How To Change Outlook Toolbar From Side To Bottom

If you’ve ever wondered how to change Outlook toolbar from side to bottom, you’re not alone. Many users find the side toolbar takes up too much screen space or just feels awkward. Outlook’s toolbar relocates from side to bottom when you drag it to your preferred position in the customize menu, but the exact steps aren’t always obvious. This guide walks you through every method clearly, so you can get your toolbar exactly where you want it.

Let’s start with the basics. The toolbar in Outlook—often called the Quick Access Toolbar or the ribbon—can be customized to sit at the bottom of the window. This is a simple change that can make your workflow smoother. We’ll cover multiple ways to do this, including for different versions of Outlook.

This is the core task you’re here for. The process is straightforward once you know where to look. Below, I’ll show you step-by-step instructions for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

Method 1: Using The Ribbon Display Options

This is the fastest method for most users. It works in almost every modern version of Outlook.

Open Outlook and look at the top-right corner of the window. You’ll see three small icons: minimize, maximize, and close.
Just to the left of the minimize icon, there’s a small arrow or a box icon. This is the Ribbon Display Options button.
Click that icon. A dropdown menu appears with three choices: Auto-hide Ribbon, Show Tabs, and Show Tabs and Commands.
Select “Show Tabs and Commands” if it’s not already selected. This ensures the full toolbar is visible.
Now, right-click anywhere on the ribbon (the area with tabs like Home, Send/Receive, etc.). A context menu pops up.
From that menu, choose “Customize the Ribbon.” A new window opens.
In the right pane of that window, you’ll see a list of main tabs. Below that list, there’s a dropdown labeled “Customizations.”
Click the dropdown and select “All Customizations.” Then, look for an option that says “Toolbar Position” or “Placement.”
Change the setting from “Side” to “Bottom.” If you don’t see this exact option, don’t worry—try Method 2 instead.

This method works well, but some users report the option is hidden in certain versions. If you can’t find it, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Dragging The Toolbar Manually

For Outlook versions where the menu option isn’t available, you can drag the toolbar yourself. This is a bit trickier but still effective.

First, make sure the Quick Access Toolbar is visible. It’s usually above the ribbon, near the top-left corner.
Right-click on the Quick Access Toolbar (the small row of icons like Save, Undo, etc.).
From the menu, select “Show Quick Access Toolbar Below the Ribbon.” This moves it to the bottom of the ribbon area.
If you want the entire ribbon (including tabs) at the bottom, you’ll need to use a different approach. Right-click on the ribbon again and choose “Customize the Ribbon.”
In the Customize Ribbon window, look for a section called “Customize the Ribbon” on the right side.
Under the list of tabs, there’s a button that says “New Tab” or “New Group.” Ignore that for now.
Instead, find the dropdown at the bottom of the right pane that says “Toolbar Position” or “Ribbon Position.”
Select “Bottom” from that dropdown. Click OK to save.

If the dropdown isn’t there, your Outlook version might not support this feature directly. Don’t worry—there are workarounds.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

This method is for users comfortable with editing Windows settings. It forces Outlook to show the toolbar at the bottom.

Close Outlook completely. Make sure it’s not running in the background.
Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
Type “regedit” and press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options
If you’re using a different Office version, replace “16.0” with the appropriate number (e.g., 15.0 for Office 2013).
Right-click on the Options folder, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the new value “RibbonPosition” (without quotes).
Double-click on RibbonPosition and set its value to 1 (for bottom) or 0 (for side).
Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
Reopen Outlook. The toolbar should now be at the bottom.

Be careful with registry edits. A mistake can cause issues. If you’re unsure, back up your registry first.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools

If none of the above methods work, you can use a third-party add-in or tool. These are designed to customize Outlook’s interface.

Search for “Outlook toolbar position changer” online. There are free and paid options.
Download and install the tool that matches your Outlook version.
Follow the tool’s instructions to move the toolbar to the bottom.
Most tools offer a simple toggle or dropdown to switch between side and bottom positions.

Be cautious with third-party tools. Only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

Why Change The Toolbar Position?

You might be wondering why anyone would want to move the toolbar. There are several good reasons.

Screen Space Efficiency

The side toolbar takes up horizontal space. On widescreen monitors, this can make reading emails feel cramped. Moving it to the bottom gives you more room for content.

Ergonomics

Some users find it easier to reach the toolbar at the bottom. If you’re using a laptop with a touchpad, the bottom position can be more comfortable.

Consistency With Other Apps

Many applications like Word and Excel have toolbars at the top or bottom. Moving Outlook’s toolbar to the bottom creates a uniform experience.

Common Issues And Fixes

Sometimes the toolbar doesn’t move as expected. Here are common problems and solutions.

Toolbar Not Moving After Changes

If you followed the steps but nothing changed, try restarting Outlook. Sometimes the setting requires a fresh start.

Close Outlook completely, then reopen it.
Check if the toolbar is now at the bottom.
If not, repeat the steps and ensure you clicked “OK” or “Apply.”

Option Greyed Out Or Missing

This happens in older Outlook versions or if your account has restrictions.

Make sure you have administrative rights on your computer.
Update Outlook to the latest version.
Try the registry method if the menu option is missing.

Toolbar Resetting To Side

If the toolbar keeps going back to the side, a corrupt profile might be the cause.

Create a new Outlook profile and test the change.
Run the Office repair tool from Control Panel.
Disable any add-ins that might interfere with the toolbar.

Customizing The Toolbar Further

Once you’ve moved the toolbar to the bottom, you can customize it even more.

Adding Or Removing Buttons

Right-click on the toolbar and choose “Customize Quick Access Toolbar.” From there, you can add or remove buttons.

Select commands from the left list and click “Add” to include them.
Use the “Remove” button to delete unwanted buttons.
Rearrange buttons using the up and down arrows.

Changing The Ribbon Layout

You can also modify the ribbon itself. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.

Create new tabs or groups for your frequently used commands.
Rename tabs to make them more intuitive.
Hide tabs you never use to declutter the interface.

Resetting To Default

If you mess up, you can always reset the toolbar to its original state.

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
Click the “Reset” button at the bottom-right.
Choose “Reset all customizations.”

Outlook Versions And Differences

The steps vary slightly depending on your Outlook version. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Outlook 2016 And 2019

These versions have the Ribbon Display Options method available. The registry method also works well.

Use the dropdown arrow near the minimize button.
Right-click on the ribbon for customization options.

Outlook 2021 And Microsoft 365

These newer versions have more customization options. The dragging method is often easier.

The Quick Access Toolbar can be moved with a single click.
Registry edits are still effective but less necessary.

Outlook For Mac

Mac users have a different interface. The toolbar position change is limited.

Go to Outlook > Preferences > Toolbar.
You can customize which buttons appear but not the position.
Consider using third-party tools for Mac if needed.

Tips For A Smoother Workflow

After moving the toolbar, you can optimize your Outlook setup further.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts reduce reliance on the toolbar. Learn a few key ones.

Ctrl + 1: Switch to Mail view.
Ctrl + 2: Open Calendar.
Ctrl + Shift + M: Create a new email.

Organize Your Tabs

Keep only the tabs you use daily. Remove rarely used ones.

Right-click on a tab and choose “Customize the Ribbon.”
Uncheck tabs you don’t need.
Create a custom tab for your most-used commands.

Use The Search Bar

Outlook’s search bar can find any command. Type what you need instead of hunting through menus.

Press Alt + Q to jump to the search bar.
Type “move toolbar” or “customize” for quick access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about changing the Outlook toolbar position.

Can I Change The Toolbar Position In Outlook Web App?

No, the web version of Outlook does not support moving the toolbar. The setting only works in the desktop application.

Will Moving The Toolbar Affect My Email Layout?

No, it only changes the toolbar position. Your emails and folders remain the same.

How Do I Revert The Toolbar Back To The Side?

Follow the same steps but choose “Side” instead of “Bottom.” The registry method also works by setting the value to 0.

Does This Work In Outlook For Business?

Yes, the steps are identical for personal and business accounts. However, company policies might restrict registry edits.

Why Is My Toolbar Stuck At The Side?

This could be due to a corrupted profile or a group policy. Try creating a new profile or contacting your IT department.

Final Thoughts

Changing the toolbar from side to bottom in Outlook is a simple adjustment that can improve your productivity. Whether you use the ribbon options, dragging, registry edits, or third-party tools, the process is manageable for most users. Remember to restart Outlook after making changes to ensure they take effect.

If you run into issues, don’t hesitate to try a different method. The registry edit is the most reliable for stubborn cases, but it requires caution. For most people, the Ribbon Display Options method works perfectly.

Take a few minutes to customize your toolbar. It might feel odd at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner. Your eyes and wrists will thank you.