That persistent sidebar in Outlook can feel like it’s taking up valuable screen real estate you need for your emails. If you have been searching for how to remove the side bar in outlook, you are not alone. Many users find the sidebar distracting, especially when they want a cleaner view of their inbox or calendar. The good news is that removing or hiding this sidebar is straightforward, and this guide will walk you through every method step by step.
Whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web version, there are simple ways to reclaim that space. We will cover all major versions, including Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, and older editions. By the end, you will know exactly how to customize your view to suit your workflow.
Understanding The Outlook Sidebar
Before we dive into the steps, let us clarify what the sidebar is. In Outlook, the sidebar typically refers to the vertical panel on the left or right side of the screen. It often contains the folder pane, navigation pane, or a to-do bar with tasks and calendar snippets. Depending on your version, it might show your mail folders, favorites, or even a preview of upcoming appointments.
The sidebar is designed to help you navigate quickly, but it can feel cluttered if you prefer a minimalistic layout. Removing it does not delete any data—it just hides the panel so you have more room for your emails.
Common Sidebar Types In Outlook
- Folder Pane: Shows your mail folders like Inbox, Sent Items, and custom folders.
- Navigation Pane: Includes the folder pane plus shortcuts to Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks.
- To-Do Bar: Displays upcoming appointments, tasks, and a quick calendar view.
- Reading Pane: While not a sidebar, it sometimes appears on the right side and can be adjusted.
Now, let us get to the main event: how to remove the side bar in outlook for good.
How To Remove The Side Bar In Outlook
This section covers the most common method for removing the sidebar in Outlook desktop versions. The steps are nearly identical for Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, and 2016. Follow along carefully.
Step 1: Open Outlook And Locate The View Tab
Launch Outlook on your computer. Look at the top ribbon menu—you will see tabs like File, Home, Send/Receive, and View. Click on the View tab. This is where all layout options live.
Step 2: Find The Folder Pane Or Navigation Pane Option
In the View tab, look for a section called Layout or Panels. You should see a button labeled Folder Pane or Navigation Pane. The exact wording depends on your Outlook version. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.
Step 3: Choose To Minimize Or Turn Off The Sidebar
From the dropdown, you have a few choices:
- Normal: Shows the full sidebar.
- Minimized: Hides the sidebar but shows icons at the bottom or side.
- Off: Completely removes the sidebar from view.
Select Off to remove the sidebar entirely. If you want to keep icons for quick access, choose Minimized. Once selected, the sidebar disappears instantly.
Step 4: Verify The Change
Check your inbox. The sidebar should be gone, giving you a wider view of your emails. If you change your mind later, repeat the steps and select Normal to bring it back.
That is the core method for how to remove the side bar in outlook. But what if you are using a different version? Read on.
Removing The Sidebar In Outlook For Mac
Outlook for Mac has a slightly different interface. The sidebar is often called the Folder Pane or Navigation Pane. Here is how to remove it.
Step 1: Open Outlook For Mac
Launch the app and go to the top menu bar. Click on View in the menu (not the ribbon).
Step 2: Uncheck The Folder Pane Option
In the View menu, look for Folder Pane. If it has a checkmark next to it, click it to uncheck. The sidebar will disappear immediately.
Step 3: Alternative Method Using The Sidebar Button
Some versions of Outlook for Mac have a small sidebar icon in the toolbar. Click it to toggle the sidebar on or off. This is a quicker way if you need to switch frequently.
Note: On Mac, you might also have a To-Do Bar. To remove it, go to View > To-Do Bar and select Off.
Hiding The Sidebar In Outlook Web App (OWA)
If you use Outlook in a browser, the sidebar is usually the left panel showing folders. Removing it is a bit different because web apps have limited customization. However, you can minimize it.
Step 1: Sign Into Outlook On The Web
Go to outlook.com or your work webmail. Log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Locate The Folder Pane Toggle
Look at the left side of the screen. At the top of the folder list, you should see a small icon that looks like three horizontal lines or a hamburger menu. Click it to collapse the folder pane.
Step 3: Use The Compact View Option
If the toggle does not fully remove the sidebar, try using the compact view. Click on the gear icon (Settings) at the top right, then select View all Outlook settings. Go to Layout and under Folder pane, choose Off or Minimized. Save the changes.
This method works for most web versions, though some organizational accounts may restrict layout changes.
Removing The To-Do Bar Sidebar
Sometimes the sidebar you want to remove is actually the To-Do Bar, which shows tasks, calendar, and people. This is common in older Outlook versions like 2010 and 2013. Here is how to remove it.
Step 1: Go To The View Tab
Open Outlook and click on the View tab in the ribbon.
Step 2: Click On To-Do Bar
In the Layout group, find To-Do Bar. Click it to see options: Calendar, People, Tasks, and Off. Select Off to remove the entire To-Do Bar.
Step 3: Adjust Individual Components
If you only want to hide parts of the To-Do Bar, you can uncheck Calendar, People, or Tasks individually. This gives you a customized sidebar without removing everything.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts To Toggle The Sidebar
For power users, keyboard shortcuts can speed up the process. While there is no universal shortcut for removing the sidebar, you can use these in different versions:
- Outlook for Windows: Press Alt + V to open the View tab, then use arrow keys to navigate to Folder Pane and press Enter.
- Outlook for Mac: Press Command + Option + F to toggle the Folder Pane.
- Outlook Web: Use Ctrl + Shift + 1 to toggle the folder pane in some browsers.
These shortcuts are handy if you frequently switch between sidebar views.
Customizing The Sidebar Instead Of Removing It
Maybe you do not want to remove the sidebar entirely, but just make it less intrusive. Outlook offers several customization options.
Resize The Sidebar
Hover your mouse over the edge of the sidebar until the cursor becomes a double arrow. Click and drag to make the sidebar narrower. This reduces its footprint without hiding it completely.
Use Compact Navigation
In newer Outlook versions, you can enable compact navigation. Go to View > Folder Pane > Options and select Compact Navigation. This shows only icons, saving space.
Pin Or Unpin The Sidebar
Some versions allow you to pin the sidebar so it stays open, or unpin it so it auto-hides. Look for a pin icon at the top of the sidebar to toggle this behavior.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the sidebar does not disappear even after following the steps. Here are common fixes.
Sidebar Still Visible After Turning Off
If the sidebar remains, try restarting Outlook. Go to File > Exit, then reopen the app. If that fails, check for updates under File > Office Account > Update Options.
Option Grayed Out Or Unavailable
This often happens in corporate environments where IT policies restrict layout changes. Contact your administrator or check if you have the latest version installed.
Sidebar Reappears After Restart
Some settings reset after updates. Reapply the steps and ensure you save changes. You can also try creating a new profile if the issue persists.
Removing The Sidebar In Outlook Mobile Apps
On smartphones, the sidebar is usually the navigation menu. You cannot remove it entirely, but you can minimize it.
On IOS And Android
Open the Outlook app. Tap your profile picture or the hamburger icon to open the sidebar. To close it, tap outside the sidebar or swipe it away. There is no permanent removal option, but you can use the Focused Inbox view to reduce clutter.
Why You Might Want To Remove The Sidebar
Users remove the sidebar for several reasons:
- More screen space: Especially on smaller monitors or laptops.
- Less distraction: A clean view helps you focus on emails.
- Faster performance: In rare cases, hiding the sidebar can speed up Outlook.
- Personal preference: Some people simply prefer a minimalist layout.
Whatever your reason, the steps above will help you achieve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Remove The Sidebar In Outlook Without Losing My Folders?
Yes, removing the sidebar only hides the panel. Your folders and emails remain intact. You can always bring the sidebar back by reversing the steps.
How Do I Remove The Sidebar In Outlook 365?
Go to the View tab, click Folder Pane, and select Off. This works for Outlook 365 on Windows and Mac. For the web version, use the settings under Layout.
Is There A Way To Permanently Remove The Sidebar In Outlook?
There is no permanent removal, but the setting usually persists until you change it. Updates might reset it, but you can reapply the steps quickly.
Why Is My Sidebar Option Grayed Out In Outlook?
This often happens if you are using a restricted account or an older version. Try updating Outlook or contacting your IT support.
Can I Remove The Sidebar In Outlook For Mac Using A Shortcut?
Yes, press Command + Option + F to toggle the Folder Pane on and off. This is the fastest method on Mac.
Final Thoughts On Removing The Sidebar
Now you know multiple ways to handle the sidebar in Outlook. Whether you use the desktop app, web version, or mobile, you can reclaim that space. The steps are simple and take less than a minute. If you ever need the sidebar back, just repeat the process and select Normal.
Remember, the exact method depends on your Outlook version, but the core idea is the same: use the View tab to control the Folder Pane or To-Do Bar. For most users, turning it off is the best solution for a cleaner workspace.
If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or check Microsoft’s support site. Customizing Outlook to fit your needs is part of getting the most out of the software. So go ahead, remove that sidebar, and enjoy a more spacious inbox.