the bottom, even if it requires a bit of creative configuration.
Why Move The Outlook Sidebar To The Bottom?
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why someone would want to move the sidebar. The default left-side panel takes up horizontal space. On widescreen monitors, this isn’t a big issue. But on laptops or tablets, every pixel counts. Placing the navigation bar at the bottom gives you more room for reading emails side by side.
Another reason is ergonomics. Some users find it easier to reach icons at the bottom of the screen, especially on touch-enabled devices. The bottom bar also mimics the layout of mobile email apps, which many people find intuitive.
Lastly, a horizontal navigation bar can reduce clutter. Instead of a tall list of folders, you get a compact row of icons. This can make Outlook feel cleaner and more modern.
How To Change Outlook Side Bar To Bottom
Now let’s get into the actual methods. Keep in mind that Microsoft doesn’t officially support moving the sidebar to the bottom. So these solutions involve tweaks or alternative setups. Always backup your data before making changes.
Method 1: Use Outlook’s Compact Navigation
Outlook 2016 and later versions have a “Compact Navigation” option. This shrinks the sidebar icons and places them in a narrower column. While it doesn’t move them to the bottom, it reduces the sidebar’s width significantly.
- Open Outlook and go to the “View” tab.
- Click on “Folder Pane” in the Layout group.
- Select “Compact” from the dropdown menu.
- The sidebar will now show only icons, saving horizontal space.
This method is the closest you can get without third-party tools. It’s not exactly a bottom bar, but it minimizes the sidebar’s footprint.
Method 2: Registry Edit For Bottom Navigation
For advanced users, a registry tweak can force Outlook to display the navigation pane at the bottom. This works for Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365. Be careful—registry edits can break Outlook if done incorrectly.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General - If the “General” key doesn’t exist, create it by right-clicking on “Options” and selecting New > Key.
- Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it
SideBarPosition. - Double-click the new value and set it to
1for bottom position. - Click OK and close Registry Editor.
- Restart Outlook. The sidebar should now appear at the bottom.
If this doesn’t work, try setting the value to 2 or 3. Some users report different numbers work for different Outlook versions. Note that this tweak might not work on all builds, especially the latest Microsoft 365 updates.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Add-Ins
Several third-party tools can customize Outlook’s layout. One popular option is “Outlook Tools” by Addinsoft. Another is “Navigation Pane Manager” from VBOffice. These tools let you reposition the navigation pane to the bottom or even hide it completely.
- Search for “Outlook navigation pane mover” online.
- Download a trusted add-in from a reputable source.
- Install the add-in following the provider’s instructions.
- Restart Outlook and configure the sidebar position in the add-in’s settings.
Be cautious with third-party software. Only download from official websites or trusted stores like Microsoft AppSource. Some add-ins may slow down Outlook or cause conflicts.
Method 4: Use Outlook Web App (OWA)
If you’re using Outlook on the web, you have more flexibility. The web version allows you to collapse the folder pane and use a compact layout. While it doesn’t have a bottom bar, you can achieve a similar effect by using the “Focus Inbox” and hiding the left pane.
- Log in to Outlook.com or your Office 365 webmail.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
- Go to “View all Outlook settings” > “Layout”.
- Under “Folder pane”, select “Off” or “Compact”.
- Save changes. The sidebar will be minimized, giving you a cleaner view.
For a true bottom bar, you can use browser extensions like “Custom CSS for Outlook” to inject styles that move the navigation to the bottom. This requires basic knowledge of CSS.
Method 5: Use Outlook Mobile App
If you’re on a phone or tablet, the Outlook mobile app already has a bottom navigation bar. This is the default design for iOS and Android. So if you want a bottom bar, consider using the mobile app instead of the desktop version.
- Download the Outlook app from your device’s app store.
- Sign in with your email account.
- The bottom bar shows Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Files.
- You can customize which icons appear by going to Settings > Navigation.
This is the easiest way to get a bottom navigation bar. But it’s not the desktop version, so you lose some advanced features.
Alternative Layouts For More Space
If moving the sidebar to the bottom doesn’t work, consider these alternatives to reclaim screen space.
Use Reading Pane At Bottom
Instead of moving the sidebar, you can move the reading pane to the bottom. This gives you more vertical space for the folder list.
- Go to View > Reading Pane.
- Select “Bottom”.
- Now your emails appear below the list, and the sidebar stays on the left.
Hide The Folder Pane
You can temporarily hide the folder pane to maximize space. Press Alt + F1 to toggle the folder pane on and off. Or go to View > Folder Pane > Off.
Use Multiple Monitors
If you have a second monitor, extend your display and move Outlook to the secondary screen. This gives you plenty of room without changing the layout.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When trying to change the sidebar position, you might run into problems. Here are solutions to common issues.
Registry Edit Not Working
If the registry tweak doesn’t change the sidebar position, check your Outlook version. The path might be different for older versions. For Outlook 2013, use 15.0 instead of 16.0. For Outlook 2010, use 14.0. Also ensure you set the DWORD value correctly. Try restarting your computer after making the change.
Third-Party Add-In Conflicts
Some add-ins can interfere with each other. If you install a navigation mover and it doesn’t work, disable other add-ins temporarily. Go to File > Options > Add-ins > Manage COM Add-ins, and uncheck all except the one you want to test.
Outlook Updates Resetting Changes
Microsoft updates can revert customizations. After a major update, you may need to reapply registry edits or reinstall add-ins. Keep a backup of your registry settings so you can restore them quickly.
Pros And Cons Of Bottom Navigation
Before committing to a bottom sidebar, weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- More horizontal space for reading emails.
- Familiar layout for mobile users.
- Cleaner appearance with less visual clutter.
- Easier access on touch screens.
Cons
- Not officially supported by Microsoft.
- May require registry edits or third-party tools.
- Can break after Outlook updates.
- Some features may not work correctly.
- Learning curve for long-time users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the Outlook sidebar to the bottom without registry edits?
Yes, you can use third-party add-ins or switch to the Outlook mobile app. The web version also offers compact layouts that mimic a bottom bar.
Will changing the sidebar position affect my emails?
No, it only changes the layout. Your emails, folders, and settings remain intact. However, some registry edits might cause visual glitches in rare cases.
Does this work for Outlook for Mac?
Outlook for Mac doesn’t support moving the sidebar to the bottom natively. You can try third-party tools, but they are less common for Mac. The web version works on any platform.
Is there a way to reset the sidebar to default?
Yes. For registry edits, set the DWORD value back to 0 or delete the key. For add-ins, uninstall them. For compact view, go to View > Folder Pane > Normal.
Why does my Outlook not have the Compact Navigation option?
This feature is available in Outlook 2016 and later. If you have an older version, update to the latest release. Also, some organizational policies may disable this setting.
Final Thoughts
Changing Outlook’s sidebar to the bottom is not a straightforward task, but it’s possible with the right methods. Whether you use registry edits, third-party tools, or alternative layouts, you can customize Outlook to suit your workflow. Remember to backup your data before making changes, and be prepared for updates that might reset your settings.
If you’re not comfortable with technical tweaks, consider using the compact navigation or the mobile app. These options provide a similar experience without the risk. Experiment with different layouts to find what works best for you.
We hope this guide on how to change outlook side bar to bottom has been helpful. If you have any questions or tips, feel free to share them in the comments. Happy emailing!